Replacing a laptop keyboard can be a straightforward process, depending on the make and model of laptop you have. However, there are some common steps you should follow to ensure your new laptop keyboard works properly.
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools
Before replacing your laptop keyboard, you will need to gather the right tools. These usually include a Phillips head screwdriver, something flat like a plastic putty knife or metal spudger, and something sharp like a tweezers and/or needle nose pliers.
Step 2: Remove the laptop’s bottom cover
To access the inside of your laptop, you need to remove the bottom cover. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove any screws which are holding the bottom cover in place. Once these screws are removed, carefully lift off the bottom cover.
Step 3: Unplug the existing keyboard
The existing keyboard should be held in place by two ribbon cables and one connector at the top of the keyboard. Gently unplug all three connections from their respective receptacles. The ribbon cables may be attached to the keyboard with clips, so you may need to use something flat like a plastic putty knife to carefully pry them off. Alternatively, the ribbons may be secured with screws and require a Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the old keyboard
Once all cables have been disconnected, grab your tweezers and needle nose pliers. With these tools, carefully pull off the rubber feet that are holding the keyboard onto the laptop base. After this, you should be able to lift out the old keyboard from the laptop.
Step 5: Install the new keyboard
Installing the new keyboard is the reverse of the steps above. Make sure that the ribbon cables and connector are firmly reattached and the rubber feet are properly reseated in the base before you reassemble the bottom cover. Additionally, make sure the tiny screws are replaced and tightened securely.
Step 6: Test the new keyboard
Once the laptop is reassembled, it’s time to test the new keyboard. To do this, power up your laptop and check that all the keys are working correctly. If any of the keys don’t seem to be working, it’s likely that they were not seated properly during installation and will need to be checked and/or reseated.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully replace a broken laptop keyboard. It’s always best to consult the user manual for your specific make and model of laptop for more detailed instructions. Additionally, if you’re unsure about any of the above steps, it’s always safest to take the laptop to a qualified technician to have them do the work for you.