A key that sticks, types twice or does nothing at all is noticeable on a laptop straight away: you type all day. Sometimes it is a setting or a bit of dirt, sometimes the keyboard really needs replacing. Below you can work out which of the two it is, step by step.
Blue Apple repairs MacBook keyboards at Rijnstraat 76-H in Amsterdam. An overview of what we offer per model is on the MacBook keyboard repair page.
First: is it software?
- Test in another app. If the key works in Notes but not in your work app, the problem is that app.
- Open the keyboard viewer. Turn on 'Show Keyboard Viewer' in the keyboard settings and press the key. If it lights up on screen, the Mac does see the key.
- Look at accessibility. Sticky Keys and Slow Keys (under Accessibility, Keyboard) change how keys respond and can feel like a broken keyboard.
- Start in safe mode or with another account. If everything works there, the problem is in settings or software.
- Connect an external keyboard. If that works without trouble while the built-in keyboard fails, you know it is not macOS.
Dirt and dust between the keys
A key that sticks or types twice often comes from a crumb or speck of dust underneath. On the 2016 to 2019 MacBooks with the butterfly mechanism that was notorious, because there is so little room under the keys. What Apple itself advises:
- Hold the MacBook at an angle of about 75 degrees and spray compressed air in short bursts along the keys, from left to right.
- Turn it a quarter turn and repeat, then once more.
- Do not pull the keys off. With the butterfly mechanism especially, the clips break easily and you make it worse.
If that does not help, the dirt is deeper, there has been liquid or the mechanism is damaged.
Why repairing a keyboard is more than one key
On many MacBooks the keyboard is part of the top half of the case, the so-called top case, and sometimes the battery is attached to it too. Replacing a single key is therefore usually not possible; the repair involves a bigger part. How big depends on the model, which is why we look at the exact type before we say what is needed.
- Butterfly keyboard (2016 to 2019). Sensitive to dirt and known for sticking or double-typing keys. Apple's free repair programme for these keyboards has now expired for all models.
- Scissor mechanism (from about 2019 and 2020). More robust, but liquid or a knock can still disable a key or a whole row.
- Touch Bar. A Touch Bar that does not respond is not strictly a keyboard problem, but it can be linked to the same repair.
When it is hardware
- A key or a whole row does not respond, even in safe mode and on another account.
- Keys stick or type twice, even after cleaning.
- The keyboard backlight does not work or only partly.
- There has been liquid on or in the laptop. The keyboard is then often only part of the damage; read what to do after liquid on your MacBook.
- The case bulges or the trackpad sits higher. That points to a swollen battery, not to the keyboard: see when to replace a MacBook battery.
What we do at Blue Apple
We test the keyboard key by key, check whether the fault is in the keyboard itself, a connection or the logic board, and look for liquid or a swollen battery. Then we explain the options, before anything is repaired. You can find all MacBook repairs on the MacBook page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single broken key replaced?
Usually not on its own: on many models the keyboard is one piece with the top of the case. We look at what is possible per model.
My keys type twice. Is it always broken?
No. Dirt is a common cause, and Sticky Keys or a key repeat setting can feel the same. Try the steps above first.
Can I use an external keyboard until the repair?
Yes, an external keyboard works over USB or Bluetooth and gives you time to have it done properly.
Is it worth repairing an older MacBook with a broken keyboard?
That depends on the model and on what else is wrong with the laptop. Read our article on repairing or buying a new MacBook.
