How to make Fn/Globe key work

Mapping another modifier key or Caps Lock on your external keyboard to be the Fn/Globe key

You can use the built-in macOS functionality to remap modifier keys to each other, but you are limited only to swapping modifier keys around, with only Caps Lock being available as a potential “donor.”

Also note that this can occasionally be spotty. Remapping the Fn key is likely to only work on Apple and second-party devices (some Logitech keyboards, etc.)

Mapping any key (but not Fn) on your external keyboard to be the Fn/Globe key

Install Karabiner Elements.

Add an entry to Simple Modifications, from whatever key you desire to: Modifier keys > fn (globe).

As an example, this will remap (Forward) Delete on your external keyboard to behave the same as Fn/🌐.

Mapping Fn key on your external keyboard to be the Fn/Globe key

The keystroke for Apple’s Fn/🌐 key cannot typically be sent by a third-party keyboard. To make this happen, it is necessary to remap the Fn key on your keyboard to a different (temporary) key, and then remap that temporary key back to Fn/🌐 on your Mac.

Many keyboards won’t allow you to remap their Fn key to anything else. For others, it will be a more complex procedure requiring changing the firmware, and for others yet, something simple like a web application that speaks directly to your keyboard.

You will have to find the instructions. If your keyboard allows it, follow the instructions to change the Fn key to, say, F14 key – or any other key you don’t normally have or use.

Then, on your Mac, install Karabiner Elements and add an entry to Simple Modifications, from: Function keys > f14 to: Modifier keys > fn (globe).

Now, you should be able to use the external keyboard’s Fn key to behave the same as Fn/🌐.

If you know of a different technique, please let me know!