5 Ways to Unstick a Keyboard Key on Computer or Laptop

A quick guide unstick a keyboard key that won't press

Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: March 20, 2023

Shaking Out the Keyboard

|

Blowing Out the Keyboard

|

Cleaning Sticky Keys

|

Removing Keys to Clean the Keypad

|

Replacing a Broken Key

|

Expert Q&A

|

Warnings

|

Things You'll Need

Is your keyboard jammed? When typing on your mechanical or laptop keyboard, you might find one of them sticking. This is usually caused by dirt and debris that has built up over time. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and safe ways to clean out your keyboard. Whether it's due to crumbs or spilled drinks, this wikiHow will show you how to fix a jammed or sticky keyboard key.

Things You Should Know

Unplug the keyboard or turn off your laptop before working on it.
Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Use compressed air to blow out crumbs from underneath the keys.
Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to remove stickiness around and underneath stuck keys.

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.

Advertisement
3
Gently shake the keyboard. Let the crumbs shake out to the floor or table.
- You can tap the back of the keyboard gently to encourage the debris to fall out.
4
Brush away any extra crumbs and check the keys. If there's debris on the keyboard, brush it away. You can use a small paintbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If the key is still stuck, repeat the steps above, but tilt the keyboard in a different position. Crumbs may be trapped underneath the key itself.

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.
4
Brush away any debris and try the keys again. If dirt or food is blown out, brush it away from the keyboard. You can use a small paintbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Once the debris is cleaned, test the keys.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Cleaning Sticky Keys

1
Wipe up any spills as they happen. If you spill a liquid on your keyboard, unplug it and wipe it down.
2
Clean the keys with alcohol if the liquid dries. If you're using a mechanical keyboard, make sure the keyboard is unplugged first. If you're cleaning a laptop keyboard, make sure your laptop is turned off completely. If the spill is mostly on top of the keys, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the keys.
3
Rub the tops of the keys. Make sure they are free from stickiness.
4
Use the cotton swab to go around the edges before trying the keys again. Going around the edges should help with sticky keys, as it releases the bottom part of the key from the keyboard.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- 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. 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. If you're unsure if or how your laptop keys come off, consult your manual.
- 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. Try to remove only a few at a 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.
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.
4
Let the key and keyboard fully dry. You don't want to leave any liquid underneath the keys, even rubbing alcohol.
5
Replace the keys and try typing again. Gently press the key down. It should snap back into place.
- If using a laptop, insert the clip into the position it originally held before you place the key back into its spot.
- The keys should be unstuck now. If not, you may need to take it into someone who repairs computers.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Replacing a Broken Key

1
Remove the key that isn't working properly. For example, if the 'A' key isn’t working, take it off. You can use a keycap puller, a flathead screwdriver, or a paperclip to remove a key.
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. 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. This way, you can salvage keys from the cheap, broken keyboard to use in your working keyboard.

Expert 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.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If the computer is new and still under warranty, do not remove the key without first contacting the manufacturer.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0