Magic Keyboard delete key stuck after reseating

Question

Level 1

20 points

Magic Keyboard delete key stuck after reseating

How do you properly reseat a key?

I have a Magic Keyboard and the delete key got sticky (I admit, I spilled some red wine when pouring a glass).

I removed the key and cleaned underneath, but when I reseat it (it's the one with the metal bar/hinges) it gets stuck in the 'down' position. I can hear the click and everything, but no matter what I do it is stuck.

To be on the safe side I found a old keyboard I had lying around, popped off the delete key. It got stuck too, and it even got stuck when I reseated it to the original keyboard again, so I must be doing something wrong, but what?

Mac mini, macOS 26.5

Posted on May 15, 2026 4:21 AM

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Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

307,599 points

May 15, 2026 4:35 AM in response to StigBull

Your description suggests that either (a) you damaged the key-mechanism when you removed or replaced the key cover, or (b) the key-mechanism has been contaminated by the reported spillage.

The Magic Keyboard key-covers are not intended to be user-removable. These are removed at your own risk.

Unfortunately, you may have killed the keyboard. You would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your keyboard. If you are lucky, with their specialist knowledge and tools, they may be able to resolve the issue:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

307,599 points

May 15, 2026 6:49 AM in response to StigBull

As already outlined, if you have an issue with your Magic Keyboard or other hardware that is not designed to be disassembled by the User, you would be best advised to seek assistance from the technicians at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP):

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 3

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,144 points

May 15, 2026 10:22 PM in response to StigBull

StigBull (author)

There's 'replacement key specialists' who sell keys separately

with include instructions; and suggest they include all Apple's.

Apple A2520 Magic Keyboard Key Replacement ID NP for Mac mini, & etc

https://www.laptopkeyreplacements.com/apple-a2520-magic-keyboard-key-replacement/

⚠️"Multiple hinge types exist for this model — we ensure you receive the correct one."

[Note: Keyboard Key Removal & Repair Tool Kit w/Rubber Cup Adhesive Strips, etc]

"Need help?

Email laptopkeys with your model + photos.

info@laptopkeyreplacements.com "

Newer models, recent tech have YouTube instructions, DIY kit

& other sources; most seem strait forward. Early ones I fixed.

https://www.laptopkeyreplacements.com/laptop-key-installation-guide/

Some reference Magic Keyboard compatibilities with iPad models, too. Cross-over??

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=replacement+Magic+Keyboard+keys+Apple+Mac+mini+DIY&t=ftsa&ia=web

Also sells others: 'Intel-Mac' & back, to G4

PowerMac-PowerBook models + non-apple.

https://www.laptopkeyreplacements.com/APPLE/

https://www.laptopkeyreplacements.com/ (all)

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Answer 4

StigBull Author

Level 1

20 points

May 15, 2026 9:46 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thank you for your reply.

I understand what you're saying and I'm not trying to make a huge deal out of this, but we don't have Apple Stores or AASP's in my country; I have more than 30 years of experience in IT and have yanked off a key or two (or forty) on PC keyboards throughout my lifetime and reseated them successfully, so the assumption was that it would not be very different to a Apple keyboard (after first watching the many videos on Youtube showing how easy it was to reseat keys. But some forum posts I found afterwards reflected what I experienced: Those videos doesn't necessarily represent reality, as I just found out the hard way).

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Answer 5

LotusPilot

Level 10

307,599 points

May 15, 2026 3:27 PM in response to StigBull

Different keyboards can have mechanically very different key mechanisms. Those with very short key travel, such as Apple's Magic Keyboards, can be particularly easy to damage.

YouTube "how to" videos can sometimes be helpful, in particular where you may have no available alternative beyond attempting a repair yourself. However, self-repair always comes with the risk of causing irreparable damage, making matters worse than they were before embarking upon this path.

Sorry, but you have likely caused irreversible damage to the keyboard.

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