Skip to content

Mobile and web technologies

New technologies in everyday accessibility

  • Home
  • Mobile technologies
  • Web technologies
  • Contact
  • Home
  • 2022
  • June
  • 22
  • Sticky Key on Your MacBook Keyboard? Here’s How to Fix It

Sticky Key on Your MacBook Keyboard? Here’s How to Fix It

Posted on 22.06.2022By MobiletechNo Comments on Sticky Key on Your MacBook Keyboard? Here’s How to Fix It
Web technologies

Tired of the “I” key on your MacBook’s keyboard never pressing down because you spilled some sticky soda on it months ago? Unfortunately, you have sticky key syndrome — that’s when dust, crumbs or other gunk gets stuck under a key and keeps it from depressing easily. It’s annoying and keeps you from working as efficiently as you could. 

If your first instinct is to reach for a can of compressed air to clean underneath those keys, you’re on the right track. But you don’t want to just aim and shoot because you may miss some of the hidden debris or lodge it further under the key. 

Keep reading to learn a technique that works well and will help keep you from emptying a whole can of air for nothing. On the flipside, if you find there’s no gunk underneath, you may have a dead key, which is a bigger problem for you because Apple will have to replace the keys (which could take several days). Here’s how to find out.

MacBook Pro 2021

Keep your MacBook’s keys free of debris.


Dan Ackerman/CNET

How to clean your MacBook keyboard, step by step

1. Make sure the straw is securely attached

When you purchase a can of compressed air, it comes with a thin straw taped to the side of the can. Make sure you snap it into the nozzle before you begin, and make sure it’s a snug fit. If it falls out as you begin, you’ll need to reinsert it.

2. Turn off your laptop and unplug it from the power cord

Before you start spraying your keyboard with compressed air, make sure you’ve got the laptop powered off and unplugged. You don’t want to accidentally press buttons that could delete important documents or type in a bunch of random characters if you disturb the keys during cleaning. You also don’t want that cable getting in your way.

3. Turn your laptop upside down

To get rid of any loose debris or crumbs, turn your laptop upside down and lightly tap the bottom. That’ll mean less work the compressed air has to do.

37-apple-macbook-air-2018

Power off your MacBook before you start cleaning the keyboard.


Sarah Tew/CNET

4. Position your MacBook the correct way

Make sure you’re holding your MacBook at a 70-degree angle, rather than vertically. This is so the debris can fall out cleanly and away from your keyboard. The last thing you want to do is allow the gunk to fly under another key.

5. Start spraying

Continuously press down on the nozzle for an even stream and slowly spray the compressed air in a methodical zigzag pattern across your keyboard. Save the short bursts for spot-checking after you’ve done a thorough cleaning. Start with the top left key and stop at the last key on the bottom right so that you don’t miss a spot.

clean-macbook

Spray your keyboard from left to right in a zig-zag pattern.


Katie Teague/CNET

6. Place your MacBook on its left side

Using the same zigzag pattern, spray the keys again. This time, you’ll start at the fn (function) key.

7. Rotate your MacBook to its right side

Again, use the zigzag pattern to spray your keyboard with the compressed air. Start at the top-right key — this varies, depending on which MacBook model you’re using. It could be the power key or delete key.

8. Wipe up or vacuum away any remaining pieces

If you’ve got visible crumbs still hanging out on your keyboard, use a small vacuum tool to remove them. Once you’ve done that, give your keys a good wipe down with an electronic cleaning wipe. Ditto the floor or whatever surface the gunk has fallen onto.

macbook-keyboard-backlights

Never spray liquid on your MacBook’s keyboard.


Matt Elliott/CNET

What you shouldn’t do

Never spray liquid of any kind onto your keyboard. This can cause water damage and leave you with a worse situation than sticking keys. Instead, use a damp cotton swab to gently clean the keys or an electronic cleaning wipe.

If you’ve got a butterfly keyboard, don’t ruthlessly pry the keys off because it can cause damage to the butterfly clip mounts. Instead, place a thin flat tool underneath the edge of the key and gently lift up.

No luck? Visit your nearest Apple Store

If your keys still aren’t working after you’ve cleaned from every direction, there may be a much larger issue causing your keyboard to not work. Make an appointment to visit your nearest Apple Store to get your MacBook serviced by the Genius Bar. Apple employees can determine if the key needs to be replaced and can give you the estimated time it will take to do so. 

If you don’t live near an Apple Store, you can mail your MacBook to the Apple Repair Center. 

Want to know how to properly clean your other electronic devices? Check out how to clean your gross phone screen.

Post navigation

❮ Previous Post: Acer Chromebook 514 Review: Everyday Performance, All Day Long
Next Post: Apple’s Center Stage Camera Is Finally on All iPads, but It’s in the Wrong Place ❯

You may also like

Web technologies
Add a 24-inch desktop monitor to your home office for just $80
31.08.2022
Web technologies
This Epson All-in-One Wireless Printer Is Down to Just $70, Its Best Price Yet
14.06.2022
Web technologies
Most anticipated laptops of 2022 – Video
01.07.2022
Web technologies
Internet Crime Cost People More Than $6.9B in 2021, FBI Says
21.06.2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fresh Records

  • iPhone 15 Pro Preview: enter the era of USB-C
  • iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15: What to expect?
  • iPhone 15 vs iPhone 11: how do four years of iPhone evolution look like?
  • iPhone 15 vs iPhone 12: might be time for an upgrade
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Galaxy S21 Ultra: Can an aging Samsung flagship still be competitive?

Fresh Comments

No comments to show.

Archives

  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022

Headings

  • Mobile technologies
  • Web technologies

Copyright © 2023 Mobile and web technologies.

Theme: Oceanly News by ScriptsTown

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT