How to Take off and Replace a Keycap on Your Apple MacBook

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Remove a Mac keyboard key and put it back in seconds
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This wikiHow teaches you how to remove a key from a MacBook's keyboard, as well as how to put it back. MacBook keys are relatively easy to remove and replace if you know the correct technique for each type of key, but you will need to be extremely gentle when doing so in order to minimize the risk of damaging your Mac's keyboard. Removing a MacBook key won't necessarily void your warranty with Apple, but if you have any doubts, it's always better to take your Mac into an Apple Store than it is to perform the repair yourself.

Removing MacBook Keycaps

If your MacBook was made in 2019 or later, read the instructions for the specific type of key you want to remove. Most keys are held on by a combination of clips that must be loosened in a specific order and direction. Don't remove or damage any of the delicate components under the key, such as the scissor switches.

Section 1 of 3:

Removing the Key

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  1. Open the Apple menu , click Shut Down... , and click Shut Down when prompted. [1] This will make sure that you cannot be shocked, and it also ensures that you don't accidentally harm your Mac while removing the key.
  2. Even though you aren't likely going to be touching circuitry or equally sensitive components in your Mac, grounding only takes a few seconds and it eliminates the risk—however small—of harming the key's electrical components.
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  3. 3
    Grab a playing card and some wooden toothpicks. These simple tools are all you need to pry your keys off. [2]
    • This technique works for newer MacBooks (produced in 2019 and later) with the scissor switch keyboard type. If you have an older MacBook with a butterfly keyboard, you’ll need a sturdier flat-ended tool, like a plastic spudger. [3]
  4. 4
    Make note of which style of key you’re trying to remove. The technique differs slightly depending on the type of key. For example, basic letter keys come off a little differently from specialized keys like the spacebar or the up and down arrows. We’ll talk you through the right technique for removing each type.
    • You can’t remove the power/Touch ID button from the top of your keyboard.
    • No matter what type of key you’re removing, it helps to get down to eye level so you can see into the small space under the key while you work.
    • Do not attempt to remove the scissor switch or any other components underneath the key. These parts are extremely delicate and are likely to break if you try to remove them.
    • For older keyboards, most keys can be gently pried up and off with a flat tool wedged under the top or bottom edge of the key. However, the newer scissor switch keys are more complex and variable in their design, so don’t start prying until you’ve read the instructions for the type of key you want to take off!
  5. 5
    Top row keys: This includes the small rectangular keys like the Esc key and the special function keys at the very top of your keyboard. To remove these keys: [4]
    • Take your playing card and slide it under the bottom of the key to lift up the edge slightly.
    • Push the tip of a toothpick under the left side of the key, between the bottom of the key and the playing card.
    • Apply downward pressure on the right side of the key with your finger. Pry up on the left side with the toothpick at the same time. This will release two clips on the left side of the key.
    • Push the key gently to the right to completely free it from the clips on the other side.
  6. 6
    Square letter, number, and punctuation keys (plus Command, Fn, and Option): This process is similar to removing the rectangular top row keys, except the clips are oriented vertically instead of horizontally. [5]
    • Push your playing card under one of the bottom corners of the key.
    • Push your toothpick underneath the bottom edge of the key, between the key and the playing card.
    • Apply pressure to the top edge of the key. Pry up from the bottom of the key at the same time. This will release the clips at the bottom.
    • Gently slide the key downward to release the clips at the top of the key. It should now be completely free.
    • While the Command keys are a little bigger and more rectangular, they come off the same way as the square keys.
  7. 7
    Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, and Return keys: These keys are set up a little differently internally from the top row and square keys, but the process for removing them is very similar to the one you’d use for the square keys. Push your card under the bottom corner and pry up from the bottom with your toothpick while applying pressure at the top, then slide the key down. [6]
    • These keys have a metal support bar at the bottom. If it comes loose, just pop it back in under the hooks at the bottom of the key.
  8. 8
    Shift keys: The Shift key is a little more difficult than the other keys we’ve looked at so far. It’s similar to the Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, and Return keys, but has two metal support bars underneath. [7]
    • Slide your playing card under the bottom of the key to pry it up.
    • Push your toothpick under one of the bottom corners of the key, between the lower edge of the key cap and the bottom support key. You’ll need to peer in under the raised corner of the key to see what you’re doing.
    • Run your toothpick along the bottom edge of the key to unclip the key cap from the entire length of the support bar. You should hear clicking as the key comes loose.
    • Lift the key up, then pull it down and towards you to release the clips at the top.
    • The top support bar should come off with the key, while the bottom one may remain attached to the keyboard. You can lift out the bottom support bar if you need to clean it.
  9. 9
    Spacebar: This is one of the trickiest keys to remove, so you’ll have to work carefully to avoid damaging it. This key is similar to the Shift key, with two internal support bars at the top and bottom. It also has two key switches underneath it. [8]
    • Insert your playing card under the bottom left corner of the spacebar and gently pry it upward.
    • Push the toothpick under the bottom left edge of the key between the key cap and the support bar.
    • Gently run your toothpick along the entire lower edge of the spacebar to unclip the whole length of the bottom support bar. You should hear several clicks as the clips release.
    • Look under the key to locate the key switches on both sides of the spacebar. Carefully pry the key up and back to release the clips on each key switch.
    • Pull the key cap down and towards you, then lift it up and off the keyboard. Remove the bottom support bar carefully from the keyboard if it didn’t come off with the key.
  10. 10
    Arrow keys: These are attached similarly to the small top row keys, but the orientation of the clips is slightly different. Take extra care removing these keys so that you don’t damage the delicate mechanisms inside. The up arrow key is oriented in the opposite direction from the other three, so read the instructions carefully for each key before you remove it! [9]
    • Left, down, and right arrow keys:
      • Insert your card under the bottom right corner of the key.
      • Apply pressure with your finger on the left side of the key. At the same time, pry up on the right side of the key with your toothpick to release the clips on the right.
      • Slide your playing card underneath the key from the right to lift it up as much as possible. You want to actually get the card under the scissor mechanism beneath the key cap , so get down at eye level so you can really see what you’re doing.
      • Gently wiggle the key over to the left with your finger to free it from the hooks on the left side of the scissor mechanism.
    • Up arrow key:
      • Insert your card under the bottom left corner of the key.
      • Put pressure on the right side of the key with your finger. At the same time, pry up on the left side with your toothpick to release that side of the key from the scissor switch.
      • Slide your playing card under the scissor switch mechanism on the left side to lift up the key.
      • Push the key off to the right with your finger to free it from the clips on the right side.
  11. 11
    Wash your keys in water to remove any grime. Water will safely remove most dirt without damaging your keys. Gently clean the keys and support bars in a bowl of cool water, and use a brush with soft bristles or a soft cloth to scrub away any stubborn gunk.
    • You can also use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) to clean off greasy stains or especially stubborn dirt, but keep in mind that it could damage the paint on your key caps. Test it in an inconspicuous place before using it on the tops of your keys. [10]
    • Pat the keys and support wires dry with a soft, clean towel when you’re done. Allow the keys to completely dry before you reattach them to your keyboard.
  12. 12
    Clean the area under the key. If there’s any gunk under the key(s) you removed, clean it up before replacing the keys. Apple recommends blasting away loose dust and dirt with a can of compressed air. [11] If there’s anything sticky inside the keyboard, very carefully clean the key switches and other exposed components with a cotton swab or soft brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
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Section 2 of 3:

Replacing the Key

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  1. 1
    Top row keys: Since these keys have their clips oriented horizontally, you’ll need to reattach them starting at the right side of the key. [12]
    • Drop the key into place and pull it slightly to the left to help guide the right side clips into place. Put gentle pressure on the right side of the key as you slide it back to the right to lock the clips.
    • Push down on the left side of the key to click it into place.
  2. 2
    Square letter, number, and punctuation keys (plus Command, Fn, and Option): Slide the top edge of the key into place by pushing it up and away from you while applying gentle pressure at the top. Then, press down on the bottom edge of the key to clip it into place. [13]
  3. 3
    Tab, Caps Lock, Delete, and Return keys: These keys have a single support bar at the bottom of the key that must be reattached to the keyboard. [14]
    • If the support bar isn’t already in place, clip it into the bottom of the key. Insert the “feet” on the support bar into the aluminum brackets on the keyboard.
    • Pull the key down and toward you while applying gentle pressure to slide the top clips into the brackets at the top edge of the key.
    • Push the key back up and away from you slightly to completely lock the top clips, then press down on the bottom edge of the key to click the bottom clips into place.
  4. 4
    Shift keys: The Shift key is more complicated because it contains two internal support bars. You’ll need to install those to reattach the key. [15]
    • Insert the ends of the bottom support bar into the lower aluminum brackets. Push the bar down toward you so it’s lying flat.
    • Position the upper support bar, which should still be attached to the key, so the “feet” are sticking out. Carefully insert the feet into the upper set of aluminum brackets on the keyboard.
    • Pull the key down toward you to move the upper clips into place, then apply gentle downward pressure to secure them.
    • Press down on the bottom edge of the key to snap the lower clips into place along the bottom support bar.
  5. 5
    Spacebar: The spacebar key is one of the more complicated keys, so take care while replacing it to avoid damaging anything. This is very similar to the process of replacing the Shift key, but on a larger scale. [16]
    • Carefully insert the ends of the bottom support bar into the lower set of aluminum brackets. Push the bar down and toward you so it is lying flat.
    • Rotate the top support bar (which should still be attached to the key cap) so the “feet” are facing out. Guide them into the upper set of aluminum brackets on the keyboard.
    • Pull the key down toward you and guide the top clips into place, then push the key up and back.
    • Press down on the bottom of the key to engage the lower clips along the bottom support bar.
  6. 6
    Arrow keys: These keys are delicate and the orientation of the clips differs depending on the key, so take extra care while reattaching them. [17]
    • Left, down, and right arrow keys:
      • Insert your playing card under the scissor switch on the right side of the key to lift it up.
      • Slide the left side of the key into place and push it to the right to lock the clips on the left side.
      • Remove your playing card and press down on the right side of the key to lock it into place.
    • Up arrow key:
      • Insert your playing card under the scissor switch on the left side of the key to lift it up.
      • Slide the right side of the key into place and push it to the left to lock the clips on the right side.
      • Remove your playing card and press down on the left side of the key to lock it into place.
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Section 3 of 3:

Alternatives and Workarounds

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  1. 1
    Try cleaning your keyboard first. If you’re thinking about removing keys because they’re sticky or crunchy, you may be able to solve the problem by cleaning your keyboard .
    • To remove loose dust and debris, Apple recommends using a can of compressed air. Hold your MacBook so the keyboard is almost vertical (at about a 75° angle) and spray the air into the keyboard, sweeping back and forth from left to right. Keep rotating your MacBook to access each affected part of the keyboard. [18]
    • To get rid of anything sticky or oily on the surface of the keyboard, use a keyboard-friendly disinfectant wipe or a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Just be careful not to rub the painted symbols off of your key caps.
    • You can also try very gently prying sticky gunk out from around the edges of your keys with a wooden or plastic toothpick.
  2. 2
    Cover worn out key caps with decals. If you want to replace a key because the paint has worn off, consider an alternative like covering the key cap with a decal. You can buy a variety of decals to cover your entire keyboard or just individual keys, and some of them come in bright colors or different patterns so you can customize the look of your MacBook.
    • Another option is to get a protective keyboard cover with the keys printed on, which can also prevent further damage and keep dirt out of your keys.
  3. 3
    Get your keyboard serviced by a pro. To minimize the risk of damaging your keyboard or voiding your warranty, try taking your MacBook to an Apple Store or an Apple certified repair tech. You can find your closest repair and service location on the Apple website .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/shut-down-or-restart-your-mac-mchlp2522/mac
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=o3yviXBqjjMEt74s&t=38
      3. ↑ https://www.macworld.com/article/670651/how-to-remove-move-swap-and-replace-keys-on-a-mac.html
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=WxdxRVypZq7V6pS_&t=209
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=I334J1IsUt771Ikp&t=279
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=BwmuoZHtOQPYdG-c&t=311
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=3x9hfuGO_vL2-1Bs&t=378
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=Gam1Q8GNkCZEFEms&t=462
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=SCPC-qFxdQsfGbEu&t=902
      1. ↑ https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-to-clean-keyboard
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102365
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=tYLoixkyDS_f16Qq&t=875
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=Zk2XGjMerzeAFxqs&t=858
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=UowCkcQ2FCmcI3Qc&t=814
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=fchDrOOBfrHqqDDB&t=767
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=0-kitiuklhR4Mx30&t=669
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/cXfOYCrDLvk?si=y0FiA8zedzmO-iT4&t=1011
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102365

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Turn off the Mac and unplug it.
      2. Ground yourself.
      3. Find a guitar pick, credit card, or plastic spudger.
      4. Find a toothpick and Q-tip for cleaning.
      5. Use the toothpick to clean around the key.
      6. Dampen the Q-tip to clean around the key.
      7. Insert the prying tool under the key.
      8. Gently rotate and pry the key up.

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