Apple repairs MacBooks and MacBook Pros with a defective keyboard free of charge. Do the keys on your MacBook feel sticky or do they no longer work? This way you check whether your Mac can get a free keyboard repair.
Apple offers free MacBook keyboard repair
In recent years, MacBook keyboards have become a persistent problem. Because dust, dirt or crumbs get between the keys, this results in a defective keyboard for many users.
Since the problem persists with MacBooks from 2015 onwards, Apple decided in 2018 to set up a special repair program for MacBook keyboards. This means that the company will repair your keyboard free of charge, or replace it if it is broken.
Apple states that there is a defect in the keyboard if letters or characters are unexpectedly repeated when you use them, these letters or characters do not appear, or the keys feel ‘sticky’ or do not always respond the same. If your Mac shows such symptoms, you may be able to have it repaired or replaced for free.
These MacBook models are all eligible for a free repair:
- MacBook 12 inch Retina (2015, 2016 or 2017)
- MacBook Pro 13 inch with two Thunderbolt 3 ports (2016 and 2017)
- MacBook Pro 13 inch with four Thunderbolt 3 ports (2016 and 2017)
- MacBook Pro 15 inch (2016 and 2017)
For now, newer MacBooks such as the MacBook Air 2018 and MacBook Pro 2018 are not yet part of the free repair program. These models have an extra layer over the so-called Butterfly keyboard, which should protect against dirt, dust and crumbs.
This way you can check which Mac model you have
It is wise to check for yourself whether your Mac is eligible. You do this as follows.
- Press the Apple icon at the top right;
- Select ‘About This Mac’ from this menu;
- Here is exactly what model MacBook you have. Check if it is in the list above.
If so, you can contact Apple to schedule a repair. It is possible to knock at an Apple Store as well as an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Through the Apple website you will find more information about the repair and where exactly you can go. You can also schedule an appointment there.
Previously, the average waiting time was three to five working days. Meanwhile, Apple gives priority to keyboard repair and the company repairs within 24 hours. That means that you won’t have to spend days repairing your laptop to patch it up.
It’s a good idea to back up all your data before taking your MacBook in for repair. This way you can easily back up your Mac via Time Machine.
Read more helpful tips for your Mac
- Taking screenshots on your Mac (Book): this is how you do it (26-3)
- Make your Mac boot faster: this is how you disable startup programs (14-3)
- Which iMac do I have? This is how you check it in 3 steps (4-1)
- Finder crashes: this is how you close the application (3-1)
- macOS Big Sur: This is how you use the battery options (28-12-2020)