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2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to quickly and safely replace the up arrow key on a 2019 Macbook Air. The instructions provided can also apply to any third generation butterfly keyboard on a MacBook.

The up arrow key is essential for navigation, and if that key is not working, the entire device can become unusable. An arrow key on a MacBook may need replacement if it is unusable due to being snapped off, is loose or sticky, or has debris stuck under it. A key that is unresponsive to being pressed most likely needs to be replaced. This guide provides a fast, cheap solution to getting your MacBook’s keyboard working properly.

What you need

  1. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement, Up Arrow Key: step 1, image 1 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement, Up Arrow Key: step 1, image 2 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement, Up Arrow Key: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Completely shut down the MacBook before you begin the repair.

    • Click the Apple logo in the top right corner of the screen.

    • Find and click the "Shut Down" button.

    • Wait for the MacBook to completely power off.

    • If not turned off correctly, it may cause electrical shock, short circuits, and damage to the inside components.

    Edit

  2. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Skip to step 3 if the key is already removed.

    • Use tweezers or a small thin tool to lift the right side of the key.

    • Lift gently until the right side detaches from the clip.

    • Push the black keycap, from right to left, then lift gently until it is fully detached.

    Edit

  3. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use an opening pick to gently pry off the white key clip from left to right.

    Edit

  5. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Brush away any debris/dust within the key.

    • Be careful with the rubber sensor; it is very delicate and can come off.

    Edit

  6. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use keyboard cleaner or rubbing alcohol on the end of a cotton swab to wipe any loosened dirt in the key space.

    • Use rubbing alcohol moderately, as it could seep into the keyboard.

    • Place the rubber sensor back into place if it moved during this process.

    Edit

  7. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the replacement clip into the space from the left.

    • Attach the wider, right side of the clip onto the hooks on the right side of the space.

    • Gently press the new white clip into place until you hear a click.

    Edit

  8. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Using tweezers or a thin tool, lift the left side of the clip.

    • Place the right side of the replacement key over the right side of the clip.

    Edit

  9. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Apply pressure to the left side of the key until you hear it snap into place.

    Edit

  10. 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 2019 MacBook Air Up Arrow Key (3rd Gen Butterfly Keyboard) Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Power on the MacBook and test the key.

    Edit
Conclusion

To prevent the keys from needing replacement in the future, regularly clean your MacBook with a keyboard cleaner or brush and keep drinks away from the device.

2 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Azineth Jao

Member since: 11/04/25

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UC Davis, Team 2-22, Serviss Fall 2025 Member of UC Davis, Team 2-22, Serviss Fall 2025

UCD-SERVISS-F25S2G22

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