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You generally buy a MacBook because you want a quality laptop that’s easy-to-use and doesn’t suffer from bugs or hardware failures. So it’s truly disheartening to discover that there have been a slew of MacBook keyboard issues plaguing recent models.
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Is your MacBook Pro keyboard not working? You’re not alone. Lots of users have been experiencing issues with their Apple butterfly keyboards as well.
Naturally, Apple is working to fix the problem in upcoming models of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, but if you’ve bought one in the last few years, unfortunately, those fixes aren’t going to help you.
Let’s find out the steps you need to take to fix your MacBook keyboard quickly.
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Why Is Mac Keyboard Not Working?
Before you can fix the problem, first you have to determine exactly what the problem is. There are a few possible issues that could lead to your MacBook keyboard not working.
One thing to note is that a MacBook keyboard isn’t like most other keyboards on the market. Instead of using a scissor-like mechanism, MacBooks feature a proprietary Apple butterfly-like keyboard with a slightly different design.
Ever wondered how Apple laptops are so slim? Part of that is the butterfly keyboard mechanism. Whereas most keyboards’ scissor mechanism provides tension on keys so that they click back into place once you finish typing, Apple designed a minimal switch as slim and elegant as a butterfly — hence the name.
![Pro Pro](https://scdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/apple-magic-keyboard-for-ipad-pro-1.jpeg)
Unfortunately, the butterfly keyboard is also just as fragile as a butterfly too. If even one spec of dust gets under a key and into the mechanism, it can lead to problems like a key repeating, sticking, or not registering hits at all.
It’s one thing if your Z key sticks occasionally. It’s another if your spacebar won’t work. Thus, fixing your MacBook keyboard can’t be put off for very long once it’s stopped working.
How do I fix a MacBook keyboard or MacBook Pro keyboard?
The short answer is: not you. The longer answer is an authorized Apple dealer will fix your MacBook Pro keyboard for free.
In some rare cases a blast of compressed air could clear the dust from the keyboard. Even though it won’t do the job for most, it’s worth trying since a can of air only costs a few dollars. But don’t expect salvation.
Apple has admitted that there’s a flaw with their design and as long as your MacBook is recognized as one of the afflicted models (if your keyboard isn’t working, it probably is) then all you have to do is take your laptop to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple Retail Store, or Apple Repair Center, and they’ll handle your MacBook or MacBook Pro keyboard replacement.
It’s worth noting, however, that Apple created this service program after three class-action lawsuits. There were a lot of users with a Mac keyboard not working, and if they hadn’t taken action this fix would cost hundreds of dollars.
Part of the problem is that it isn’t simply a matter of replacing a single key on the butterfly keyboard — the entire MacBook keyboard has to be replaced, making it a fairly significant repair job. It can take up to five days before the shop is able to get the right parts and make the replacement.
Remember: Before taking your computer into the shop, always back up its most important data — even if you have to use a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to get it done.
MacBook or MacBook Pro trackpad not working?
The MacBook trackpad is one of the best on the market. Responsive and precise, it’s a dream to work with… at least, when it’s working correctly.
If you find your MacBook trackpad not working, there are a few steps you can take.
1. Turn it off and on again
It’s true that restarting something is an ongoing joke most of the time, but it’s also great advice. Try rebooting your MacBook and see if that clears up the issue.
While you’re at it, close the lid when you shut your laptop down as well. For some reason many Mac users have reported this solves their MacBook trackpad not working issue.
2. Disable the Force Click option
In some cases, if your MacBook Pro trackpad isn’t working, you can try to disable Force Click to fix the issue:
- Open System Preferences in your Applications folder
- Click Trackpad
- Navigate to the Point & Click tab
- Uncheck the Force Click option
Note: This fix will only work for MacBooks with 3D Touch, but it’s relatively easy to do and worth a shot.
3. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
A lot of bugs and performance issues can be solved by resetting your Mac’s System Management Controller. There are two ways of doing so. For Macs with a non-removable battery:
- Shut down your MacBook
- Plug in your MagSafe adapter
- Press and hold down: Shift, Control, Option, and the power button
- If your MagSage adapter changes color, you’ve reset the SMC
Macbook Pro Keyboard Repair
If your MacBook has a removable battery:
- Shut down the laptop
- Remove your battery and MagSage adapter
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds
This simple reboot can take care of many of your Mac’s problems. It’ll reset some options like the time it takes for your MacBook to go to sleep when left idle, but it won’t change any truly important settings.
MacBook Pro keyboard and trackpad not working?
If both your MacBook keyboard and trackpad aren’t working, then there are a few possible problems that might be causing the issue: hardware and software. Here are a few more tips to test before taking your MacBook into an Authorized Apple Service Provider.
1. Delete .plist files
It’s possible that somewhere along the line your software settings have changed and contributed to keyboard and trackpad malfunction. Try setting them back to their factory defaults by deleting your .plist (or “property list”) files.
- Back up your computer with the Time Machine fist
- Open Finder
- Press ⌘ + Shift + G
- Enter ~/Library/Preferences/ into the new bar and hit Go
- Find and highlight these files:
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.trackpad.plist
com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoothMultitouch.mouse.plist
com.apple.driver.AppleHIDMouse.plist
com.apple.AppleMultitouchTrackpad.plist
com.apple.preference.trackpad.plist
- Delete them and reboot your Mac
2. Reset PRAM
Getting your Parameter RAM back to zero is a useful way of removing prescient glitches from your system:
- Shut down your MacBook
- Reboot, but while the computer is booting press and hold ⌘ + Option + P + R until the gray screen appears
- Release the keys after you hear the reboot sound
3. Restore your Mac to an earlier version
If your keyboard or trackpad issues have just started, it’s possible that a recent change in software or settings has caused the problem. To fix it, just roll back your Mac a few saved backups:
- Restart your Mac
- While the system is rebooting, open the Recovery Tool by pressing ⌘ + R
- Choose Restore from the Time Machine backup
- Proceed according to instructions
How to prevent software issues on your Mac
Truth is not every issue with your MacBook is a hardware problem. Sometimes software conflicts can arise and create irritating, persistent issues that you don’t know how to resolve. So instead of trying to figure out what’s going wrong with your Mac, get CleanMyMac X to do it for you.
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- Open CleanMyMac X
- Navigate to Malware Removal in the sidebar
- Click Scan and delete anything suspicious if found
Of course, the best treatment for your Mac overall is prevention — using thoughtful analysis to see premonitions. For that, just download iStat Menus and you’ll be able to monitor your Mac’s performance in real time effortlessly.
iStat Menus shows you exactly when your computer starts slowing down. Designed to sit in your menu bar and give you detailed rundowns at a glance, this optimization utility is bar none when it comes to knowing what’s happening with your machine.
Best of all, both CleanMyMac X and iStat Menus are available for a free seven-day trial from Setapp, a platform with over 150 Mac apps that make your digital life a breeze, from creating backups to working with documents to managing your finances. And if CleanMyMac X has just helped you avoid a MacBook Pro keyboard replacement, why not try it out?
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Macbook Pro Keyboard Connector
In the following guide I explain how to disassemble a MacBook Pro 15″ (Mid 2010) in order to remove and replace the keyboard.
In my case something sticky was spilled on the keyboard and it stopped working completely. In fact, the laptop didn’t even start with the damaged keyboard connected to the motherboard.
I confirmed that this is just a failed keyboard by turning it on using the power-on pads.
The keyboard is attached to the internal side of the top cover assembly. In order to remove and replace the keyboard the entire MacBook Pro (MBP) has to be disassembled.
You can find the year of your MBP by running the serial number on Apple website.
The serial number can be located on the bottom case or memory slot.
For this repair you’ll need the following tools:
– T-6 torx screwdriver.
– PH000 Phillips screwdriver.
– 1.5 mm slotted screwdriver ( I used it for removing battery screws).
– T-6 torx screwdriver.
– PH000 Phillips screwdriver.
– 1.5 mm slotted screwdriver ( I used it for removing battery screws).
MBP has a very small screws. I recommend using only high quality precision screwdrivers. I prefer Wiha screwdrivers.
Before you start the disassembly process make sure the computer is turned off.
Also, keep track of all screws (they are all different). Make notes, pictures, etc… This will make your life much easier during the reassembly process.
STEP 1.
Remove ten screws securing the bottom cover.
STEP 2.
Separate the bottom cover and remove it.
Under the bottom cover you can access the following internal MBP components:
– Memory modules.
– Optical drive.
– Cooling fans.
– Hard drive.
– Notebook battery.
– Motherboard aka logic board.
– Memory modules.
– Optical drive.
– Cooling fans.
– Hard drive.
– Notebook battery.
– Motherboard aka logic board.
STEP 3.
The battery is secured by three special screws (tri-wing screws). I was able to remove them using a small 1.5mm slotted screwdriver without any problem.
Be careful, using a wrong screwdriver can easily strip the screw.
STEP 4.
Lift up the battery and unplug the battery cable from the motherboard.
Remove the battery.
STEP 5.
Unscrew two screws securing the hard drive mounting bracket.
STEP 6.
Lift up and remove the hard drive bracket.
STEP 7.
Carefully lift up the hard drive and disconnect the hard drive cable.
Remove the hard drive.
STEP 8.
Remove both memory modules.
Spread latches on both sides of the memory slot. The top memory module with pop up at a 30 degree angle. Pull the top memory module from the slot.
After that pull the bottom memory module.
STEP 9.
Remove six screws securing the cooling fans (three screws per one fan).
STEP 10.
Disconnect both fan cables from the motherboard.
STEP 11.
Remove both cooling fans.
STEP 12.
Remove two screws securing the keyboard and trackpad connectors shield.
Remove the shield.
STEP 13.
Disconnect 10 cables from the motherboard.
Be very careful with connectors 6 and 8. I’ll explain how to unlock different types of connectors in the following pictures.
Unplug the video cable (connector 10).
Here’s how to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable (connector 6).
Carefully lift up the left side of the connector retainer with a small screwdriver.
The retainer will open up at a 90 degree angle.
Now you can pull the keyboard backlight cable from the connector.
Remove the keyboard cable (connector 8) the same way.
First, lift up the connector retainer.
After that pull the keyboard cable from the connector.
Lift up and disconnect the speaker cable (connector 4).
Lift up and disconnect the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly connector. Unlock connectors 1,3,5,7,9 the same way.
Unplug the camera cable form the connector on the motherboard.
STEP 14.
Remove nine screws securing the motherboard and MagSafe board.
STEP 15.
Start removing the motherboard from the left side.
Lift up the left side and work the right side of the motherboard out of the notebook case.
Note: you can leave the MagSafe board connected to the notebook case but in this case you’ll have to unplug it from the motherboard.
I found it easier to remove the motherboard with the MagSafe board attached.
STEP 16.
Remove the motherboard.
STEP 17.
Remove two screws securing the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly.
STEP 18.
Move the the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly aside.
STEP 19.
Remove three screws securing the optical drive.
STEP 20.
Lift up and remove the optical drive.
STEP 21.
Remove two screws securing the mounting bracket.
STEP 22.
Remove the mounting bracket.
STEP 23.
The keyboard almost ready for the removal and replacement.
Carefully separate the trackpad cable from the keyboard assembly.
STEP 24.
Now you can start separating the keyboard backlight from the keyboard.
The backlight has a few layers. Do not separate them from each other.
Be careful if you plan to use the backlight with a new keyboard.
I purchased a new keyboard WITH backlight so I didn’t care much about the original backlight.
STEP 25.
Remove the keyboard backlight.
STEP 26.
Now remove about 70 very small screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 27.
Remove two screws securing the display cable mounting bracket.
STEP 28.
Lift up and remove the bracket.
STEP 29.
Remove two screws securing the power button.
NOTE: the power button is permanently attached to the keyboard. It’s part of the keyboard.
STEP 30.
Start removing the keyboard.
STEP 31.
While removing the keyboard pay attention to the power button.
There is a metal ring (spring) located under the power button. Do not lose it. Do not forget to install this spring back in place under the new power button.
After the old damaged/failed keyboard removed you can install a new keyboard.
New keyboards available on eBay.
Install a new (or old) backlight on the keyboard and assemble the laptop following all steps in the opposite direction.
By the way, If you have damaged keys it might be not necessary to replace the entire keyboard. In some cases it’s possible to fix individual keyboard keys.
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