Hotkeys only work if OBS is the focused app

[suzyblue24]

If I have OBS as the focused app, hotkeys work. If I open my VIPKid app and click anything within the VIPKid app, it makes OBS not the focused app any longer and my hotkeys won't work. It worked fine in my old MacBook Air. I currently have the newest Macbook Air with the M1 chip. Any workarounds? I've tried the global workaround (System Preferences-Security and Privacy-add OBS directly from the App folder). I've also confirmed that my OBS advanced settings have Hotkey focus behavior set to Never Disable Hotkeys. I have restarted my MacBook more times than I can count hoping that will trigger something to work. Please help!

 

[Agini]

I kinda have the same problem, yet on Windows 10 - I use a VBScript to send the hotkey, but OBS does not register it - nor does it register the hotkey when computer is locked

 

[nottooloud]

Stream Deck is an answer.

 

[waffleslop]

I have a stream deck and am having this exact problem. Stream deck key works to trigger a lower thirds on OBS when OBS is in focus. When Zoom is in focus, the button doesn’t work.

 

[lcalder]

Same problem here on Mac M1X Pro

 

[CattoRayTube]

Just want to confirm this can work on the M1 Macs. Sounds like OP has already done this, but for others jumping in to say they have the same issue (except that one stray Windows user): go to macOS system preferences > Security and Privacy, hit the privacy tab if you're not taken there immediately, and head to the Input Monitoring section.

Once there, unlock the settings (click the padlock in the bottom left of the screen). Look for OBS in the application list. If it's there already, remove it (click its listing, then click the minus sign just below the application list). Now click the plus icon below the application list, select the OBS.app file in the file picker that shows up, and restart OBS if it's still running.

Sometimes updates or running alternate versions of OBS (trialling a pre-release M1 native build, for example) can screw with these settings, meaning the above steps need to be carried out.

Sorry OP, this probably wasn't any help for you.