Copying and pasting is such a basic computing task that users expect it to work flawlessly at all times. When this functionality suddenly stops working on a Mac, it can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when juggling documents, emails, or spreadsheet entries. Fortunately, this issue is usually software-related and can often be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps.

TL;DR: Quick Fixes for Mac Copy/Paste Issues

  • Try force quitting the pboard process using Activity Monitor or Terminal.
  • Restart the Mac to reset clipboard functions.
  • Check for app-specific problems or system conflicts.
  • Update macOS to ensure stability and bug fixes.

What Causes Mac Copy and Paste to Stop Working?

There are several potential reasons why the copy and paste function may stop working on a Mac. Common causes include:

  • A malfunctioning clipboard daemon called pboard.
  • Interference from third-party apps, usually clipboard managers or security tools.
  • Memory or CPU overload causing unresponsive system services.
  • Corrupted user preferences.
  • Temporary software glitches after system updates.

Whatever the cause, one of the following fixes is likely to restore functionality quickly.

Fix #1: Restart the Clipboard Server (pboard)

The macOS clipboard functionality is managed by a background process called pboard. If this process crashes or becomes unresponsive, copy and paste functions may cease to work. Here’s how to restart it:

Via Terminal:

  1. Open the Terminal application (Applications > Utilities).
  2. Type the following command and hit Enter:
    3. killall pboard
  3. Close Terminal and test copy/paste again.

Via Activity Monitor:

  1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.
  2. Search for pboard in the search bar.
  3. Select it, then click the “X” button to force quit.
  4. The process will auto-restart. Try copying and pasting again.

Fix #2: Restart the Mac

This might seem obvious, but a quick restart often restores system background processes that impact copy/paste functionality. Restarting flushes memory, recalibrates process priorities, and can resolve transient bugs. To restart your Mac:

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Select Restart… from the dropdown menu.

If copy/paste works after rebooting but fails again later, the issue may be related to an app or service that’s loading at startup.

Fix #3: Check for Conflicting Applications

Clipboard managers, security software, and even some system cleanup utilities can interfere with the functionality of the copy/paste mechanism. To troubleshoot:

  • Quit or temporarily uninstall any clipboard extension apps.
  • Check for antivirus or privacy tools that may block clipboard access.
  • Boot into Safe Mode by holding Shift while the Mac boots to see if the problem goes away.

If copy/paste works in Safe Mode, it’s highly likely that a third-party app is the culprit.

Fix #4: Use the On-Screen Edit Menu Instead

Sometimes, keyboard shortcuts are impacted while the menu functions still work. Try using the menu bar instead:

  1. Select the text or item you wish to copy.
  2. Go to Edit > Copy from the app’s menu bar.
  3. Click the destination location and select Edit > Paste.

This method temporarily circumvents keyboard-related conflicts and verifies whether the clipboard is functioning at all.

Fix #5: Reset NVRAM and SMC (for Intel Macs)

If you’re using an Intel-based Mac, resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) and SMC (System Management Controller) can resolve lingering system issues, including those affecting peripherals and background services like the clipboard.

To reset NVRAM:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R.
  3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release.

To reset the SMC:

The process differs depending on your Mac model. Refer to Apple’s official SMC reset guide for detailed steps specific to your computer model.

Fix #6: Create a New User Profile

If nothing else works, it’s worth checking if the issue is linked to your user account. Sometimes user preference files get corrupted and can interfere with system operations.

  1. Go to System Settings > Users & Groups.
  2. Create a new user account with admin privileges.
  3. Log in to the new account and test the copy/paste function.

If the function works in the new account, the issue is likely related to corrupted files in your original account. Migrating to the new account or resetting user preferences may be necessary.

Fix #7: Update macOS

Outdated software can include bugs that affect core functionalities like clipboard management. To ensure you’re running the latest version of macOS:

  1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available updates and restart your system if prompted.

Keeping your Mac updated also ensures compatibility with apps that rely on clipboard access, reducing the likelihood of conflicts.

Fix #8: Use Clipboard Alternatives

If you’re in the middle of an important task and still can’t get copy/paste to work, you can install a third-party clipboard manager as a temporary fix:

  • Paste – Robust clipboard manager with history and search.
  • CopyClip – Lightweight and free clipboard tool.
  • Alfred – Productivity suite that includes clipboard functionality (Powerpack required).

These tools might bypass the default clipboard system and allow continued productivity until the root problem is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does copy and paste stop working on my Mac?

It could be due to a malfunctioning clipboard process, interference from third-party apps, outdated software, or user account corruption. Simple restarts or process resets usually fix it.

Is there a shortcut to restart copy/paste functions?

Sort of. Using Terminal to kill the pboard process is the quickest shortcut:

killall pboard

Do I need to reset my whole Mac to fix this?

In most cases, no. Simply restarting your Mac, logging into a new user account, or quitting a malfunctioning background app will suffice.

Is copy/paste failure a sign of malware or virus?

Usually not, but it can be if strange behavior accompanies the issue. Running a scan with reputable antivirus software can rule out that possibility.

How can I avoid this problem in the future?

Keep macOS updated, monitor which apps you allow clipboard access to, and avoid running unnecessary background utilities that manipulate copy/paste functionality.

Copy and paste is a simple convenience that becomes highly noticeable when it fails. Luckily, the fixes above solve the problem in most cases, letting Mac users get back to their workflow without delay.