How to Turn On a Dell Keyboard Backlight

On this page (7 sections)

1. How do you turn on a Dell keyboard backlight?
2. Why doesn't every Dell keyboard light up?
3. What if the Dell backlight key does nothing?
4. How do you adjust Dell keyboard backlight brightness?
5. Does the Dell backlight turn off automatically?
6. How can you tell whether the Dell keyboard is faulty?
7. What should you do if your Dell has no keyboard backlight?

To turn on a Dell keyboard backlight, press the key marked with a keyboard-light icon, often F5, F6, F7, or F10, or press it with Fn. The exact control depends on your Dell model, and some Dell keyboards don't have a backlight.

Check the key symbols and model instructions before changing settings. If your keyboard has no light icon and the shortcut does nothing, confirm that your exact laptop configuration includes a backlit keyboard.

How do you turn on a Dell keyboard backlight?

Press the backlight key once, then press it again to cycle through its available settings. On some models, you need to hold Fn while pressing the key.

Look across the function-key row for a symbol showing a keyboard with rays or a glow. The shortcut may be F5, F6, F7, or F10, depending on the model.

Don't assume the same key works across every Dell laptop.

If the symbol isn't obvious, open the manual for your exact model. Dell publishes keyboard backlight instructions and model-specific guidance that can help you identify the control.

Why doesn't every Dell keyboard light up?

A backlight shortcut only works if the keyboard has backlight hardware. Dell sells models and configurations with different keyboard features, even within a laptop family.

Check the model's specifications or manual for terms such as “backlit keyboard.” The laptop's exact service tag or model number can help you find the right support information.

A visible backlight symbol is a useful clue, but confirm support in the model documentation.

For broader keyboard choices and features, see our computer keyboard buying guide. It can help you compare built-in and external keyboard options.

What if the Dell backlight key does nothing?

First confirm that the keyboard supports lighting, then try the shortcut with and without Fn. If there's still no light, check the keyboard setting in BIOS and restart the laptop.

Use the model's manual to find the BIOS setup instructions. Look for a keyboard illumination or backlight option, if available, and check whether it is disabled.

Names and available choices vary by system.

Some models may limit illumination based on power or battery settings. Connect the laptop to power, then try the shortcut again.

If the light worked before and has stopped, use Dell's support guidance or contact Dell for model-specific troubleshooting.

Can an external backlit keyboard help?

An external backlit keyboard can provide illuminated keys when a laptop's built-in keyboard has no backlight. Choose one based on your connection needs, layout, and desk setup.

The KOPJIPPOM Large Print Backlit Keyboard has white adjustable lighting, a full-size layout, and a wired USB connection.

Its larger printed letters may also help if standard key labels are hard to see. Check your computer's ports and available desk space before choosing a full-size keyboard.

How do you adjust Dell keyboard backlight brightness?

Press the backlight shortcut repeatedly to move through the levels your model supports. Depending on the keyboard, repeated presses may increase brightness, lower it, or turn the light off.

If only one setting appears, the model may offer limited controls. Check the manual for the available brightness modes and whether Fn must be held.

Don't rely on instructions for a different Dell model.

How does an external keyboard control its lighting?

An external keyboard uses its own lighting controls, so its settings don't depend on Dell's laptop shortcut. Check the keyboard's instructions for its light key, brightness levels, and power behavior.

The Macally Backlit Mac Keyboard is a wired, 107-key keyboard with three brightness levels. Its Apple-focused layout and USB-A connection make it a better fit for a Mac setup than for someone specifically seeking Dell laptop key replacements.

For a wireless option with multiple backlight colors and a touchpad, consider the Arteck Universal Backlit 7-Colors Bluetooth Touch TV. It needs a device with built-in Bluetooth.

Compare more choices in our guides to the best wireless backlit keyboard, best keyboard mechanical backlit, and best backlit wired keyboard.

Does the Dell backlight turn off automatically?

Some Dell models can turn off the keyboard light after a period of inactivity or when power settings call for it. Behavior varies by system, so check the manual and BIOS settings before treating this as a fault.

Press the backlight key to restore illumination. If the light turns off again quickly, check whether the BIOS offers a timeout or brightness setting.

Avoid changing unrelated power options while troubleshooting the keyboard.

How can you tell whether the Dell keyboard is faulty?

If the model supports a backlight and its shortcut and BIOS setting are correct, contact Dell support if the keys remain dark. A technician can help determine whether the issue comes from the keyboard or another system setting.

Before contacting support, note your laptop model, whether the light icon appears, which shortcut you tried, and whether the light ever worked. Those details make it easier to follow model-specific steps.

If you're comparing laptop keyboard shortcuts across brands, our guide to the backlit keyboard on HP laptop covers HP controls.

What should you do if your Dell has no keyboard backlight?

If your Dell model doesn't include a backlit keyboard, use an external illuminated keyboard or add separate desk lighting. Confirm the laptop's configuration first so you don't keep trying a shortcut that the hardware can't support.

Choose an external wired keyboard if you want a direct connection, or a wireless model if you need more freedom to position it. Pick the Dell shortcut if your built-in keyboard has the light icon and model support; choose an external keyboard if it doesn't.

Frequently asked questions

What key turns on a Dell keyboard backlight?

Look for a key marked with a keyboard and light rays. Depending on the Dell model, it may be F5, F6, F7, or F10; press it alone or with Fn.

Check your manual if the symbol or shortcut isn't clear, since Dell keyboards don't all use the same control.

Why won't my Dell keyboard backlight turn on?

Your Dell model may not include a backlit keyboard, or the feature may be disabled in BIOS. If the keyboard has the light symbol, try its shortcut, check BIOS settings, and connect the laptop to power if needed.

A hardware or software issue may also need Dell support.

Can I add a backlight to a Dell laptop keyboard?

A laptop's built-in keyboard backlight can't usually be added with a setting if the keyboard hardware lacks it. Check the exact model's specifications or manual first.

If it isn't backlit, an external illuminated keyboard can help when you type in a dim room.

How do I change the brightness of a Dell keyboard backlight?

Press the keyboard-light shortcut repeatedly to cycle through available brightness levels or turn the light off. The number of levels depends on the model.

Some Dell systems also have a BIOS setting for backlight behavior, so check the manual if the shortcut doesn't work.