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Realme Book i5 Function Keys: Full Guide

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to use the function keys (F1–F12) on a Realme Book i5 running Windows 10 or Windows 11. You’ll learn what each key does by default, how to switch between media controls and traditional F-keys, and how to customize them if the defaults don’t suit your workflow. No special software or tools are needed—everything is built into the keyboard and Windows settings.

What You’ll Need

  • A Realme Book i5 (any model year, as the keyboard layout is consistent)
  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed and logged in
  • Access to the BIOS/UEFI setup (for changing the default behavior)

Step-by-Step

1. Identify the Function Key Row

Look at the top row of your keyboard. You’ll see keys labeled F1 through F12. On the Realme Book i5, these keys have dual functions: the standard F1–F12 commands (like F5 for refresh) and a set of media/action shortcuts printed as icons on the keycaps. The icons are usually smaller and located below or above the F-number label.

2. Use the Default Action (Media/Shortcut Keys)

By default, the Realme Book i5 function keys act as media and system shortcuts. Pressing a key alone triggers the icon action. Here’s what each key does by default:

  • F1: Mute/unmute audio
  • F2: Decrease volume
  • F3: Increase volume
  • F4: Toggle touchpad on/off
  • F5: Decrease screen brightness
  • F6: Increase screen brightness
  • F7: Switch display output (e.g., to an external monitor)
  • F8: Toggle airplane mode
  • F9: Open the settings/notification panel (Windows Action Center)
  • F10: Enable/disable the webcam
  • F11: Lock the screen (Windows Lock)
  • F12: Open the calculator app (or a custom app if you’ve assigned one)

3. Use the Traditional F1–F12 Commands

To use the standard F-key functions (e.g., F5 to refresh a browser, F11 for fullscreen in many apps), hold down the Fn key (located at the bottom-left of the keyboard, next to Ctrl) and press the desired F-key. For example, Fn + F5 sends the F5 keystroke, which refreshes a web page.

4. Swap the Default Behavior (Make F1–F12 Primary)

If you prefer the traditional F-keys to be the default (so you don’t have to hold Fn), you can change this in the BIOS/UEFI:

  1. Restart your Realme Book i5.
  2. Immediately press F2 repeatedly during the boot screen (the Realme logo) to enter the BIOS setup.
  3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Configuration or Advanced tab (the exact name may vary).
  4. Look for an option called Action Keys Mode, Function Key Behavior, or Hotkey Mode. It is usually set to Enabled (meaning media keys are default).
  5. Change it to Disabled (or select Function Key if that option appears).
  6. Press F10 to save and exit, then confirm by selecting Yes.

After this change, pressing F1–F12 will send the standard F-key commands, and you’ll need to hold Fn to access the media shortcuts (e.g., Fn + F5 to lower brightness).

5. Temporarily Reverse the Behavior (for One Press)

If you’ve swapped the default, you can still use the media keys temporarily by holding Fn while pressing the key. Conversely, if you haven’t swapped, holding Fn gives you the standard F-key. This works regardless of the BIOS setting.

6. Customize the F12 Key (or Other Keys) with Third-Party Tools

The F12 key opens the calculator by default, but you can reassign it (or any F-key) to launch a different app or macro using a tool like AutoHotkey (free) or SharpKeys (free). For example, to make F12 open File Explorer:

  1. Download and install AutoHotkey from the official website.
  2. Create a new script file (right-click → New → AutoHotkey Script).
  3. Add a line like: F12::Run explorer.exe
  4. Save and double-click the script to run it. It will stay active in the system tray.

Note: This only works if the F12 key sends the standard F12 signal (i.e., you’ve swapped the default or you press Fn+F12). If it’s still in media mode, the key won’t produce F12 to the system.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting the Fn key: Users often press F1 expecting mute, but if they’ve changed the BIOS setting, it becomes a standard F1 (which might open help). Remember the current mode.
  • Holding Fn too long: Some users press and hold Fn, then press the F-key, but release Fn before releasing the F-key—this can cause the media action to trigger instead. Press both keys simultaneously and release together.
  • Confusing F4 (touchpad) with F7 (display): The icons look similar. Check the small print on the keycap.
  • Entering BIOS incorrectly: Pressing F2 too late or not at all will boot into Windows. Try again, and press F2 multiple times as soon as the screen turns on.
  • Assuming the BIOS option is named the same: Realme may use different wording. Look for any option with “Action Keys” or “Hotkey” in it.

Tips

  • Use the on-screen indicator: When you press a media key (like volume or brightness), a small overlay appears on the screen showing the level. This confirms the key worked.
  • Check the Fn Lock indicator: Some models have a small LED on the Fn key or a notification in the Action Center that shows whether Fn Lock is on. If you see “Fn Lock” in the notification, it means the F-keys are in standard mode.
  • Learn the shortcuts for your most-used apps: For example, in Excel, F2 edits a cell, F4 repeats the last action, and F7 checks spelling. Knowing these can speed up your work if you switch to standard mode.
  • Use the Windows Mobility Center for quick settings: Press Win + X and select Mobility Center to adjust brightness and volume without using the keys, which is handy if the keys aren’t working.
  • Keep your BIOS updated: Realme occasionally releases BIOS updates that may change or fix function key behavior. Check the Realme support page for your model.

Troubleshooting

Function keys do nothing at all

  • Restart the laptop. A temporary driver glitch can cause the keys to stop responding.
  • Check if the issue is in a specific app. Some apps (like games) may block system shortcuts. Test in a text editor or browser.
  • Update the keyboard driver: Open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager), expand “Keyboards,” right-click your keyboard, and select “Update driver.” Then choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
  • If that fails, uninstall the keyboard driver and restart. Windows will reinstall it automatically.

Fn key is not working

  • Ensure the Fn key is not stuck. Gently press it a few times.
  • Check if Fn Lock is enabled. Press Fn + Esc (or Fn + Caps Lock) to toggle it. If the Fn key has a lock icon, that’s the shortcut.
  • If the Fn key still doesn’t work, boot into BIOS and see if the Action Keys Mode setting is present. If you can’t change it, try resetting BIOS to defaults (usually F9 in BIOS) and then re-apply your changes.

Media keys work but the F1–F12 commands don’t (or vice versa)

  • This is exactly the behavior you’ve set in BIOS. Re-enter BIOS and toggle the Action Keys Mode setting to switch between the two modes.
  • If you’re in standard mode and want media keys temporarily, hold Fn. If you’re in media mode and want standard F-keys, hold Fn.

BIOS doesn’t show the Action Keys option

  • Some Realme Book i5 models may not expose this option. In that case, you can’t change the default behavior via BIOS. Instead, use a third-party tool like AutoHotkey to remap keys, or simply use the Fn modifier.
  • Check if a BIOS update is available on the Realme support page—newer firmware may add the option.

F12 opens the calculator even after I changed it

  • The F12 key is hardwired to launch the Calculator app in the default media mode. To change it, you must either switch to standard mode (so F12 sends F12) and then use AutoHotkey, or use a different approach: right-click the Start button → Settings → Apps → Default apps, and change the default app for the “Calculator” protocol, but that only changes which app opens, not the key’s function.
  • If you want F12 to do something else, you’ll need to disable the media shortcut. In BIOS, if there’s an option to disable individual hotkeys, use it. Otherwise, use AutoHotkey in standard mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my function keys work as media keys instead of F1-F12?

That’s the default behavior on the Realme Book i5. The keyboard is designed to give quick access to volume, brightness, and other common actions. To use traditional F-keys, hold the Fn key, or change the default in BIOS (see Step 4).

How do I use F5 to refresh a page?

Press Fn + F5 if your keyboard is in media mode (default). If you’ve swapped the default in BIOS, just press F5 alone.

Can I make the F-keys the default without going into BIOS?

No, the only way to permanently swap the default is through the BIOS/UEFI setting. There’s no Windows setting that changes this hardware-level behavior. However, you can use AutoHotkey to remap keys, but that requires standard F-key signals first.

What does the F4 key do on my Realme Book i5?

By default, F4 toggles the touchpad on and off. If you press it accidentally and your touchpad stops working, press F4 again (or Fn+F4 if you’re in standard mode) to re-enable it.

Why is my F12 key opening the calculator instead of doing what I want?

Because F12 is assigned to launch the Calculator app in the default media mode. To use F12 for other purposes (like a shortcut in a game or app), you need to switch to standard F-key mode (via BIOS) and then use that app’s own shortcut settings, or use AutoHotkey to remap it.

Is there a way to lock the Fn key so I don’t have to hold it?

Yes, if your keyboard supports Fn Lock. Look for a key with a lock icon (often Esc or Caps Lock). Press Fn + Esc (or Fn + Caps Lock) to toggle Fn Lock. When active, the Fn key stays engaged, so pressing F1 will send F1 (standard) and pressing F1 again (without Fn) will still send F1. Note that this works only if the BIOS is set to standard mode; in media mode, Fn Lock will make media keys the default.

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