How to Fix Mac Keyboard Keys That Have Fallen Off

Here are the steps to take in order to fix Mac keyboard keys that have fallen off your MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or Apple Bluetooth keyboard.

At some point you’ll find that you Mac keyboard keys fall off, or that a kid pulls them off. Whether accidental or intentional, you may be able to fix it on your own.

When this happens, the keyboard may need to be repaired or replaced at the Apple Store yet you can still attempt to fix it yourself at home before you make the trip. You will need to investigate a few factors about your keyboard issue before making the decision about which solution is best.

How to Fix Keyboard Keys That Have Fallen Off

Here are the steps to take in order to attempt to fix your own broken Mac keyboard keys.

Watch the above video to see how you can try to fix your own keys before going for a replacement at an Apple Store.

Investigate the Damage

If your key cap has simply fallen off, your fix may be quite quick and painless yet you will want to make sure you aren’t dealing with something more severe. The main way most Apple keyboard caps connect is with a little plastic bracket that clips into the key. If this bracket is intact and has no pieces missing from it, it will likely be able to be clipped back into position. If your clip is damaged however, you will likely need to get a replacement keycap and/or clip.

If the clip appears to be intact, you just need to investigate the place the actual keycap sits. There should be a little rubber nub that appears from the base of the keyboard where your cap will come into contact. If this rubber piece is intact, your cap replacement should make the key work again properly.

It is also a good idea to check the metal connectors on the keyboard side of things to ensure that they are not bent or warped in any way. If they appear to be in order, you should be able to try to install your key cap back in place.

Repairing the Key Cap

If it does indeed appear to be a clean break and there is no damage to any of the components, you can likely repair the key cap yourself. In order to do this you may need a small flathead screwdriver or a paper clip. You essentially will want to replace the bracket and then the cap.

In order to replace the bracket you need to identify how it sits in the metal areas on the keyboard. You should be able to snap the different arms of the bracket into place, laying the bracket flush with the keyboard. Once the bracket snaps into place, you should be able to then press the keycap back down and hear it snap into place as well.

If you are successful, you should be able to give the keycap a few presses to test its tension and bounce and make sure that it matches the keys around it.

If you are not able to fix the keycap back onto the keyboard, you may indeed need to take it to an Apple Store to get fixed or replaced. Depending on the store’s resources, they may be able to replace the keycap and bracket for you. On the off chance that they aren’t able to fix it for free, a replacement keyboard through the Genius Bar will save you a few dollars off the retail price.

Keyboard caps coming off may be a commonplace in your household depending on the activity the keyboard sees and trying to fix it yourself may save you valuable time and money. If you do not feel comfortable replacing the cap yourself, it is definitely advised to head to your local Apple Store for a little more hands-on support.