to unbind the keys

7.9

Remove actions from keyboard or controller keys so you can set new ones

phrasal verb

Specialized

: desvincular las teclas

The instructions say to unbind the keys before assigning new commands.

Examples

To customize your shortcuts, you should unbind the keys you no longer need.
After an update, I had to unbind the keys to fix a conflict with the default setup.
Please unbind the keys!
You need to unbind the keys before making changes.
The instructions say to unbind the keys before assigning new commands.
You need to unbind the keys before making changes.
After an update, I had to unbind the keys to fix a conflict with the default setup.

Synonyms

to deactivate

vsto unbind the keys

63 3.9

To make a device, system, or account stop working

removes function assignments from input buttons rather than merely turning them off

to unbind

vsto unbind the keys

3 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

releases assigned functions from input buttons enabling reassignment or disabling actions

to deprogram

vsto unbind the keys

Specialized

1 6.3

To remove instructions or settings from an electronic device

removes function assignments from input buttons rather than erasing full programs

to unset

vsto unbind the keys

6.5

To remove a choice or value so it no longer applies

removes assigned functions from input buttons to allow reassignment or disable actions

How Assigned

to remap

Specialized

1 5.1

to unbind the keys

Specialized

7.9

Surface Forms

unbind the keys infinitive

unbinding the keys present participle

unbinds the keys third person singular

unbound the keys past

unbound the keys past participle

Morphology

unbind + the + key

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'unbind' (to free from a binding) applied to 'keys' (keyboard buttons): it literally means remove assigned functions from keys. This is a literal, morphologically regular use (not idiomatic) — although technical, the logic is predictable and a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Unbind the keys comes from computer and game settings. Imagine a key with a label that tells it what to do; to unbind is to take that label off the keys, making them free so you can 'reassign' or 'disable' them, and that is why the phrase means 'to release or remove assigned functions'.