How To Remove Keys From Macbook Air

In this guide I explain how to repair damaged keys on a MacBook Pro keyboard (unibody style).

In this particular case I'm fixing a MacBook Pro 13-inch laptop keyboard with 2 damaged keys but same steps will apply to MacBook Pro 15-inch and MacBook Pro 17-inch models.

I'll take spare parts for repair from a damaged keyboard I have laying around.

If you have a few keys missing or damaged, it might take sense to purchase the entire new keyboard instead of private keys and employ it as a donor.

Past the manner, in one of the following posts I will show how to replace the entire keyboard on a MacBook Pro 13″, 15″, 17″ unibody.

Equally you lot see, I have 2 damaged keys on the MacBook Pro keyboard.

The left arrow cardinal missing merely the cap.

The bottom arrow fundamental missing the cap, key retainer (hinge) and silicone plunger.

You volition need needle olfactory organ tweezers to handle pocket-sized parts.

Let's fix them!

STEP 1.

Remove the key cap from the damaged (donor) keyboard.

In order to do that insert a abrupt object between the key cap and fundamental servant and lift information technology upwardly.

The key will unsnap from the retainer.

STEP two.

The left pointer key cap removed.

STEP 3.

Turn the fundamental cap over and inspect small plastic fundamental holders on the lesser side of the central. Make certain they are not damaged.

These holders secure the key cap to the retainer (hinge).

When you install the key cap on the retainer, make sure to seat the side with holders on the edges of the primal fist.

In my example the left side of the key cap should be seated properly.

Stride iv.

Seat the side with holders on the edges of the primal fist. Brand sure the holders appoint with the retainer.

STEP v.

Push on the push button until it snaps on the servant.

Footstep half-dozen.

The left arrow key has been repaired.

Make sure information technology moves freely.

Now let'south fix the bottom arrow fundamental.

STEP 7.

Remove the lesser key from the donor keyboard.

Audit the bottom side of the key, brand sure that holders are not damaged.

Pace eight.

Carefully remove the key retainer from the donor keyboard.

STEP 9.

Inspect the retainer. Make sure it's non damaged.

Step 10.

Here'south the tricky part.

Very carefully separate the silicone plunger from the donor keyboard.

Effort to remove it from the keyboard as clean as possible, then the lesser side of the plunger remains every bit flat as possible.

You can apply a very small knife to separate the plunger from the keyboard.

Step xi.

On my target MacBook Pro i of the metallic hooks was bent so I corrected the problem.

STEP 12.

Turn the silicon plunger upside downwards.

Employ a modest amount of super mucilage on the plunger edges. Y'all need the glue just on the edges.

The showtime time I wasn't careful enough and the mucilage filled up the plunger. I had to use some other one.

STEP thirteen.

Seat the plunger in the right position on the target keyboard and let the gum dry.

At first, I tried applying some pressure on the plunger but it didn't work, because the plunger simply kept moving effectually.

Finally, I only reapplied the mucilage and let the plunger to seat by itself for about 10 minutes without applying any pressure level on it.

STEP 14.

Install the key retainer on the target keyboard.

STEP 15.

Install the bottom arrow central as we did in steps iii-5.

Make sure the key moves freely.

The keyboard has been stock-still!

If you take multiple damaged keys, information technology might sense to replace the entire top case assembly with the keyboard. Replacement top cases available here: https://ebay.to/37cRuEg