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A quick guide to unstick a keyboard key that won't press
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Is your keyboard key jammed? When typing on your mechanical or laptop keyboard, you might find one of them sticking. This is usually caused by dirt and debris that have built up over time. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and safe ways to clean out your keyboard. Whether it's due to crumbs or spilled drinks, this wikiHow will show you how to fix a jammed or sticky keyboard key.
Fixing a Jammed Keyboard Key
- Remove the jammed key from the keyboard and clean out underneath it with rubbing alcohol.
- Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Use compressed air to blow out crumbs from underneath the keys.
- Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to remove stickiness around and underneath stuck keys.
Steps
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Gently pry up the jammed key. The best item to remove keyboard keys is a keycap puller , but if you don't have one, you can use a screwdriver or other flat instrument to get under the key and pull up slightly on one of the edges. You can also use your nail.
- If you are working on a laptop (whether PC or Mac), the key is held in place by a flimsy plastic clip, which also serves as the spring. The keys are attached in slightly different ways on each type of keyboard, so removing them will be different on each type. If you're unsure if or how your laptop keys come off, consult your manual.
- Don't remove all the keys at once, as you may have trouble remembering where they all go. Try to remove only a few at a time. If you need to remove multiple keys at once, take a photo of your keyboard before removing the keys so you remember which one goes where.
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Carefully wipe the inside of the button and the slot from which it was removed. Clear out any obstructions or crumbs that are jamming the key or the hinges underneath. You can use tweezers or toothpicks to help.Advertisement
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Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean off any sticky areas. Be sure not to have so much alcohol on the swab that it drips.
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Let the key and keyboard fully dry. You don't want to leave any liquid underneath the keys, even rubbing alcohol.
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Replace the keys and try typing again. Gently press the key down. It should snap back into place.
- If using a laptop, insert the clip into the position it originally held before you place the key back into its spot.
- The keys should be unstuck now. If not, you may need to take it to someone who repairs computers.
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Turn the keyboard upside-down. You can also hold it at an angle, as long as part of the keyboard is pointing towards the floor.
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Gently shake the keyboard. Let the crumbs shake out to the floor or table. [1] X Research source
- You can tap the back of the keyboard gently to encourage the debris to fall out.
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Brush away any extra crumbs and check the keys. If there's debris on the keyboard, brush it away. You can use a small paintbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If the key is still stuck, repeat the steps above, but tilt the keyboard in a different position. Crumbs may be trapped underneath the key itself.
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Turn the computer off. If you have a desktop, unplug the keyboard from the computer.
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Use the air to gently blow around and under the keys. Don't tilt the can. This will cause the can to spray out propellant, which is very cold and could damage your keyboard or injure you. [3] X Research source
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Brush away any debris and try the keys again. If dirt or food is blown out, brush it away from the keyboard. You can use a small paintbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. [4] X Research source
- Once the debris is cleaned, test the keys.
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If the liquid on your keyboard has dried, clean the keys with alcohol. If you're using a mechanical keyboard , make sure the keyboard is unplugged first. If you're cleaning a laptop keyboard , make sure your laptop is turned off completely. If the spill is mostly on top of the keys, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the keys. [5] X Research source
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Rub the tops of the keys. Make sure they are free from stickiness.
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Use the cotton swab to go around the edges before trying the keys again. Going around the edges should help with sticky keys , as it releases the bottom part of the key from the keyboard. [6] X Research source
- Once the alcohol is dry, check your keys to see if they are better.
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Remove the key that isn't working properly. For example, if the 'A' key isn’t working, take it off . You can use a keycap puller, a flathead screwdriver, or a paperclip to remove a key. [7] X Research source
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Pop off a working key and place the working key into the problem key position. For example, place the working 'S' key into the 'A' key position. If the 'S' key works while in the A spot, this means that the problem is with the actual A key and not the membrane or mechanical switch.
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Compare the problem key with the working key and look for inconsistencies. In some cases, there's a ridge that fits into a slot. If the ridge has a bump in it, this can be fixed with a knife or scissors. Run the sharp edge along the ridge back and forth to smooth it out, then try the key again.
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Order replacement keys online or through the manufacturer if necessary. If that's not possible, another option is to find a very cheap, broken keyboard of the same model (i.e., on an auction site), where the keys are still in good condition. This way, you can salvage keys from the cheap, broken keyboard to use in your working keyboard.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionDoes my keyboard need to be replaced if only one key isn't working correctly?Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.Sometimes, the key is just dirty. Have you popped the key off to clean and restore it? If not, that may be worth a shot. If you have done that and the key still doesn't work, then you definitely need to replace the entire keyboard if you want to be able to use that key.
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QuestionHow can I remove an item that is jammed into the keyboard without removing the key?Community AnswerGet 2 things that are small and thin (Like 2 toothpicks or needles) and take the item out.
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QuestionWill WD-40 work and, if so, what are the suggested steps?Community AnswerIt doesn't work at all. Please don't use WD-40; it will damage your system. Try other products for it. In some cases, you have to tear down the system to repair.
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Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- I have a MacBook, and the keys were somewhat jammed. Blowing into it really did the trick. Might not work for everyone, but thought I would throw that out there.
- Use paper to go around the edges of the key. For this method, you have to be very, very gentle. It worked for me and I didn't have to buy anything.
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Warnings
- Make sure the keyboard is unplugged, so you don't short it out.Thanks
- If the computer is new and still under warranty, do not remove the key without first contacting the manufacturer.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Compressed air
- A small paintbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Tweezers or a toothpick
- Regular screwdriver (small)
References
- ↑ https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-clean-keyboard
- ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/disinfect-clean-computer-keyboard
- ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/disinfect-clean-computer-keyboard
- ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/disinfect-clean-computer-keyboard
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/sticky-key-on-your-macbook-keyboard-heres-how-to-fix-it/
- ↑ https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00023753
- ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001245.htm
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "One of the keys on my keyboard was getting jammed every time I clicked on it. I removed the key, cleaned the slot, and put the key back. There was so much dust and cat hair underneath! It works great now. Thank you for clear instructions." ..." more
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"One of the keys on my keyboard was getting jammed every time I clicked on it. I removed the key, cleaned the slot, and put the key back. There was so much dust and cat hair underneath! It works great now. Thank you for clear instructions."
..."
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"It helped me a lot, because most of the time I use my keyboard, and luckily, it worked."
"Space key is sticking. Now I know how to help myself. Thank you."
"Blowing the keys with air was a big help."
"The 4th method worked perfectly :D"
