Can I repair a broken MacBook keyboard myself?

First, check to see if your model is eligible for the keyboard repair program.

For some MacBook models, Apple offers free keyboard repair. For example, MacBooks, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro released between 2016 and 2019.

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro | Apple

If your MacBook is covered by the repair program, it is eligible for free repair within "four years from the original retail sale date" regardless of the warranty period, so don't try to repair it yourself.

Reasons why it is difficult to repair your MacBook keyboard yourself

Current MacBook keyboards are specially processed.

In the PowerBook era, the keyboard of Apple's notebook PCs could be easily removed by yourself, but after the MacBook series became unibody, the keyboard is integrated with the body chassis of the main unit, making it very difficult to repair by yourself.

Depending on the model, the sheet of the keyboard is simply fastened to the body with plastic or other material, and once removed, the keyboard can never be used again.

Repair parts are not sold.

Parts for Apple products, not just MacBooks, are not distributed in the market. Therefore, it is difficult to find a replacement keyboard for repair.

Genuine keyboards distributed at auctions are divided into the following two categories

1. fakes
2. taken apart and removed from a genuine MacBook

There is no guarantee that either of them will work properly.

Furthermore, since MacBook keyboards are integrated with the main unit, you will have to purchase not only the keyboard itself but also the main unit chassis, which tends to be expensive to purchase.

Almost everything comes apart before you can access the keyboard.

MacBooks after unibody conversion have the keyboard installed from inside the chassis. This means that even if you want to replace the keyboard, you need to remove almost all internal parts to access the keyboard.

Since Apple products are designed for beauty, even down to the internal layout design, disassembly itself may be possible, but in the process of disassembly, you may damage another normally working part or lose a screw, which can cause problems.

It is best to have your MacBook keyboard repaired by an official and authorized Apple service.

If you want to repair your MacBook keyboard, do not do it yourself, but have it repaired by an Apple Official/Authorized Service.

There are three types of official and authorized Apple repair services.

1. an Apple Store (Genius Bar)
2. Apple Authorized Service Provider
3. Apple Repair Center

If you have an Apple Store nearby, Genius Bar is the best choice. If you don't have an Apple Store, you can ask an Apple Authorized Service Provider such as Bic Camera if they have a store nearby. The level of service is basically the same.

If there is no Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider nearby, you will need to contact Apple and have it repaired at an Apple Repair Center.

Mac Repair & Service | Apple

What if the cost to repair my MacBook is too high?

When you get an estimate for repair at Apple's Genius Bar, you may find that the cost of repair is "enough to buy a used MacBook" because the problem is not only with the keyboard but also with other parts of the MacBook.

In such a case, it is good to buy a new MacBook, but using an external keyboard on the broken MacBook is also an option.

It may be less convenient to use because it does not have the same integrated feel as the MacBook keyboard, but you can take this opportunity to switch to a keyboard that specializes in input performance, such as a mechanical keyboard.

The price for MacBook keyboard repair seems to be $100 to $300, but you can buy a high-end keyboard for as little as $150.