How to Repair a Laptop Key

PDF download Download Article
Expert advice for fixing a laptop key
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to attempt to fix an unresponsive keyboard key. If cleaning the key's slot and re-seating the key doesn't fix your key's problems, you may need to replace the key altogether.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Repair or Replace a Key

PDF download Download Article
  1. In order to attempt to repair a key on your laptop's keyboard, you'll need the following items:
    • Prying item - Something plastic, such as a credit card or a spudger, is best; you can use a butter knife or a flathead screwdriver in a pinch.
    • Q-tip - Used to clean grit and dust from the area surrounding the key.
    • Toothpick - Used to clean grooves around the key.
    • Tweezers - Used to pull away pieces of the key carriage. Not necessary for all computers, but helpful.
    • A container - Used to store the pieces of the key while you make the repairs. You can use a bowl, a plastic bag, or any similar such item here.
  2. Most keyboard keys are comprised of three parts: the key cap (which is the key itself), the key carriage (a flat piece of plastic on which the key sits), and the key pad (a piece of rubber that sits between the key and the carriage).
    • Most MacBook keys don't have the rubber key pad.
    • Many computers' key carriages are comprised of two or more pieces of plastic that nest together.
    Advertisement
  3. It's best to find a flat, clean, indoor area, such as a kitchen table or a counter, on which to perform your repairs.
  4. Turn off and unplug your computer. Make sure that your computer is off and not plugged into a power source when your go to remove a key.
    • You may want to remove the computer's battery as well, if possible.
  5. Ground yourself before attempting any repairs. While the chances of you damaging your computer's internals with static electricity via a key repair are slim, grounding only takes a second and is good practice for dealing with electronics in general.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Repairing a Key

PDF download Download Article
  1. Using a damp q-tip, swab the area between the key that you want to replace and the surrounding keys. This will usually constitute moving the q-tip in a square around the key.
    • If your keyboard is sticky or grimy, you can use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the q-tip to help remove the grime.
  2. Use the toothpick to scrape gently the space below and around the key. This will help prevent any loose dust or grit from falling down into the key's slot.
  3. Pry up the bottom of the key at a 45-degree angle, then pull it away from the keyboard and set it somewhere safe. [1]
    EXPERT TIP

    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

    You can usually remove, clean, and restore unresponsive keys. A lot of the time, the key is just dirty and needs proper cleaning to work again. If that doesn't work, you might need a full keyboard replacement.

  4. If the carriage isn't laying flat or it appears to be warped, try gently pressing down on the bent part to see if it will snap back into place. [2]
    • Likewise, if the key cap is tilted or loose, try pressing down on it to see if it snaps back into place.
  5. This includes the carriage and key pad.
    • Be sure to note the position of the internal parts so that you can place them back later.
  6. One of the most common reasons for computer keys failing to work is foreign material in the area beneath the key. If you see any dust or residue, remove it and clean the area.
  7. Place both the carriage and pad back in the key slot in the way in which they were initially set. You may have to press down on parts of the carriage to lock it into place. [3]
  8. Insert the top of the key into the slot at a 45-degree angle, then lower the rest of the key into the slot. This should allow the hooks that are typically at the top of the key to catch when placed. [4]
    • If there aren't hooks at the top of the key, this will still allow the key to come to a naturally horizontal resting position when you lay it down.
  9. This will snap the key back into place. It should spring back up immediately after you remove your finger. [5]
    • If the key is still broken (e.g., it won't spring back up, its letters don't type, etc.), you'll need to replace the key instead.
    10. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Replacing a Key

PDF download Download Article
  1. In order to find a replacement key for your computer, it's important to know your computer's model type:
    • Windows - Open Start
      Windows Start
      , type in this pc , click This PC , click the Computer tab in the upper-left corner, click System Properties , and look at the name below the "Device specifications" heading. Your laptop's brand should be listed on the lid.
    • Mac - Open the Apple menu
      Mac Apple
      and click About This Mac , then look at the line of text below the "Version" text.
  2. Type your computer's manufacturer name and model number, followed by replacement key , into Google and review the results.
    • For example, you might type asus q553ub replacement key into Google.
  3. Depending on your model of computer and your regional location, your options for ordering keys will vary.
    • Places like eBay , Amazon , Best Buy, and many other online stores stock key replacements.
  4. As with repairing the key earlier, make sure that you are aware of the key's parts' location before removing them so that you have a reference. [6]
    • If you can take a reference picture before removing the key's internal parts, do so.
  5. It should be positioned in exactly the same way in which the former carriage was positioned. [7]
  6. Push the key pad into the center of the carriage, then press down until it clicks or snaps into the carriage.
    • Skip this step on a MacBook or any other keyboard that doesn't use key pads.
  7. Insert the top of the key into the slot at a 45-degree angle, then lower the rest of the key into the slot.
  8. The key should snap into place, and it should spring up immediately after you remove your finger.
    • Test your key before you throw away your receipt.
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I successfully reattached the key, but now it doesn't register on the screen when it's pressed, although it feels 'right' to the touch. What do l need to do?
    Community Answer
    First, take the key - you should see a small white button underneath. Press it. If it doesn't respond, you need a new key. If it does work, make sure the key is perfectly aligned with the button.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 24
  • Question
    I put the key on and only half remains on; the other half just lifts. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Completely remove the key. Put the lose side in the slot, then click the other side in.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 48 Helpful 17
  • Question
    The key isn't completely going in. Any reason why?
    Community Answer
    You need to completely remove the key and put the bottom on first. Next clip, the top on.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 28 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Not all keyboards are alike, so make sure that the model of key that you get works for your specific model of computer by researching it as much as possible before purchasing.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If your key still won't work after being replaced, your keyboard's circuit board is most likely the problem. Having a laptop circuit board replaced is generally a task best left to a tech department (e.g., the Apple Store or a place like Best Buy).
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      5 Ways to Unstick a Keyboard Key on Computer or Laptop
      How to
      Fix a Keyboard That Has the Wrong Characters
      6 Easy Steps to Replacing or Fixing a Dell Laptop Keyboard Key
      11 Simple Ways to Fix a Dell Laptop with a Black Screen
      4 Easy Ways to Enter the BIOS on a Lenovo Laptop
      How to
      Reformat a Laptop
      10 Simple Ways Keep Your Laptop from Overheating
      How to
      Check the Temperature of Your Laptop
      What to Do If You’ve Spilled Water on Your Laptop
      10 Simple Ways to Fix a Lenovo Laptop with a Black Screen
      Simple Steps to Solve Screen Bleeding on Laptop
      How to
      Reset Any Toshiba Laptop: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Fix a Laptop Screen
      How to
      Take Good Care of Your Laptop Computer
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/QCYOiK9QP08?t=10
      2. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001245.htm
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/QCYOiK9QP08?t=105
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/QCYOiK9QP08?t=200
      5. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001244.htm
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/M-aYew3NSv8?t=90
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/M-aYew3NSv8?t=240

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 549,564 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement