Changing Mac’s keyboard can be tricky but necessary. If the peripheral is not functioning properly, you will struggle to use the device.
It is also worthwhile to identify the root of the problem. Perhaps you were careless, and too much food or other particles are inside the keyboard.
Or maybe you failed to set up the parental control iMac, MacBook, and other computers offer, which means that your kids messed up with the computer’s settings in a way that the keyboard struggles to work.
Thankfully, the process is straightforward to do yourself. In this article, we’ll take you through all the steps needed to change your keyboard in no time.
Before we start, make sure that you have the right replacement keyboard for your MacBook Pro model.
Different models may require different keyboards. You should be able to find the correct replacement on Apple’s website or from an authorized reseller. With that out of the way, let’s jump in and get started.
Preparing Your Workstation
Before you begin, ensure that your workstation is clean and clear of any obstructions like dirt or dust particles, which could affect the performance of the new keyboard.
Check if you also have the necessary tools at hand, including a screwdriver and a pair of tweezers.
Removing The Bottom Cover
To open your laptop up and get access to its internals, locate all eleven screws holding down the bottom panel of your computer (they are often located along each corner).
Unscrew them using a Philips screwdriver and carefully remove the panel from its place by lifting it off with both hands.
Unplugging The Keyboard Cable
Once removed, locate a thin flat cable connecting your current keyboard to its main board.
Unplug it carefully by pulling it straight up with tweezers or simply by grabbing it with both hands and gently pulling it off its slot.
Removing The Old Keyboard
To remove your old keyboard, unscrew any remaining screws securing it in place before taking out any plastic clips underneath it if necessary (usually found on older models).
Gently pull away from its location until all edges come loose before propping out the entire thing with one hand while keeping an eye out for any additional plastic pieces connected underneath it that need to be removed too.
Cleaning Out Any Residual Dust & Debris
Before putting the fresh keyboard in, use canned air or another cleaning agent to blow away the dust and debris inside your laptop’s casing, as this could potentially damage internal components if left unchecked over time.
Take extra precaution when blowing out around sensitive parts like ports or fans as too much force could easily knock them loose from their position as well!
Inserting The New Keyboard Into Place
Now comes the step to installing your new keyboard. Line up all four sides evenly before pushing firmly down on each corner until they snap into place securely against their respective slots (this will usually require some extra force, depending on how tight-fitting they are).
Finally, plug it back in its accompanying cable just like you did earlier with your old one before replacing the pieces you may have had to remove beforehand as well.
Securing It Into Place
Once settled into position, secure all the screws onto their original locations so that the keyboard and other computer components stay firmly in place during use.
Make sure not to overtighten these, though, as doing so may cause irreparable damage, especially if done repeatedly over extended periods.
Reattaching The Bottom Cover
Now that everything is securely held together internally again, reattach the bottom cover by lining up each corner first before placing them back into their slots and screwing them down with your screwdriver.
Testing Out Your Keyboard
After all that work, it’s time to confirm that things are working as intended. Power up the Mac and test out each key individually to ensure that they are functioning properly before closing up the shop.
If not, then you may need to take a closer look at where exactly the issue lies before continuing any further.
Enjoying The New Keyboard
Congratulations. You’ve successfully changed your keyboard in record time.
Now you can sit back and enjoy typing away on your newly installed keyboard, knowing how much effort you saved yourself by doing this upgrade all on your own.
