How to remove and fix Apple Magic Keyboard keys

I found almost no good explanation of exactly how a Magic Keyboard'a (A1843) keys should be taken off and put on. After damaging a few and fixing them, here's how I learned to do it.

[JimPryde]

I almost threw mine into the trash, as I was trying to get a grad school paper done at a deadline and the "s" stopped working. I found this video, and boom. You are a lifesaver!

[emanueled_]

Super useful guide! Thanks
Be aware that the lower right key (the right arrow) is basically upside-down, the key is the same as the left arrow but Apple, in order to save in production cost, turned it upside down. So basically for this key the procedure has to be done from the upper part of the key and then sliding the key upwards.

[jennfreeman]

I was one of those who did the escape key the wrong way the first time and could not get it to pop back top again after putting it back on. came looking for help and your video helped perfectly! my esc key is all better so thank

[Philipfitzgiven]

OMG! Finally, I had seen like 5 videos explaining how to "slide it in" but none acknowledged what can happen to the top hooks (if trying to insert them in incorrectly). I just fixed the top hooks by force and now I was able to fix it! THANK YOU

[dessincarnet]

Thank you, this worked perfectly on the A1843! A cautionary tale, our butter knives were too thick so I tried removal of a worn key using a precision screwdriver: bad idea - it worked but scarred the aluminum casing. Next I tried a plastic knife (the picnic kind) which also wasn't fine enough, then a fine-bladed cheese spreading knife - too wide. I finally remembered I had an old shop gap guage and selected a just-right blade that worked perfectly. The left/right wiggle move saved the day. Also, each removed key turned up a nasty mix of dusty stuff wedged in the cut-outs in the casing. I got those out with Q-tips and compressed air. I only wish I had the patience to clean every key - but I'm sure I'd break more trying to fix it. Good video and thanks for the tip!

[FromDesertTown]

You, sir, just saved me $100, AND taught me how to avoid paying $100 over and over again in the future!
One billion likes.

[maxmurphy]

Worked like a charm, thank you! Bought a refurbished magic keyboard on Amazon, thought I was going to have to return it with the "o" key not going down correctly. Used this method and now good as new!

[Tcideneb]

This is a really helpful explanation, and I now have my keyboard back after spilling orange juice on it! I found the can opener on my Swiss Army pen knife provided the range of leaver widths necessary to do the job, along with 98% isopropyl spray. Thanks again!👍

[jjstakh]

Excellent explanation of how to reinsert the key and what could happen to the little tabs if you push straight down (as another video said to do). Because I got bad info, I had to "reform" those tabs. Fortunately this video explained that, I was able to reform them, salvage the key, and got it back in correctly.

[curtmcpherson]

Thank you! I just pried up a little bit on the bottom of both keys I was having trouble with, blew some air from my mouth, and both keys now work. I have the a1843 apple keyboard, and did not have to take the keys off.

[createdbypierce]

I tried it the first way and I thought I had damaged it. Thank you for this tutorial, you fixed my problem!

[gckw]

Thanks for the tips. Especially the sliding the key out and in. Makes my day. I also used a tooth crevice brush with rubbing alcohol to clean instead of cotton wool stick.

[darkplatina]

Thank you! Worked wonderfully. M key was getting stuck on my keyboard, so I took it out using this guide and cleaned it out, put it back on with no issues and now everything works fine! I also used a gift card instead of a butter knife because that's what I had on hand.

[alcalamusic]

Thank you so much! bought a Touch ID keyboard off eBay for a great price. The I and command buttons were very mushy though. Just tried your technique and its working like new

[samboy]

Thank you so much! There was just one key that wouldn't work properly and it was driving me nuts! I was considering buying a new keyboard! But your instructions on how to safely remove keys was perfect

[staticklingon]

Yes, I was here because I popped it back on and it wouldn’t work. I actually damaged one of my keys but knowing how they go back on, I was able to fix it! Thanks!

[titancanada]

Worked perfectly. Y had popped out! Luckily watched your video before doing anything. Thx again! Best wishes!

[Dercudez]

Thank you so much ! You saved me a trip to the Apple Store 😂

[jamesswenson]

Are you using the iKnife or will any butter knife work?

[meyer.adventures]

Super helpful. My "T" key has been working intermittently for a year. Would always work if I pushed down all the way but not as responsive as all the others. Thanks for the video. Did it right the first time and it was an easy clean. Works like a champ now! see? :)