how to repair a mac keyboard

by Veda Fay Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to fix a MacBook keyboard or MacBook Pro keyboard

Clean your keyboard. As we’ve mentioned, dust and other debris could seriously mess with your keyboard, usually causing issues with certain keys sticking and not registering hits.
Delete recently installed apps. ...
Update macOS. ...
Check keyboard layout. ...
Turn off Slow Keys. ...
Delete .plist files. ...
Reset PRAM. ...
Restore your Mac to an earlier version. ...

Full Answer

How much does it cost to repair a MacBook keyboard?

Letters or characters repeat unexpectedly
Letters or characters do not appear
Key (s) feel "sticky" or do not respond in a consistent manner

Why is my Mac keyboard not working?

The most common reasons a MacBook keyboard stops working include:

Dust and other contaminants
Incorrect software settings
Problematic apps
Bugs and glitches
Broken hardware

What to do if your MacBook keyboard is not working?

Try these fixes

Method 1: Update your macOS. Your keyboard may not be working because your operating system is not up to date. ...
Method 2: Reset the SMC. ...
Method 3: Clean system junk. ...
Method 4: Clean your keyboard. ...
Method 5: Have your MacBook Air serviced. ...

How to fix keyboard issues on a Mac?

How to fix a MacBook keyboard or MacBook Pro keyboard

Clean your keyboard. As we’ve mentioned, dust and other debris could seriously mess with your keyboard, usually causing issues with certain keys sticking and not registering hits.
Delete recently installed apps. ...
Update macOS. ...
Check keyboard layout. ...
Turn off Slow Keys. ...
Delete .plist files. ...
Reset PRAM. ...
Restore your Mac to an earlier version. ...

How do I fix my Mac keyboard?

Here's how to fix a MacBook Pro keyboard that has stopped working:Clean the keyboard. ... Plug in the MacBook. ... Check for updates. ... Remove recent apps. ... Restart the Touch Bar. ... Turn off Slow Keys. ... Turn off Mouse Keys. ... Check the keyboard layout setting.More items...•

Can Apple keyboards be repaired?

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge. The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard.

How do I fix some keys on my Apple keyboard not working?

Clean your Mac keyboard. When certain Mac keyboard keys aren't working, it could be caused by dust and other junk underneath them. ... Update macOS. ... Delete preferences. ... Delete recently installed apps. ... Reset your SMC. ... Try another keyboard. ... Check your USB connection. ... Check batteries.More items...•

How much does it cost to get a Mac keyboard fixed?

Official Apple Store Cost You'll likely be charged about $125. But that does not include keyboards that have been damaged by water or other liquids. Those repairs from Apple will cost you anywhere from around $600-$1,300, depending on the size and state of your laptop.

How do I fix my Mac wired keyboard?

Try the following tips:Switch the keyboard's cable to another USB port on the same Mac, if possible.Unplug your keyboard and replug it into your Mac firmly and securely.Ensure that there is not anything (debris, dirt, etc) obstructing the connection in the USB port. ... Disconnect all connected devices from your Mac.

How do you fix a broken keyboard key?

Fix a Keyboard KeyStep 1: Pop Out the Key. Use a flathead screwdriver to get the key out. ... Step 2: Get a Piece of a Straw. Cut off a little more than an inch of a clean plastic straw.Step 3: Fold and Insert. ... Step 4: Trim to Fit. ... Step 5: Put Key Back in the Keyboard. ... 1 Person Made This Project! ... 40 Comments.

Why is one key on my keyboard not working Mac?

Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard tab > check "Show keyboard & Character Viewer in the menu bar. Click on the new icon in the menubar and select "keyboard viewer". Now as you press the keys they will display in the viewer. Press the { key and verify that shift and { displayed.

How long does it take Apple to replace a keyboard?

On average the repair itself is around 2 hours before an additional hour and a half of post diagnostics. That's assuming the repair is successful. If not then parts need to be ordered and you're looking at additional wait times. That would be longer than the time it takes to send it out to a repair facility.

How long does it take to get an Apple keyboard fixed?

Can butterfly keyboard be repaired?

You're laptop probably has a pesky butterfly keyboard inside. Luckily, there's a hardware fix that will cost you nothing. Better still, because of how Apple has designed its MacBooks, other hardware gets replaced simultaneously.

How do you reset an Apple keyboard?

0:121:22Resetting the Bluetooth on my Apple Magic Keyboard Wireless A1314 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd now when i turn it on just press and hold it until you see that it blinks. If it starts blinkingMoreAnd now when i turn it on just press and hold it until you see that it blinks. If it starts blinking. That means it's been factory reset. So it's ready to pair with any new device.

Why is my wireless keyboard not working?

Replace the batteries in the keyboard and/or mouse. Reconnect the devices by pressing the reconnect button on the wireless receiver, and on the keyboard and mouse. Failing to reconnect wireless devices after changing the batteries is the most common cause of wireless keyboard and mouse failures.

Why are some keys on my keyboard not working?

If only certain keys on your Mac keyboard aren’t working, it could be because they’re damaged or dirty. You might have also enabled an option or ap...

How do I make my Apple wireless keyboard discoverable?

To put an Apple Magic Keyboard into pairing mode: Connect it to your Mac with a Lightning to USB cable Make sure the keyboard’s power switch is on...

What should I do if my keyboard backlight isn’t turning on?

Although it’s possible the LEDs in your keyboard could be damaged, it’s likely caused by your settings. As well as following Apple’s official guida...

How to get keyboard to work on MacBook?

Hold your MacBook or Mac keyboard vertically, preferably at a 75º angle. Using a can of compressed air, spray the keyboard or the non-functioning keys. Then move in a left-to-right direction. Rotate your MacBook or keyboard to its right and then left side. Repeat the action.

Why isn't my keyboard working on my MacBook?

When certain Mac keyboard keys aren’t working, it could be caused by dust and other junk underneath them. This is likely if you have a habit of eating while using your Mac. Cleaning out under the keys could solve the problem. Hold your MacBook or Mac keyboard vertically, preferably at a 75º angle.

How to reset SMC on MacBook?

How to reset the SMC for MacBooks with T2 chip: Turn off your MacBook. Hold down Ctl + Opt on the left side of your keyboard and Shift on the right side. Keep them held down for seven seconds, then press and hold the power button too. After another seven seconds, release all keys.

What does SMC stand for on Mac?

Reset your SMC. SMC stands for System Management Controller. It controls certain low-functions of certain Macs, some of which relate to the keyboard. So if your Mac keyboard has stopped working, it’s a good idea to reset it.

Why does my Mac keyboard stop working?

But sometimes Mac keyboards stop working because they’re broken beyond repair. They can be permanently damaged by liquids, for example. And they can also just wear out over time, particularly if you hit the keys hard when you type. Try your keyboard on a different computer, if you can.

What to do if your wireless keyboard won't turn on?

If your wireless Apple keyboard isn’t turning on, try replacing the batteries, if possible. But if you’re using something like the newer Apple Magic keyboard, which has a built-in battery, check it’s charged. Also, try using a different charging cable and a different USB port on your Mac.

How to remove apps from Mac?

Thankfully, you can fully remove apps with MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller: In MacKeeper, select Smart Uninstaller on the left. Click Start scan. When it’s finished, select the apps you want to remove. Click Remove selected. This will remove those apps from your Mac, without leaving anything behind.

How to connect a Bluetooth keyboard to a Mac?

First, check if Bluetooth is working. 1. Click on the Apple logo and go to " System Preferences ". 2. Then, go to " Bluetooth " settings. 3. Check if Bluetooth is turned on and if the keyboard is connected. If the keyboard is connected with a cable, connect it to another USB port on your Mac.

How to get rid of food crumbs on MacBook?

If the keyboard is built-in, turn off your MacBook. 3. Tilt the keyboard so that the food crumbs and dust will fall out from the keyboard key cracks when spaying with air. 3. Now, take the compressed air spray and spray the air on the keyboard from left to right. Use it only on the right half of the keyboard.

How to turn on a Mac with a T2 chip?

2. Then, press the Power button to turn on your Mac and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R until Mac restarts. On Macs with T2 Security Chip, hold the keys until you see the Apple logo appear. On older Macs, hold the four keys until you hear the second chime.

Why is my keyboard not responding?

When your keyboard becomes unresponsive, a few common issues might be the culprit. A lot of the time, dust and debris accumulate under the keyboard keys. The small particles can prevent the keys from pressing, which doesn't allow the keys to register.

What happens when your keyboard stops working?

So when your keyboard becomes unresponsive, or some keys stop working, you're only left with a few things you can do with the computer.

How to clean a built in keyboard?

To clean an external or a built-in keyboard, follow the steps below: 1. Get a compressed air spray with a straw to limit the airflow. 2. If the keyboard is external, disconnect the keyboard from Bluetooth or unplug it from the port on your Mac. If the keyboard is built-in, turn off your MacBook.

How to fix MacBook Pro keyboard?

How to Fix a MacBook Pro Keyboard That Stopped Working. If your keyboard has stopped working, the first step is to try cleaning it. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to connect a spare keyboard and try a handful of other fixes. In a worst-case scenario, you’ll need to contact Apple for professional assistance.

How to get keyboard to work again on MacBook Air?

To get your keyboard working again, you’ll need to attempt fixes like cleaning it, checking for updates, and removing potential problem apps. Most of these fixes will work for MacBook Air keyboards as well. Some of these fixes will require a working keyboard. Consider getting a spare keyboard.

How to make MacBook flip?

Rotate your MacBook so the right side is facing down, and it’s still at about a 75-degree angle. Repeat the same left-to-right and top-to-bottom blowing pattern you used before. Rotate the MacBook again, so the left side is facing down, and it’s still at a 75-degree angle. Repeat the same blowing pattern you used before.

How to blow up MacBook?

Here’s Apple’s recommended procedure: Hold your MacBook so the base is at a 75-degree angle with the floor or table. Using compressed air with a straw to guide the pressurized air, blow between the keys in a left-to-right and top-to-bottom pattern.

How to get touch bar working on MacBook Pro?

Here’s how that works: Type terminal into Spotlight, or open it via Finder > Applications > Utilities. With the Terminal open, type sudo pkill TouchBarServer; and press enter.

How to check if MacBook keyboard is working?

Plug in your MacBook. If your battery is low, the keyboard may not work, and you may not see a low battery alert. Try plugging the MacBook in, let it charge, then check to see if the keyboard works. Check for updates. Connect a USB or wireless keyboard, and perform the standard procedure of checking for updates.

Why does my MacBook keyboard stop working?

The most common causes for a MacBook keyboard to stop working are dust and other contaminants. If you have a newer MacBook with keys using Apple’s signature butterfly keyboard mechanism, even the smallest amount of dust contamination can cause problems. Other contaminants, like food and various liquids, can also keep a Mac keyboard from working.

Does MacBook Air have keyboard service?

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Apple has determined that a small percentage of the keyboards in certain MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors: Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, ...

Does Apple provide keyboard service?

Does Apple extend warranty on MacBook?

This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of your Mac notebook. If you believe your Mac notebook was affected by this issue, and you paid to have your keyboard repaired, you can contact Apple about a refund. The program covers eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models for 4 years after ...

Does MacBook Air need to be repaired?

Note: If your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro has any damage which impairs the service, that issue will need to be repaired first. In some cases, there may be a cost associated with the repair.

When did Apple release its wireless keyboard?

In 2007, Apple released the first of its contemporary line of keyboards, featuring a slimmer design, with an aluminum body and thinner keys. This “Apple Wireless Keyboard” was the first to integrate Apple’s specific function keys, such as media and brightness controls.

When did the first iMac come out?

The release of the first iMac in 1998 marked the transition from the use of ADB to USB in Apple’s peripheral offerings. These keyboards were released in a variety of colors throughout the years, using translucent plastics in black, bronze, and white.

Does the Apple II have a keyboard?

Apple has designed keyboards around its line of computers since the inception of the Apple line through the reign of the Macintosh. Although the first Apple computer was sold as a bare PCB without the inclusion of a keyboard, the 1977 Apple II included a keyboard built into the case of the computer, while the Apple III saw the addition ...

How long is the Apple Limited Warranty?

The Apple Limited Warranty covers your Mac and the accessories that come with it against manufacturing defects for one year from the date you bought your product. The Apple Limited Warranty is in addition to rights provided by consumer law.

How to get service for my Mac?

How do I get service for my Mac? To get service for your Mac, you can make a reservation at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Make sure you know your Apple ID and password before your appointment. Or, if you have a Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center.

Does Apple warranty cover batteries?

Apple-branded accessories are covered under the Apple One Year Limited Warranty. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. If your accessory's battery is depleted and your warranty has expired, you can replace the accessory’s battery for a fee.