Q&A for How to Fix a Jammed Keyboard Key

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Question

Does my keyboard need to be replaced if only one key isn't working correctly?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
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.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

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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Question

How can I remove an item that is jammed into the keyboard without removing the key?

Community Answer

Get 2 things that are small and thin (Like 2 toothpicks or needles) and take the item out.

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Question

Will WD-40 work and, if so, what are the suggested steps?

Community Answer

It 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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Question

I took out my keys, but it won't go in. What do I do?

Community Answer

Look at the notches and the pins carefully, you'll find out. Most of the keys contain two parts, so you should take it apart then insert them separately.

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Question

Do you have any other tips if none of these other methods worked?

Community Answer

Paper! If you have a thicker paper, like construction paper or a small poster, slide it under the edges of they key GENTLY. Then go around the perimeter of the key, carefully dragging it, the paper should still be under the key. You don't need to pry the key off, just replicate the movement of prying with a thicker paper. It should loosen the key up.

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Question

Shouldn't I remove the battery from a laptop as well as unplugging it?

Community Answer

As long as the battery is protected, you should leave it in for convenience.

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Question

What can I do if I have done all these things but some keys are still not working?

Community Answer

Take those keys out of the keyboard and wash the keys and the key mounts. Replace the keys after everything has thoroughly dried.

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Question

Why is the space bar fine in the middle, but loose on either side?

Community Answer

This has to do with stabilizers, a necessary component on many large keys, particularly the space bar. In most cases improving stabilization is not really feasible without complete disassembly of the keyboard. If the piece stabilizing the key is broken, you can order a replacement part from the manufacturer or on sites like eBay and Amazon.

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Question

I took out a letter of my keyboard to follow the instructions and I took out the white things under it, what do I do?

Community Answer

Try searching Youtube for replacing laptop key buttons. The white pieces slot together, and it'll be easier to work out how from watching a video.

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Question

What can I do if my Surface Pro laptop has damage in the inside of the keyboard?

Community Answer

It really depends on the severity of the problem. You should contact Microsoft and see if you have a warranty. If you don't, tech support could be able to help you, they're generally really nice and knowledgeable.

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Question

When I shake my keyboard I hear something rattling inside, but it won't come out. How can I get this object out of my keyboard?

Community Answer

Your best bet is to carefully unscrew/unclip the separate halves of the keyboard case and remove the debris.

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Question

Why do the letters sometimes fail to appear when I type? How do I clean the keys?

Community Answer

If the key you are pressing actuates (goes down fully), then it may be a fault of the keyboard/membrane, in which case it would likely be more cost effective to purchase a new keyboard. If the key does NOT fully actuate, then you can try to remove the keycap and then clean the membrane/switch underneath. If the keyboard is mechanical, it is advisable to watch tutorials for disassembly of mechanical switches, as you may likely need to do this.

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Question

All the letter keys are not working on my laptop. The number keys are fine. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try removing the Ctrl key and cleaning under it. That can also fixed a trackpad problem.

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