MacBook keyboards are infamous for causing problems. Many users report their MacBook keyboards repeating letters or not inputting the text at all. But if you are one of those users whose keyboard is fine and only one or a few of its keys are causing problems, then you can get it replaced.
You can even replace one key on your MacBook. But how much does it cost? Let’s find out.
If you have AppleCare+ or your MacBook key was broken due because of Apple, you can get it replaced at an Apple Store for free. You can also get your MacBook keyboard repaired for free if it is eligible for Apple’s Keyboard Service Program.
But if your negligence damaged the key and you don’t have AppleCare+, you will have to pay anywhere between $350-$700. However, if you are covered under AppleCare+ or consumer law, there will be no charge. Keep reading to find out whether Apple sells replacement keys individually and if you can replace them on your own. I have also included a guide for you to fix a broken MacBook key.
If your MacBook was purchased between 2015-2019, it is eligible for a free keyboard repair program. Apple started a Keyboard Service Program for all the MacBooks that came with butterfly keyboards as they are prone to malfunction. So you can get your key or the entire keyboard repaired for free.
But if the damage falls under the category of “Accidental Damage” under AppleCare+, you will have to pay a service fee of $299 to repair/replace your key.
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Does Apple Sell Replacement Keys?
Apple does not sell individual replacement keys for MacBooks. But if you have a MacBook key damaged, you can get it repaired from an Apple Store for free under AppleCare+ or consumer law.
If you have a single key of your MacBook keyboard damaged, you won’t be able to buy a new one from an Apple store. But, you can always get it fixed from a nearby Apple store. Alternatively, you can get it replaced by buying a MacBook keyboard key from a third-party shop. Please keep reading to find out how you can replace it by yourself.
I recently bought a keyboard cover for my MacBook for the peace of mind of having my MacBook nice and protected from dirt and grime. To see how keyboard covers protect your MacBook and best to buy to protect your MacBook see our article.
Can You Replace One Key On A MacBook?
You can replace a single key on your MacBook’s keyboard.You can replace on key yourself by dislodging the keys and placing a new one using a plastic
In case you do not want to get your keyboard repaired from an Apple Store and spend $$$, you can fix it by yourself by dislodging the keys and placing a new one by using a plastic flat probe.
But before you go ahead with all that hassle, you should check if your MacBook is eligible for the free Keyboard Service Program. If it is eligible, you won’t be needing to fix it by yourself. You can get Apple to fix it for you absolutely free!
MacBooks That Are Eligible For The Free Keyboard Service Program
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
But if your MacBook is not eligible for the free service program and you want to fix the faulty key by yourself, there’s another way. Another way to protect your MacBook is getting a case to protect it, considering reading our article to decide if it’s worth it.
How Do You Fix A Broken MacBook Key?
- Take a flathead screwdriver or a plastic probe.
- Now slide it under the bottom left of the faulty key to pop out the key assembly. The key comes out with its mechanism.
- Remove the mechanism by pulling it apart from the key with the same tool.
- Put the mechanism back by placing them precisely using the hooks (watch the video above for exact directions for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air).
- Lastly, take the new key and gently press it down in the assembly. Once you hear it click, it would be attached to the assembly.
Disclaimer
- Make sure the key you have purchased is the original keyboard key for your specific MacBook model.
- Do not put any liquids or cleaning agents in the keyboard assembly while replacing the key. It will damage your laptop.
- Do not exert force while popping the keys out.
- Make sure you put the assembly back inaccurately.
- Make sure you’re following the steps that are specifically for your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, as both of them have different key mechanisms. You’ll find the precise steps in the video tutorial.
That’s how you successfully fix a broken MacBook key without spending hundreds of bucks on an Apple store.
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