How to Enable Tab-Key Navigation on a Mac
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This article applies to:
Keyboard navigation is often an accessibility requirement, and Windows computers support tab-key navigation by default. However, Mac users might need to enable tab-key navigation in their browser settings or system preferences. Click your browser below for instructions.
Safari
- Open your Safari browser, then go to Safari on the menu bar and choose Preferences.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Mark the accessibility option that lets you Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage.
Google Chrome
Tab-key navigation is enabled by default in Google Chrome, but if it has been disabled, here’s how to re-enable it.
- Open your Google Chrome browser, then go to Chrome on the menu bar and choose Preferences.
- Scroll down to the Appearance section.
- Enable the option called Pressing Tab on a webpage highlights links, as well as form fields.
Firefox
Firefox doesn’t have a setting for tab-key navigation, but you may need to make a change to your Mac’s system preferences.
- Press Option-F5 to open keyboard preferences. (If nothing happens, press fn-Option-F5.)
- Click the Shortcuts tab at the top of the window.
- Mark the All controls option at the bottom of the window under Full Keyboard Access.