> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Keyboard Shortcut Not Working

> Fix hotkey issues when ⌘⇧Space or your custom shortcut won't open Alter

<Note>
  **First, check the basics:** Is Alter actually running? Look for the Alter icon in your menu bar at the top of your screen.
</Note>

## What's happening?

You press your keyboard shortcut (default is **⌘⇧Space**), but:

* Nothing happens at all
* QuickHub or the notch doesn't appear
* It works in some apps but not others

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="gear" title="Problem: Shortcut was changed">
    **Solution:** Check what your shortcut is actually set to

    1. Open Alter (click the menu bar icon if needed)
    2. Press `Cmd + ,` to open Settings
    3. Go to **Shortcuts → Global**
    4. Look at **Open QuickHub** (or **Open notch** if QuickHub Mode is off) — this shows your current shortcut
    5. Press **⌘⇧Space** (or your preferred combo) to reset or change it
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="xmark" title="Problem: Another app is using the same shortcut">
    **Solution:** Find the conflict and change it

    Common apps that conflict with global shortcuts:

    * Alfred
    * Raycast
    * Spotlight (sometimes)
    * Language switchers

    **Try a different shortcut:**

    * `Cmd + Shift + A`
    * `Ctrl + Option + Space`
    * `Fn + F12`

    Pick something you can easily remember and that no other app uses.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="lock" title="Problem: Permissions issue">
    **Solution:** Check Accessibility permissions

    Alter needs Accessibility permission to detect global hotkeys:

    1. Open **System Settings** → **Privacy & Security** → **Accessibility**
    2. Make sure **Alter** is in the list and enabled
    3. If it's grayed out, click the lock icon and enter your password
    4. Toggle Alter off, then back on
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Quick test

After making changes:

1. Click into any app (like Safari or Notes)
2. Press your shortcut (**⌘⇧Space** or whatever you set)
3. **Success:** QuickHub or the Alter notch should appear immediately

<Tip>
  **Pro tip:** You can also open Alter by hovering your mouse over the notch at the top of your screen, or by moving to the screen edge if Edge Bar is enabled. These bypass keyboard shortcuts entirely!
</Tip>

## Related help

* [All keyboard shortcuts](/references/shortcuts)
* [How to change your hotkey](/how-to/change-hotkey)


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