Cannot turn on keyboard backlight - ideapad, ThinkPad

Steps to take when you cannot turn on backlight keyboard - ideapad, ThinkPad

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Steps to take when you cannot turn on backlight keyboard - ideapad, ThinkPad

Symptom

This document provides the following troubleshooting steps for the keyboard backlight.

For information about how to turn the keyboard backlight on or off, see Is my PC configured with backlight keyboard and how to turn it on or off.

Backlight Backlight

Check to see if the keyboard backlight works after each step.

  1. Check whether the keyboard has a backlight
  2. Configure Lenovo Vantage
  3. Check whether keyboard backlight can be turned on under BIOS or Safe Mode
  4. Perform a power drain

Applicable Brands

  • ideapad
  • ThinkPad

Operating Systems

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11

Solution

Step One - Check whether the keyboard has a backlight

If there is a backlight icon on Esc or Space keys, then the keyboard is equipped with backlight hardware.

Backlight button

Backlight

Escape button

Step Two - Configure Lenovo Vantage

  1. Search for Lenovo Vantage.
  2. Select Device, Input & accessories, and set the option under Keyboard backlight.
    Backlight in Vantage

Step Three - Check whether keyboard backlight can be turned on under BIOS or Safe Mode

  1. Enter ideapad BIOS, ThinkPad BIOS, or Safe Mode.
  2. Press Fn + Space or Esc to check if the backlight works.
    • If this works, go to Lenovo support website to update BIOS to the latest.
    • If this does not work under BIOS or Safe Mode, backup important data and perform System restore from previous restore point.

Step Four - Perform a Power Drain

For systems with a detachable battery, try the following steps:

  • Unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.
  • Hold the Power button down for at least 10 seconds.
  • Install the battery, plug in the AC adapter, and try powering on the system.

For systems with a built-in battery, try the following steps:

  • Unplug the AC adapter.
  • Hold the Power button down for at least 10 seconds.
  • Reconnect the AC adapter and try turning it ON.

If the keyboard backlight can still not be turned on after trying the previous steps, click Contact Us.


Document ID:HT117804
Original Publish Date:03/10/2016
Last Modified Date:11/18/2024