How to Reattach a Keyboard Key

This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 528,029 times.

Even if you’ve tried to reattach your key and failed, don’t give up hope. You can reattach a key on your keyboard. All you need are patience, focus, and that pesky detached key. This wikiHow teaches you how to reattach any key on your laptop or desktop computer's keyboard.

How to Put a Key Back Into a Keyboard

Check your key to make sure the base is intact and the metal clip is still in place. Then, position the key back into its spot on the keyboard. Press down on the key gently until you hear a click and feel it snap back into place.

Method 1 of 2: Laptop and Low-Profile Keyboards

Individual replacement keys can be purchased online.
There are a variety of laptop keyboards available, which means the reattachment steps may differ slightly than what you see here. If your laptop keys are different from what you find in this method, you may be able to find a video example of key replacement at https://laptopkey.com. Search for your laptop model using the search bar at the top, scroll down to the bottom of your model's page, and then click View Videos to watch a video of a technician repairing a keyboard similar to yours.

The nub is in the center where the key will sit.
The metal hooks will fit into the latch on the underside of the key. If the hooks are metal and are bent in such a way that you can't replace the retainer clip, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pry them back into place. Make sure you disconnect the laptop or keyboard from a power source before doing this.

First, if the retainer clip has separated into two pieces, you'll need to fit the smaller piece back inside of the larger piece by aligning the hooks. The inner piece should easily snap into place once the clips are properly aligned.
Line up the assembled retainer bracket with the key base on the keyboard. Look at the keyboard base to see how the retainer bracket matches up to the base, and then click the retainer bracket back into place.
If you're having a hard time fitting the retainer back onto the keyboard, you may be able to remove the round pad at the center. Lift it gently from the base, attach the retainer, and then press it back into the center of the key once the retainer is fitted.

If your laptop has plastic hooks, slide your key on however you need to so that the key latches onto the hook first.

Push the other side of the key into place. After you fit the key onto the hook, gently press down on the other side of the key. You should feel it snap back into place, and you may hear a click.

If the key will not reattach, you may need to take it into a computer repair shop. If it’s a Mac, you can take it to an Apple Store.

Advertisement Method 2 of 2: Desktop Mechanical Keyboards

If your key is damaged, then you will need to find a replacement from an old keyboard or an online retailer that offers replacement keys.

Each key has its own plunger. When you press down on the key, the plunger registers that you are pressing down that letter.
If the plunger is broken or missing, repairing it is more complicated. If your keyboard is easy to take apart, you can simply remove the switch and replace it with another one. You will typically need to desolder the switch from the base and solder on the replacement switch, an easy job if you know how to solder. If you're not willing to do this, your best bet is to try a local computer repair shop or buy a new keyboard.

Align the key with the base and plunger. Hold your key directly over the plunger. Get down low and turn your head to the side so that you can see the key fitting into the base (your phone's built-in flashlight may help). Make sure that the key is in line with the plunger. It should fit evenly into the base. [3] X Research source

Press the key onto the plunger and wait for a click. Gently press the key back into its place on the keyboard. Don't press too hard because you could damage the plunger. When the key is secure, you should hear a click.

If the key doesn't move smoothly, detach it and try to line it up again. It's possible that the key or the plunger is damaged. If you cannot get the key to move smoothly after several attempts, then you may have to replace the keyboard.

Expert Q&A

Can you take keys off a keyboard and put them back on? Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist

Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years.

Computer & Tech Specialist Expert Answer

Yes, so long as you're delicate as the base of the key and the slot on the keyboard aren't broken or damaged, you can pop the key off and put it back on no problem.

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How can I tell if a key is broken after I've taken it off? Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist

Computer & Tech Specialist Expert Answer

Use the zoom on your camera or grab a magnifying lens and just look really carefully for any pieces that may be broken. It should be pretty obvious if you can get a good look.

What can I do if the scissor part of the keyboard breaks? Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist

Computer & Tech Specialist Expert Answer

If it can't be replaced, you're just going to need to replace the keyboard. Either that, or you're going to have to live without that key.

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↑https://itfix.org.uk/repairing-physical-damage-to-your-gaming-keyboard/
↑https://itfix.org.uk/repairing-physical-damage-to-your-gaming-keyboard/
↑https://itfix.org.uk/repairing-physical-damage-to-your-gaming-keyboard/

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Co-authored by: Computer & Tech Specialist

How helpful is this? Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 20, 2025 Views: 528,029 Categories: Computer Keyboards | Cleaning Your Computer

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Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Computer & Tech Specialist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 20, 2025 Views: 528,029 "My C key bit the dust, and your article was super helpful! " Rated this article: "My E key was lost to time, but this worked super well!" Quizzes & Games Apology Language Quiz Am I Smart Quiz Music Notes & Symbols Test How Good Are My Survival Instincts Quiz You Might Also Like 6 Easy Steps to Replacing or Fixing a Dell Laptop Keyboard Key 7 Ways to Fix Dell Laptop Keys When They Aren't Working Repair a Laptop Key: Step-by-Step Guide (With Pictures) Take Keys Off a Mechanical Keyboard at Home Trending Articles Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz Tell if Your Boyfriend Is Gay What Is My Most Toxic Personality Trait? Am I Pretty Quiz Trending Articles Am I a Rizzy Sigma? Which Italian Brainrot Am I Quiz Which Anime Do I Belong In? Am I a Princess, Angel, Supermodel, or Baddie? Your Results Will Be Uncomfortably Accurate Am I Gay Quiz Soldier Poet King Quiz Am I a Femboy Quiz Am I a Lesbian Quiz Why Is Everyone Doing This Right Now? Play the Cat Scratch Game Create & Send Prank Text Messages With Fake Error Messages 50+ Fun & Easy Pranks to Pull on All Your Friends Solve Brainteaser Riddles in Dispatch, Episode 4 Featured Videos Get Fresh or Dried Blood out of Jeans 25 Tips for Keeping a Woman Interested in You Choose the Best Braces Colors for You A Step-by-Step Guide for Successfully Making a Fire Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥 Do You Agree With These Spicy Hot Takes? Do You Agree with These Popular Hot Takes? Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes? Do You Agree with These K-Pop Hot Takes? Your Daily Dose of Fun! What Squishmallow Am I Quiz What Hunger Games Character Am I Quiz Which Nana Character Am I Quiz Which 2026 Trending Album Am I?

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