User profile for user: MCP-FL
MCP-FL Author
User level: Level 1
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Remap F13 key to Fn on Magic Keyboard

I received a new Third Generation Magic Keyboard today. The control key is split in half now and that the globe button (Fn Key) took the left half of the space occupied by the control button in previous generations.


Because I am so used to a full key, I changed the function of the Globe key to be CONTROL. Now the issue is that I have no (Fn Key) button. I wonder how to reprogram the new button under the F13 key to become the (Fn Key) button. I don't even know what the use of that key is...


Any help would be appreciated, before I have to send the new keyboard back and reconnect my old one :)


Mac Studio (2023)

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 5:04 PM

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User profile for user: azaksalmarzur28
azaksalmarzur28
User level: Level 2
426 points

Posted on Nov 30, 2025 6:29 PM

Unfortunately, you cannot remap any key—including F13—to function as the Globe/Fn key on macOS.

This is a hardware-level limitation built into all Apple keyboards, including the new Magic Keyboard (3rd generation)with the redesigned Control/Globe layout.


Apple replaced the left-side Fn key with a Globe because:

  • It unifies iPad + Mac keyboard layouts
  • It supports new emoji/dictation/system features in iPadOS + macOS
  • It reduces accidental keyboard layout switching
  • It aligns with international keyboard standards

Unfortunately, it reduces the Control key size on the left.

Many long-time Mac users dislike this change.



You cannot remap any key—including F13—to become Fn/Globe.

❌ macOS does not support software-generated Fn.

✔ Your only real choices are:

  • keep the new keyboard and adjust shortcuts
  • or use your older keyboard where the layout fits your workflow better


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: azaksalmarzur28
azaksalmarzur28
User level: Level 2
426 points

Nov 30, 2025 6:29 PM in response to MCP-FL

Unfortunately, you cannot remap any key—including F13—to function as the Globe/Fn key on macOS.

This is a hardware-level limitation built into all Apple keyboards, including the new Magic Keyboard (3rd generation)with the redesigned Control/Globe layout.


Apple replaced the left-side Fn key with a Globe because:

  • It unifies iPad + Mac keyboard layouts
  • It supports new emoji/dictation/system features in iPadOS + macOS
  • It reduces accidental keyboard layout switching
  • It aligns with international keyboard standards

Unfortunately, it reduces the Control key size on the left.

Many long-time Mac users dislike this change.



You cannot remap any key—including F13—to become Fn/Globe.

❌ macOS does not support software-generated Fn.

✔ Your only real choices are:

  • keep the new keyboard and adjust shortcuts
  • or use your older keyboard where the layout fits your workflow better


Reply

Remap F13 key to Fn on Magic Keyboard

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