If you take it to Apple, it'll likely cost you $125; they'll service it with new parts, and they'll give you an extended warranty on the repair itself; usually this is about 90 days in the U.S.. If you have the tools, you can get the same parts off eBay and do it yourself for about $16.
Apple also said it has changed the material used in its butterfly switch keyboards to avoid the problem of letters double-typing. It declined to provide details about the materials. And it said keyboard repairs will happen faster than before.
Apple will replace damaged keys or entire keyboards on 'sticky' MacBooks. Apple will replace the keyboard or keys on some MacBook and MacBook Pro models released since 2015.
MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air
Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.Enable the Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in Menu Bar option (in System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard). Now click on the Character Viewer icon in the Menu bar and choose Show Keyboard Viewer. A visual representation of the keyboard appears, and as you press keys they will be highlighted.
The keyboard is a whole new top case so it requires essentially disassembling the entire computer into a new keyboard housing. On average the repair itself is around 2 hours before an additional hour and a half of post diagnostics. That's assuming the repair is successful.
Steps
- Gather the necessary tools.
- Disconnect the keyboard from its power source.
- Spray the keyboard with compressed air.
- Remove any remaining objects with a toothpick.
- Wipe down your keyboard with isopropyl alcohol.
- Test the keys.
- Take a picture of your keyboard.
- Remove the sticky keys from the keyboard.
MacBook Air until model 2017 have little issues. The Airs until 2017 can last 7 to 8 years, but they are not very fast and after 7 years they may have become too slow for daily use. Of course, your computer may happen to have a rare failure earlier.
If you lose the key and fob, you can expect a dealer replacement and programming to cost $200 or more, depending on the vehicle and the key's design. A Lexus dealer quoted $374 for a new key, fob, and programming, and a BMW dealer said replacement keyless fobs could be as much as $500, depending on the model.
It could take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on the following factors: Whether or not the Apple Store does their own repairs. Most do not. Most send them out to a service center, and almost all go to the one in Texas.
You can clean almost every part of your MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro at home, although there are a few circumstances when it's best to visit an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service Provider.
In a followup published Saturday, MacRumors reports that Apple will replace Retina MacBook Pro screens with damaged coating for free. You can also take your MacBook Pro to the Genius Bar at any Apple Store, or bring it in to any Apple authorized service center.
To remove keys along with the switch from the keyboard:
- Get a plastic blue spudger.
- Lift under the right or left side of the key.
- Insert the key under the scissor switch mechanism (not too far, remember the button dome)
- Slide down to remove the switch from the bottom metal hook.
- Repeat steps 2-4 on the opposite side.
Sticky Keys is a Microsoft Windows accessibility feature that causes modifier keys to remain active, even after they have been pressed and released, making it easier to do keyboard shortcuts.
For all other eligible iPhones — that includes the iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and later — the fee will rise from the current $29 to $49. Before Apple's battery fiasco kicked off at the end of 2017, a new iPhone battery cost $79. If the iPhone is in warranty or part of AppleCare+, the battery can be replaced free of charge.
To remove the keys, slip your tool under the top of the cap and gently lift it up. It should pop off without much force. With the keycaps off, use compressed air to blow out all the dust and hair. To put the key back, line the keycap up and push it back down starting with the bottom edge.
How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro
- Hold your Mac notebook at a 75-degree angle, so it's not quite vertical.
- Use compressed air to spray the keyboard, or just the affected keys, in a left-to-right motion.
- Rotate your Mac notebook to its right side and spray the keyboard again, from left to right.
Steps
- Shut down the computer and detach all connecting cables.
- Turn the keyboard upside down to shake out loose debris.
- Use compressed air to blow dust and debris out from the keys.
- Use a dust vacuum to sweep up hard to remove debris.
- Clean around the keys with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
The space bar on your MacBook is secured in place with a series of clips mounted underneath. Removing the space bar from the keyboard involves gently prying it up to free it from these clips. Insert the plastic knife under the corner at the opposite end of the space bar and gently pry this end up.
First shut down your computer and unplug the power adapter when cleaning the outside or screen of your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. Then use a slightly damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer.
First turn you Macbook Air off and unplug it. Then pull carefully the key with your nail of with the back of a tablespoon for example. The key will come off with a plastic thing. Clean the key hole with humid fabric and the plastic thing with water.
How to Repair a Dead Key on a Mac Keyboard
- Insert the end of your tweezers under the dead key and gently pry up to pop it out of place.
- Use your tweezers to remove the plastic hinge from the bottom side of the key.
STEP 1: Press Option/Alt Key five times. STEP 2: Open System Preferences, click Accessibility, choose Mouse & TrackPad and then uncheck Enable Mouse Keys. If the Number Keys still don't work after turning off Mouse Keys, you'd better check other keys' performance and think carefully whether the keys get damaged before.
For Wired USB Apple Keyboards
- Try a different USB port. Unplug your keyboard from the current USB port and try another one.
- Check the System Report.
- Turn Bluetooth off.
- 4. Make sure mouse keys and slow keys are turned off.
- Connect your keyboard through an extension cord or USB hub.
Hold the Power Button on the Magic Trackpad down for five seconds until the green light starts flashing. You will now be able to see the Trackpad in the list of Bluetooth devices. Select the Apple Wireless Trackpad and click Continue. You will now have paired your Magic Trackpad with your Mac.
Which Macs are affected by the keyboard issue
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) (added to program in May 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
