How to Fix a Jammed Keyboard Key

A quick and easy guide for crisp and clean keyboard keys

Last Updated: August 23, 2022 References

Just as you're typing the last words of your quarterly report, one of your keyboard keys starts sticking. Luckily, you have a few simple options available to clean out your keyboard. Sticky keys can happen because of dirt and debris in the keyboard, but they can also be a result of spilled drinks or other stickiness. The solutions below address both of these problems.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Shaking Out the Keyboard

1
Unplug the keyboard. If you have a laptop, turn it off.
2
Turn the keyboard upside-down. You can also hold it at an angle, as long as part of the keyboard is pointing towards the floor.

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3
Gently shake the keyboard. Let the crumbs shake out to the floor or table.
4
Brush away any extra crumbs. If there's trash on the keyboard, brush it away.
5
Check the keys again. See if they are working.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Blowing Out the Keyboard

1
Buy a can of compressed air. You can find it at almost any place that sells electronics.
2
Turn the computer off. If you have a desktop, unplug the keyboard from the computer.
3
Use the air to gently blow around and under the keys. Don't tilt the can, as it can pour out liquid.^{[1]
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4
Brush away any debris. If dirt or food is blown out, brush it away from the keyboard.
5
Try the keys again. See if the keys are unstuck.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Cleaning Sticky Keys

1
Wipe up any spills as they happen. If you spill a drink on your keyboard, unplug it and wipe it down.
2
Clean the keys with alcohol if the drink dries. Make sure the keyboard is unplugged first, or your laptop is powered down. If the spill is mostly on top of the keys, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the keys.^{[2]
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3
Rub the tops of the keys. Make sure they are free from stickiness.^{[3]
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4
Use the cotton swab to go around the edges. Going around the edges should help with sticky keys, as it releases the bottom part of the key from the keyboard.^{[4]
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5
Check to see if your keys are unstuck. Once the alcohol is dry, check your keys to see if they are better.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Removing Keys to Clean the Keypad

1
Gently pry up the jammed key. Use a screwdriver or other flat instrument to get under the key, and pull up slightly on one of the edges.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.} You can also use your nail.
- If you are working on a laptop (whether PC or Mac), the key is held in place by a flimsy plastic clip, which also serves as the spring. The keys are attached in slightly different ways on each type of keyboard, so removing them will be different on each type.^{[6]
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  Research source} If you're unsure if or how your laptop keys come off, consult your manual.^{[7]
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- Mechanical keyboards should not be fixed by prying at the keys. Most keyboards include a key puller that will remove individual key caps off of the keyboard.
- Don't remove all the keys at once, as you may have trouble remembering where they all go. Don't do more than a couple at one time.
2
Carefully wipe the inside of the button and the slot from which it was removed. Clear out any obstructions or crumbs that are jamming the key or the hinges underneath. You can use tweezers or toothpicks to help.^{[8]
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3
Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean off any sticky areas. Be sure not to have so much alcohol on the swab that it drips.^{[9]
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4
Let the key and keyboard fully dry. You don't want to leave any liquid underneath the keys, even rubbing alcohol.
5
Insert the keys back into their original places. Gently press the key down. It should snap back into place.^{[10]
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- If using a laptop, insert the clip into the position it originally held before you place the key back into its spot.
6
Check your keys. They should be unstuck now. If not, you may need to take it into someone who repairs computers.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Replacing a Broken Key

1
Pop off the key that isn't working properly. For example, if the 'A' key isn’t working, take it off. For methods of doing this, see How to Take Keys Off a Keyboard.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.}
2
Pop off a working key and place the working key into the problem key position. For example, place the working 'S' key into the 'A' key position. If the 'S' key works while in the A spot, this means that the problem is with the actual A key and not the membrane or mechanical switch.
3
Compare the problem key with the working key and look for inconsistencies. In some cases there's a ridge that fits into a slot, if the ridge has a bump in it, this can be fixed with a knife or scissors, run the sharp edge along the ridge back and forth to smooth out the ridge and try the key again.
4
Order replacement keys online or through manufacturer if necessary. Or, if that's not possible, another option is to find a very cheap, broken keyboard of the same model (i.e. auction site), where the keys are still in good condition. That way you can salvage keys from the cheap, broken keyboard to use in your working keyboard.

Community Q&A

Question

Does my keyboard need to be replaced if only one key isn't working correctly?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

Sometimes, the key is just dirty. Have you popped the key off to clean and restore it? If not, that may be worth a shot. If you have done that and the key still doesn't work, then you definitely need to replace the entire keyboard if you want to be able to use that key.
Question

How can I remove an item that is jammed into the keyboard without removing the key?

Community Answer

Get 2 things that are small and thin (Like 2 toothpicks or needles) and take the item out.
Question

Will WD-40 work and, if so, what are the suggested steps?

Community Answer

It doesn't work at all. Please don't use WD-40; it will damage your system. Try other products for it. In some cases, you have to tear down the system to repair.

Warnings

Make sure the keyboard is unplugged, so you don't short it out.

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If the computer is new and still under warranty, do not remove the key without first contacting the manufacturer.

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