Fix OBS Hotkeys Not Working In Game On Mac M1

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Can’t Use OBS Hotkeys While in Game on Mac M1? This is What Worked for Me

Hey everyone! Ever run into that super annoying problem where your OBS hotkeys just refuse to work while you're gaming on your Mac M1? Yeah, it's a real buzzkill when you're trying to capture that epic moment or start a stream, and nothing happens when you hit your usual hotkeys. I recently battled this issue and finally found a solution that worked for me, so I wanted to share it with you all. Trust me, I know how frustrating it can be to miss those crucial recordings or have to fumble around to start your stream manually. Let's dive into the steps that helped me get my OBS hotkeys working flawlessly while gaming on my Mac M1. No more missed moments, just smooth streaming and recording ahead!

Understanding the Problem

So, why do OBS hotkeys sometimes fail to work when you're in a game on a Mac M1? The root of the problem often lies in how macOS handles permissions and input monitoring. Modern versions of macOS, especially on M1 chips, have enhanced security features that require explicit permission for applications to monitor keyboard input. This means that OBS needs to be specifically authorized to “listen” for your hotkey presses, even when another application (like your game) is in the foreground. If these permissions aren't correctly set, OBS simply won't recognize when you're pressing your assigned hotkeys. It's like trying to talk to someone who isn't listening! This issue is compounded by the fact that games often capture keyboard input directly, which can further interfere with OBS's ability to detect your hotkeys. The interaction between game input, macOS security features, and OBS can create a perfect storm of hotkey frustration. But don't worry, we're going to break down the steps to resolve this and get you back to seamless streaming and recording. Understanding why this happens is the first step to fixing it, so now that we know the 'why,' let's move on to the 'how'.

Step-by-Step Solution

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s what I did to finally get my OBS hotkeys working while gaming on my Mac M1. Follow these steps carefully, and you should be up and running in no time!

1. Granting Input Monitoring Permissions

The first and most crucial step is to ensure that OBS has the necessary input monitoring permissions. macOS requires explicit permission for applications to monitor keyboard input, and if OBS doesn't have this, your hotkeys simply won't work. Here's how to grant these permissions:

  1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
  2. Go to Security & Privacy: In System Preferences, find and click on “Security & Privacy.”
  3. Select the Privacy Tab: In the Security & Privacy window, click on the “Privacy” tab.
  4. Choose Input Monitoring: On the left-hand side, scroll down and select “Input Monitoring.”
  5. Unlock the Settings: Click the padlock icon in the bottom-left corner of the window. You'll need to enter your administrator password to unlock the settings.
  6. Add OBS to the List: Look for OBS in the list of applications. If it's not there, click the “+” button to add it. Navigate to your Applications folder, find OBS, and select it.
  7. Ensure OBS is Checked: Make sure the checkbox next to OBS is checked. This grants OBS the permission to monitor your keyboard input.
  8. Restart OBS: After checking the box, macOS might prompt you to restart OBS for the changes to take effect. Make sure to do this to ensure the permissions are properly applied.

By following these steps, you're giving OBS the green light to listen for your hotkey presses, even when you're in a game. This is a fundamental step, so make sure you don't skip it!

2. Check Accessibility Permissions

Sometimes, input monitoring alone isn't enough. OBS might also need Accessibility permissions to properly capture hotkeys, especially if the game is running in full-screen mode or has its own input handling. Here’s how to check and grant Accessibility permissions:

  1. Open System Preferences: Again, start by clicking on the Apple icon in the top-left corner and selecting “System Preferences.”
  2. Go to Security & Privacy: Find and click on “Security & Privacy.”
  3. Select the Privacy Tab: Click on the “Privacy” tab.
  4. Choose Accessibility: On the left-hand side, scroll down and select “Accessibility.”
  5. Unlock the Settings: Click the padlock icon in the bottom-left corner and enter your administrator password.
  6. Add OBS to the List: Look for OBS in the list of applications. If it’s not there, click the “+” button to add it. Navigate to your Applications folder, find OBS, and select it.
  7. Ensure OBS is Checked: Make sure the checkbox next to OBS is checked. This allows OBS to interact with other applications, which can be crucial for capturing hotkeys in-game.
  8. Restart OBS: As with input monitoring, restart OBS after granting Accessibility permissions to ensure the changes take effect.

Accessibility permissions can sometimes feel a bit redundant, but they can make a significant difference in how OBS interacts with other applications. Make sure you grant these permissions to give OBS the best chance of capturing your hotkeys.

3. Configure Hotkeys in OBS Correctly

Okay, now that we've handled the permissions side of things, let's make sure your hotkeys are actually configured correctly within OBS. It sounds obvious, but it's easy to overlook a simple configuration error. Here’s what to check:

  1. Open OBS Preferences: Launch OBS and go to “OBS” in the menu bar, then select “Preferences.”
  2. Navigate to Hotkeys: In the OBS Preferences window, click on the “Hotkeys” tab.
  3. Review Your Hotkey Assignments: Scroll through the list of available actions (like “Start Streaming,” “Stop Streaming,” “Start Recording,” etc.) and make sure your desired hotkeys are assigned to the correct actions. Double-check that you haven't accidentally assigned the same hotkey to multiple actions.
  4. Avoid Conflicting Hotkeys: Ensure that your OBS hotkeys don't conflict with any hotkeys used by the game you're playing or any other applications running in the background. Conflicting hotkeys can cause unpredictable behavior.
  5. Apply Changes: After reviewing and adjusting your hotkey assignments, click the “Apply” button at the bottom of the window, then click “OK” to close the Preferences window.

Configuring your hotkeys correctly is a fundamental step. It's easy to accidentally assign the wrong keys or create conflicts, so take a moment to double-check everything.

4. Run OBS as Administrator (if applicable)

Although this is more of a Windows thing, it can sometimes help on macOS, especially if you're encountering persistent issues. Running OBS with elevated privileges can ensure it has the necessary access to system resources and input devices. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Locate OBS in Finder: Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder.
  2. Right-Click OBS: Right-click on the OBS application icon.
  3. Select "Get Info": In the context menu, select “Get Info.”
  4. Check "Prevent App Nap": In the Get Info window, find the “General” section and check the box that says “Prevent App Nap”. This stops macOS from throttling OBS in the background.
  5. Run OBS: Launch OBS and see if it helped.

5. Check for Updates

Outdated software can be a major culprit when it comes to unexpected issues. Make sure you're running the latest version of OBS, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve hotkey problems. Here’s how to check for updates:

  1. Open OBS: Launch OBS.
  2. Check for Updates: Go to “OBS” in the menu bar and select “Check for Updates.”
  3. Install Updates: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. Restart OBS after the update is complete.

Keeping your software up to date is a simple but effective way to avoid potential problems. Developers are constantly working to improve their software, so staying current can often resolve issues without requiring more drastic measures.

6. Restart Your Mac

Okay, it might sound cliché, but sometimes a simple restart is all it takes to resolve stubborn issues. Restarting your Mac can clear temporary caches, reset system processes, and generally give your system a fresh start. It’s a quick and easy step that’s worth trying before you dive into more complex solutions. Simply go to the Apple menu and select "Restart."

7. Reinstall OBS Studio

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling OBS Studio. This will ensure that you have a clean installation of the software, free from any corrupted files or settings that may be causing the problem. Here's how to do it:

  1. Uninstall OBS Studio: Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and drag the OBS Studio icon to the Trash. Alternatively, you can right-click the icon and select "Move to Trash."
  2. Empty the Trash: Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock and select "Empty Trash" to completely remove OBS Studio from your system.
  3. Download the Latest Version: Go to the official OBS Studio website (obsproject.com) and download the latest version of the software for macOS.
  4. Install OBS Studio: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install OBS Studio on your Mac.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! These are the steps that finally got my OBS hotkeys working while gaming on my Mac M1. It might seem like a lot, but each step addresses a potential cause of the problem. Start with the first step and work your way down the list until you find the solution that works for you. Remember, the key is to ensure that OBS has the necessary permissions to monitor your keyboard input, that your hotkeys are configured correctly, and that your software is up to date. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be back to streaming and recording your favorite games in no time. Happy gaming, and happy streaming!