Recent models of the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and the 2022 MacBook Air - have been plagued with keyboard problems since 2022 (MacBook) and 2022 (MacBook Pro). While the main complaint almost the Mac laptops relates to the keyboard, in that location are too other issues which we expect at in another story (run across: MacBook Problems, Production Recalls and Repair Programs).

Note: Apple introduced a new keyboard to the 16in MacBook Pro in November 2022 (reviewed here) which rectifies the trouble with the keyboard discussed in this article. This new keyboard so came to the 13in MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in the offset half of 2022. The new keyboard is based on the Magic Keyboard that ships with the iMac. It uses a scissor switch mechanism every bit opposed to the faulty butterfly-mechanism used in the existing MacBook keyboards. Nosotros prefer the new keyboard: the keys have more travel for a ameliorate typing experience, they are too quieter.

What is the trouble with the MacBook keyboard?

The most publicised problem with Apple laptops is an issue where the keys end working on the MacBook and MacBook Pro, and more recently the MacBook Air. This issue is so widespread that a petition calling for Apple tree to supervene upon the keyboard in "every MacBook Pro since tardily 2022" has been signed by more 36,939 people (yous can sign here) and iii class action lawsuits (details beneath) have been filed confronting the company over the keyboard failings. More than on the lawsuits and petition below.

At the end of June 2022 Apple admitted that there was a problem with the keyboard blueprint on certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models and offered free repairs to customers who had been afflicted. Read more than about the Keyboard Service Program here, or how to observe out if your Mac qualifies below.

It seemed that Apple has been trying to ready the problem. First it tried to address the issue with the keyboard design when information technology introduced a new MacBook Pro in July 2022 (read our 13in MacBook Pro review). Although the visitor didn't say that the changes related to that particular issue, when iFixIt did their teardown of the 2022 MacBook Pro they noticed that Apple tree has cocooned the butterfly switches in a thin, silicone barrier. iFixIt believed was intended to prevent dust and crumbs from getting stuck - the root of the issues with the keyboards.

Nevertheless, these measures were not enough to stop the problem from occurring, with complaints actualization in forums and websites claiming that even this tertiary generation butterfly keyboard is afflicted by the consequence.

Then when Apple introduced the MacBook Air in October 2022 it was hoped that the keyboard consequence would have been addressed, and all the same complaints soon appeared relating to that laptop'southward keyboard too.

When the visitor revealed new MacBook Pro models in May 2022 it revealed that in that location were further changes to the butterfly keyboard mechanism that should help forestall the problems - which sounds promising - but Apple as well extended its keyboard repair plan to include 2022 and whatsoever 2022 MacBook Pro models that experience the problem despite these changes.

Now it seems that Apple has given up on the butterfly keyboard pattern altogether. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, speaking in July 2022, a new keyboard design volition be rolled out that returns to the scissor switch design Apple used for its keyboards prior to the 2022 introduction of the butterfly switches. The scissor switch keyboards had been pop in the past, simply they are slightly thicker and you tin await longer key travel.

The first of these new MacBook Pro models arrived in November 2022. The 16in MacBook Pro keyboard is a definite improvement on recent generations of MacBook Pro. Information technology's comfortable to type on, offers deaper key travel and banishes the problematic butterfly-mechanism design (the only benefit of which appears to have been a slimmer form factor).

New keyboard on MacBook Pro

Read more: MacBook buying guide | All-time MacBook deals UK | Buy MacBook Pro

What causes the MacBook keyboard problem?

Since Apple tree introduced the butterfly mechanism keyboard with the MacBook in 2022, and the MacBook Pro in 2022, a number of users have reported problems with keys repeating or not working.

Usually users are finding that a particular MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air) keyboard key has stopped working. In the worst case scenarios, users accept plant that the spacebar or shift central have stopped working.

The trouble appears to exist that if a spec of grit gets underneath a cardinal it can finish the central from depressing all the way - and that can stop the key from registering.

MacBook Pro not working: How to fix keyboard problems

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that it's not possible to remove that single key and clean the dust away, the whole keyboard needs to be replaced, which could be a plush job.

At the stop of June 2022 Apple admitted that at that place is a problem and began offering free repairs to customers who have been affected.

The problem appears to exist related to the 'butterfly' machinery (used on the MacBook since 2022 and MacBook Pro since 2022). The 'butterfly' machinery distributes the pressure on a key more evenly than the traditional 'scissor' mechanism. More than crucially, at least in terms of blueprint, the butterfly-style keys hateful that the keyboard tin be flatter, and the MacBook itself thinner.

Which Macs are afflicted past the keyboard issue

Apple lists the following affected laptops on its website:

  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2022)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early on 2022)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2022)
  • MacBook Air (Retina, xiii-inch, 2022) (added to programme in May 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (thirteen­-inch, 2022, Ii Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2022, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (xiii-­inch, 2022, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2022, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (xv-­inch, 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (fifteen-­inch, 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (xiii-inch, 2022, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) (added to program in May 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2022) (added to program in May 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2022, Iv Thunderbolt 3 Ports) (added to programme in May 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (xv-­inch, 2022) (added to programme in May 2022)
  • MacBook Pro (thirteen-­inch, 2022) (added to plan in July 2022)

That list at present includes the newer models - including the models that Apple introduced in May and July 2022. Apple emphasises that "No other Mac notebook models are part of this program."

It is probable that you are being afflicted by the issue if i or more keys have stopped working on your 2022 or later MacBook, or 2022 or later MacBook Pro, or 2022 MacBook Air.

There have been other issues with the MacBook Pro keyboard that seem to be unrelated to the upshot beingness addressed by the class action lawsuit. For example, some users have reported issues with keys making a high-pitched clicking racket when pressed. That problem seem to occur when the MacBooks get hot, but some users have reported having issues at any temperature.

MacBook keyboard

How to get a MacBook keyboard replaced by Apple

If your Mac laptop is one of those noted above and y'all are having issues with your keyboard, Apple says that you should contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider, make an appointment at an Apple tree Retail Store, or ship your Mac to an Apple Repair Centre.

We have more than data about how to become your Mac repaired here.

Your machine will be examined by Apple tree to verify that information technology is eligible for the repair program. As long as information technology is one of the machines mentioned in a higher place y'all should be able to go the repair done for free.

Beware, if there are existing issues with your Mac - fifty-fifty if they are unrelated to the keyboard problem - Apple tree may determine that these besides need rectifying - and may charge you for this.

The company also recommends that yous backup before sending your Mac off to be fixed.

Some people have already spent money getting their MacBook keyboard replaced. If you take already paid for repairs Apple says it volition reimburse you lot - you will need to contact them via this webpage.

The programme will cover eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro models for four years subsequently the start retail sale of the unit of measurement. This means that the earliest MacBook models that qualify (from 2022) are no longer exist covered. Unfortunately Apple is non extending the program beyond the "four years after the first retail auction of the unit".

Every bit of May 2022, the company has announced that it will exist speeding up the process by which faulty keyboards are replaced.

Prior to Apple announcing the repair program, users had reported that being a lilliputian heavy-handed when typing, or even hammering the faulty primal many times with your finger, could cure the upshot.

Apple itself previously recommended using compressed air to blow the grit from nether the affected fundamental (as per this back up document).

The problem is that if the repairs suggested were unsuccessful, information technology was impossible to remove the dust without removing the entire keyboard. It is not possible to take private keys out to clean the keyboard as it used to exist with older models. And it'southward non merely the keyboard that must be removed simply also the battery, frame and ports - a repair that can merely be performed past an Apple service professional.

Wondering what a MacBook keyboard replacement can toll? Reports betoken that the repair could run to $700 (£521) or more, if the warranty has expired. Here'due south how to book an engagement at an Apple Shop if y'all need to.

It isn't surprising that some of those affected by unresponsive MacBook keys are calling for Apple tree to recognise the issue (which appears to be related to the keyboard blueprint) and remember the afflicted machines.

If your MacBook isn't one of the ones affected by the butterfly keyboard machinery, you may exist able to set up it yourself, read: How to fix a Mac. We as well have guides to how to set a broken Mac keyboard and how to make clean a Mac keyboard here.

MacBooks

What is Apple doing to address the keyboard trouble?

Other than offering costless repairs the visitor has been looking for means to accost the outcome in futurity keyboard design. The visitor has filed a keyboard related patent that outlines ways to stop spilt fluid, crumbs and dust from blocking key move and dissentious the circuitry, for instance.

However, information technology seems that Apple has now given up on the butterfly keyboard design and volition exist returning to the older scissor mechanism blueprint that predated the 2022 introduction of the troubled keyboards.

Lawsuits & Petitions

Prior to Apple tree's admission of the trouble, three form action lawsuits relating to the keyboard issues accept been filed against Apple tree. The first lawsuit was filed in May 2022 on behalf of two people who'south MacBook Pro keyboards stopped working. In the second lawsuit, three plaintiffs allege that the butterfly mechanism used for keyboards in the MacBook since 2022 and the MacBook Pro line since 2022 are "prone to failure".

1 plaintif, Remy Turner claimed that he experienced problems with a sticky spacebar. Another plaintiff, Christopher Martin reported problems with his infinite bar sticking and since his warranty had expired, he would have been required to pay for the repair, according to AppleInsider.

The lawsuits followed a petition which now has more than than 36,561 signatures (as of 21 May 2022).

The petition suggests that Apple tree should "recall every MacBook Pro released since Belatedly 2022, and supercede the keyboards on all of them with new, redesigned keyboards that just work."

"Every one of Apple's electric current-gen MacBook Pro models, 13in and 15in, is sold with a keyboard that tin can become lacking at any moment due to a design failure," claims Taylor.

Read more: Inside the new MacBook Pro.