Bluetooth keyboard only works when connected to iMac

[Ravi_MR]

Hi,
I have an iMac 2019 21.5 inch and an apple keyboard with the number pad included.
Today, the keyboard stopped working and I figured it may have lost charge and connected it to iMac via usb to lightning cable.
After a while, the keyboard was shown as 99% charged but when I remove the cable connection, it stops working.
But when I connect the cable, it starts to work.
Strangely, when I click the bluetooth icon in the menu bar, the keyboard shows up as if it were greyed out.
I tried removing the device but then the iMac doesn't recognise the bluetooth keyboard.
But when I connect it to the cable, it is auto added as a keyboard..
Also, when I switch off the keyboard and switch it on, the battery percentage sometimes shows 3%, on redoing 66% and then 99% again...
Not sure if the problem is with the bluetooth or the battery...

Any suggestion welcome.

PS: Restart of Mac doesn't solve the issue. Magic Mouse connected via bluetooth works fine. Am currently on macOS 11.1

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Alas peripherals do fail. As do electronics.

 

[Ravi_MR]

Alas peripherals do fail. As do electronics.

Ha ha, i'm not looking for observations on impermanence. wondering if I can do anything about it that would solve the issue(other than buying another keyboard or keeping the keyboard permanently connected)

 

[chscag]

Is your 2019 iMac still covered by Apple Care? If it is, Apple will swap out the keyboard for a new one. I suspect the rechargeable battery in the keyboard is defective.

Even if your iMac is not covered, Apple might give you a new keyboard anyway. Give it a try and let us know.