How to put a button on a laptop: disassembling, repairing and replacing keys

The laptop keyboard is one of the most vulnerable components, which often fails due to mechanical damage, liquid ingress or wear. If you have the button flew off, key stuck or it just stopped working, don’t rush to take the device to a service center. In most cases You can replace the button yourself in 10–30 minutes, saving on repairs.

In this article we will figure out how to properly remove the old key, install new or repair the fastening mechanism, if the button fell out but remained intact. The instructions are suitable for most laptop models - from budget Acer And Dell up to bonus MacBook And MSI. You will also learn where to buy spare parts and how to avoid common mistakes during repairs.

Types of button fastenings on laptops: what you need to know before repairing

Before you start replacing, it is important to understand what type of mechanism your keyboard uses. It depends on how exactly remove and install button, as well as what tools may be needed.

There are three main types of fastenings:

• 🔹 Plastic latches (butterfly) - the most common option. The button is attached to two plastic elements that snap onto the metal frame of the keyboard. Used in most laptops Lenovo, HP, Asus.
• 🔹 Metal staples - found in some models Dell And Apple. Here the button is fixed with a thin metal plate, which must be carefully removed.
• 🔹 Rubber domes - typical for membrane keyboards (for example, in some Sony Vaio or older models). Here the button is simply pressed onto the silicone dome without rigid fixation.

To determine the type of fastening, carefully pry up one of the side keys (for example, Shift or Enter) with a flat screwdriver. If you see plastic parts, it’s a “butterfly”; if it’s metal, it’s staples. In membrane keyboards, the button can be removed without effort.

Tools for replacing a button: what you need

You don't need expensive professional tools to repair a laptop keyboard. A minimal set is enough, which can be found in every home or can be bought for pennies:

• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (preferably with a thin tip) - for prying off buttons.
• 🔧 Tweezers - to carefully remove small parts.
• 🔧 Knife or plastic spatula - an alternative to a screwdriver for delicate operations.
• 🔧 Glue moment or double-sided tape - if you need to fix the rubber dome.
• 🔧 Hairdryer — to soften the glue (if the button is glued).

If you are planning complete keyboard replacement, additionally prepare:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (to remove the back cover of the laptop).
• 🔧 Antistatic wrist strap (to avoid damaging the motherboard with static electricity).
• 🔧 Plastic picks (for safe opening of the case).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal objects to pry the buttons on membrane keyboards - this can damage the rubber domes and cause the keys to not work.

Keyboard type	Required Tools	Difficulty of repair
Plastic latches (butterfly)	Screwdriver, tweezers	Low
Metal staples	Screwdriver, tweezers, antistatic wrist strap	Average
Membrane (rubber domes)	Plastic spatula, glue	High (risk of damage to domes)
Backlight (RGB keyboards)	Screwdriver, soldering iron (for re-soldering LEDs)	Very high

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the button from a laptop

The process of removing a key depends on its type, but the general algorithm looks like this:

1. Turn off your laptop and disconnect the battery (if possible). This will prevent accidental key presses and short circuits.
2. Determine the type of fastening (see section above).
3. Gently pry the button on one side with a flat screwdriver or knife. Start from the corner where the key is less secure (usually the upper right or lower left corner).
4. Remove the buttonwithout exerting excessive effort. If you feel resistance, check to see if there are any unlatched elements.
5. Examine the fastening mechanism. In the case of the “butterfly”, you will see two plastic elements that need to be carefully removed. The metal brackets contain a thin plate that can be lifted with tweezers.

For keys with additional stabilizer (For example, Space, Enter, Shift) the process is more complicated:

• 🔹 First remove the button itself.
• 🔹 Then carefully remove the metal or plastic guide (stabilizer).
• 🔹 Check the integrity of the springs or latches - often the problem lies there.

Turned off the power to the laptop|

Prepared tools (screwdriver, tweezers) |

I photographed the location of the parts|

Checked the type of fastening (latches/brackets/domes)|

I work on a flat surface -->

⚠️ Attention: On keyboards MacBook (especially 2015-2019 models) the buttons are attached to a unique “scissor” mechanism. Repairing them requires special tools and skills; replacing them yourself often leads to damage to the keyboard.

How to put the button back: assembly and fixation

Installing a button is the reverse process of removing it, but there are some nuances here. If you do not lock the mechanism correctly, the key will stick, push through or not work at all.

General algorithm:

1. Check the integrity of the mechanism. If the plastic butterfly latches are broken, they need to be replaced. For metal staples, make sure they are not bent.
2. Install the fastening mechanism:
   • For the butterfly: first secure the bottom, then the top.
   • For staples: Carefully insert the metal plate into the slots.
   • For membrane keyboards: Apply a bead of glue to the rubber dome and press the button.

Put on the button on the mechanism and press gently until it clicks. Make sure it locks evenly on all sides.

Check functionality: Press the key several times. It should return to its original position without jamming.

For keys with stabilizer (for example, Space):

1. First, install the stabilizer on the keyboard.
2. Then secure the button, starting on the side opposite the stabilizer.
3. Make sure the metal or plastic guide fits into the grooves.

Where to buy laptop buttons: original vs. universal

If a key is broken and cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. There are two options here:

• 🔹 Original buttons - sold in service centers or at AliExpress, eBay. They fit perfectly, but can be expensive (from 200 to 1000 rubles apiece).
• 🔹 Universal sets — cheap sets of keys for popular laptop models. Suitable if you need a standard button (for example, letters or numbers), but may differ in color or material.

Where to look:

• 🛒 AliExpress — large selection, low prices, but long delivery.
• 🛒 Yandex Market / Ozon — fast delivery, but limited assortment.
• 🛒 Service centers — original spare parts, but expensive.
• 🛒 Flea markets (Avito, Yula) — you can find used keyboards for disassembly.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Laptop model (For example, Lenovo ThinkPad T480 or Asus ROG Strix G15).
• 🔍 Button size and shape (keys Enter or Shift often unique to each model).
• 🔍 Color and material (matte/glossy plastic).

What should you do if you can't find the button for your model?

If you couldn't find the original button, you can try:

1. Buy the entire keyboard used from disassembly (often cheaper than a separate key).

2. Use a button from another model if the size and fastening mechanism are the same.

3. Contact service - sometimes technicians can fit a universal key to your keyboard.

Common mistakes when replacing buttons and how to avoid them

Even if you follow the instructions, there is a risk of making a mistake that will lead to damage to your keyboard or laptop. Here are the most common mistakes:

• ❌ Too much pressure when removing the button → plastic latches break or metal brackets bend.
• ❌ Incorrect installation of the mechanism → the button gets stuck or cannot be pressed.
• ❌ Using metal instruments on membrane keyboards → damage to rubber domes.
• ❌ Debris getting under the key → crunching or sticking when pressed.
• ❌ Work without power off → risk of short circuit.

How to avoid problems:

• ✅ Use plastic or wooden tools for prying buttons.
• ✅ Take photographs of each stage of disassembly - this will help to assemble the mechanism correctly.
• ✅ Before installation blow out the keyboard with compressed air (for example, a spray can for cleaning equipment).
• ✅ If the button does not lock - check if the mechanism is warped.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with backlit keyboard (RGB or white) when replacing the button, the LED strips can be damaged. If after repair the backlight does not work, contact the service to check the contacts.

When is the best time to contact service: signs of serious problems

Not all keyboard failures can be fixed on your own. If you encounter one of these problems, it is better to entrust the repair to professionals:

• 🔧 A number of keys do not work - this may indicate damage to the cable or motherboard.
• 🔧 The keyboard is not recognized in the system (in Device Manager appears as "Unknown Device").
• 🔧 Liquid ingress — even if the buttons are externally intact, corrosion could damage the contacts.
• 🔧 Mechanical damage to the housing (cracks, chips) - the entire keyboard may need to be replaced.
• 🔧 Backlight problems (flickering, partial shutdown) - often associated with damage to LED strips.

Service repair cost:

Type of repair	Average price (₽)	Deadlines
Replacing 1–2 buttons	500–1500	1–2 hours
Replacing the keyboard cable	2000–4000	1–2 days
Cleaning after exposure to liquid	3000–6000	2–3 days
Replacing the entire keyboard	3000–10000	1–2 days

If you decide to contact the service, choose trusted workshops with a guarantee on the work. Avoid “makeshift” repairs - unskilled intervention can aggravate the problem.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install a button from another laptop?

Theoretically yes, but only if:

• 🔹 The fastening mechanism is identical (for example, a “butterfly” of the same size).
• 🔹 The size and shape of the key are the same.
• 🔹 The button has no unique functions (for example, Fn with special characters).

Keys from laptops of the same brand and series are best suited.

What should I do if the button is pressed but does not work?

The problem may be:

• 🔹 Contact contamination — try blowing the keyboard with compressed air or wiping it with alcohol.
• 🔹 Membrane damage (for membrane keyboards) - the rubber dome needs to be replaced.
• 🔹 Loop faults - service diagnostics required.

If a key is physically pressed, but is not registered in the system, check it in Notepad or special tests (for example, Keyboard Tester).

How to fix a button if a plastic “tendril” breaks off from it?

If one of the fastening elements (butterfly or bracket) is broken, you can try:

• 🔹 Glue the fragment with superglue (temporary solution).
• 🔹 Buy a new fastening mechanism (sold in sets at AliExpress).
• 🔹 Use a push button (if it is held by adjacent keys).

In the long term, it is better to replace the entire button.

How much does it cost to replace a keyboard on a laptop at a service?

The cost depends on the model:

• 💰 Budget laptops (Acer, Lenovo IdeaPad) — 2500–4000 ₽.
• 💰 Middle segment (HP Pavilion, Asus Vivobook) — 4000–6000 ₽.
• 💰 Premium models (MacBook, Dell XPS) — 6000–12000 ₽.
• 💰 Gaming laptops (MSI, Asus ROG) — 5000–15000 ₽ (due to RGB backlighting).

The price includes labor and a new keyboard. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a used keyboard at a disassembly facility and replace it yourself.

Is it possible to wash a laptop keyboard if the button is stuck?

You can wash it, but with caution:

1. Turn off the laptop and remove the battery.
2. Remove stuck buttons (see instructions above).
3. Wipe your keyboard wet wipe with isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%).
4. For heavy soiling, use toothbrush, soaked in alcohol.
5. Dry your keyboard at least 24 hours before assembly.

❌ You can't: Fill the keyboard with water, use detergents, dry with a hairdryer.