Ready to pick up the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the scissor switch Magic Keyboard? If you’re thinking of selling your current MacBook to upgrade to Apple’s latest, follow along for how to repair or replace your current butterfly keyboard for free to get more money when you sell your notebook.
Apple’s butterfly keyboards in MacBooks that date back to 2015 have seen serious problems with debris being caught under keys. This causes keys to not work, or in some cases the computer registering a double press when keys are just pressed once.
All of Apple’s MacBooks with butterfly keyboards are eligible for the free service program. The 2018 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air featured the third-generation butterfly keyboard that includes a new gasket, but that didn’t fully solve the issue for many users.
Finally, even after 2019 MacBook Pro models included a new material in the keyboards (a fourth iteration), they became eligible for the keyboard service program as soon as they debuted.
So if you’re looking to sell your current MacBook, particularly on eBay, Swappa, Craigslist, or to a friend or family member, you’ll likely be able to sell it for more with a fully functioning, and maybe brand-new keyboard (and you’ll probably feel better handing it off knowing the keyboard isn’t glitching too 😄).
- How to Trade in Your MacBook — The Ultimate Guide
Per Apple’s keyboard service program, in some cases, they will replace the entire keyboard, and others may repair certain keys.
How to replace your MacBook butterfly keyboard for free and get more money when selling
If you’re not sure, check your MacBook or MacBook Pro model ( → About this Mac)
Check if your MacBook is part of the keyboard service program here or below
If it is, get in touch and Apple will begin the repair or replacement process
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Earlier on in the keyboard repair program, Apple was sending out MacBooks with keyboard issues with a typical three- to five-day turnaround. Back in April, Apple started offering in-store keyboard repair and replacement with next-day turnaround for many customers.
Read more on the 16-inch MacBook Pro:
- 15-inch vs 16-inch MacBook Pro comparison: Should you upgrade?
- Poll: Are you buying Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro?
- Phil Schiller says SD card slot and other ports ‘probably not’ ever returning to MacBook Pro
- The latest MacBook Pro has a different keyboard, so is it safe to buy an Apple laptop now?
- 16-inch MacBook Pro: Early hands-on demos compare size, keyboard, speakers, more
- Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro still uses a 720p webcam and lacks Wi-Fi 6 — unlike iPhone 11
- Phil Schiller talks 16-inch MacBook Pro Magic Keyboard, Touch Bar, and more in new interview
- Apple announces new 16-inch MacBook Pro: scissor switch ‘Magic Keyboard’, louder speakers, $2399
