How To Fix A Broken Key On A Laptop? – Ultimate Guide 2021

how to fix a broken key on a laptop

HOW TO FIX A BROKEN KEY ON A LAPTOP?

Are you struggling with a broken key on your laptop? Or perhaps while typing your keyboard suddenly becomes unresponsive. If you are facing such issues you have come to the right place. In this article, I am going to reveal all details regarding how to fix a broken key on a laptop with minimum efforts.

One broken or unresponsive key on a keyboard can decrease typing productivity and wastes time. Onscreen keyboards are available in laptops but it’s not a long term solution. So, fixing such keys is a better option. Let’s begin to fix a broken key on a laptop.

NOTE: Check the numlock (num lk key is present at the extreme top of keyboard console) key before fixing and turn it off immediately otherwise it can make some keys pointless.

TRAVERSING THE KEYS:

Before starting the actual fixing process, knowing your keyboard completely inside out is a better practice so, I am going to tell you some fundamental components of a laptop’s keyboard. 

If you have a closer look, you’ll come to know that a laptop key has three significant parts. The first one is KEYCAP that is visible to you. When you pluck the key top, an edge conveying a keycap appears that is commonly called KEY CARRIAGE. After that, there is a KEYPAD at the bottom. This part acts as a middle layer that is sticking the other two parts together.

INFORMATIONAL GUIDE ON HOW TO FIX A BROKEN KEY ON A LAPTOP:

To fix broken key on your laptop follow the following instructions carefully:

STEP # 1:

SETTING THE EQUIPMENT:

First of all, gather all tools and instruments that are necessary to fix a messed up key on a laptop properly. Sometimes a key cannot function properly because something is stuck inside which you have to expel. To remove some sort of residue from within the keyboard’s console, you’ll be in need of something that discharges all the pressure inside that broken key.

Don’t worry! Any high-end equipment is not needed. I am listing down some tools that you can easily find at your home to fix a broken key on a laptop.

  • Cotton Bud
  • A Butter knife
  • Toothpick
  • Tweezers
  • A small bowl

Gather all the stuff and before moving on to step number 2 get some knowledge of safety precautions.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

When fixing a broken key on a laptop, your laptop’s keyboard should be handled carefully. Fixing a key isn’t a risky assignment, yet safety matters. Follow these steps:

  • First of all, unplug your laptop if it is associated with a charger. Don’t forget to remove the adapter while fixing because a butter knife will be used, and it’s metal so to avoid any damages make sure to follow this precautionary measure.
  • Also, turn off your laptop, and after shutting down wait for a few minutes so that it gets cool.
  • Choose a flat area so you can easily place and fix your keyboard.
  • Search for a secure indoor place with good lighting and clear visibility for clear viewing.

STEP # 2:

CLEAN A BROKEN KEY USING A COTTON BUD:

Gently clean the area around the messed up key with a cotton bud. For proper cleaning, move your hands in square movement and ensure it is properly cleaned.

If grime or dirt is sticking outside the key, use a little bit of water. Just dip a cotton bud in an accurate amount of water to wet Q-tip and clean the key properly. After completion, your laptop key will shine enough.

STEP # 3:

CLEAN A BROKEN KEY USING A TOOTHPICK:

After outside cleaning, move a little underneath the keys. For this purpose, toothpick can serve well. Its sharp tip can safely reach sides of the key and can remove extra residue. Move the tip gently across the edges of the key and clean it properly.

STEP # 4:

REMOVING A KEY USING A BUTTER KNIFE:

Put up the butter knife and carefully use a 45˚ edge stunt. Don’t worry the trick is quite simple. You just have to hold the knife straight on the corner of the key and rotate it at an angle of 45 degrees. Most appropriate is to use the left corner to pluck out the key. This method is safe and it can pull off the key without disturbing neighboring keys.  

HINT: Do this trick with care, because culling the wrong way can break a plastic key.

TIP: At this stage make an observation. Look beneath the key and check if the key carriage is tilted or at an appropriate place. If so, then fix it manually with care and check if the key gets fixed. If the key is responsive you have successfully fixed it. If this is not your case, then move to step number 5.

STEP # 5:

REMOVE INTERNAL KEY PARTS FOR CLEANING:

Now, to fix a broken key on a laptop, remove the carriage and keypad with legitimate care. Now, securely place them in a bowl till you get cleaning done. As you have already removed the broken key so space is all empty. Clean it smoothly with a cotton bud and ensure there is no dust remaining. Also, if the carriage is dirty or clingy clean it too. Not forget to handle these parts with extra care.

BONUS TIP: For cleaning purposes, you can also use cleaning gel or cleaning solutions. These solutions also bring luster and clear properly. Just apply a little bit on a cotton bud and clean mildly.

STEP # 7:

SETTING UP THE KEY:

Now, excitedly we have moved to the last step that is setting up the key back in an empty slot. Place the key carriage back into an empty space and then place keypad at its center. Ensure that the key carriage holds its place firmly and then place keycap on it. Press the key cape gently with care without applying much pressure so that it sets back to place. Finally, counter check that key top is fitted properly and doesn’t slip easily.

After assembling, switch on your computer and check whether the broken key is responsive or not.  

TIP: If above mentioned method doesn’t work, then spare some money and purchase a whole set of new keys. After that, set them up one by one.

Hopefully this method will work to fix a broken key on a laptop. Let us know in the comment section if this method worked for you. For further queries feel free to ask us anytime.

Leave a Comment