MacBook Air Retina 13-inch (2018–2020, Intel) Keyboard Replacement

Apple MacBook Air

Need a keyboard replacement for your MacBook Air Retina (2018–2020, Intel)? We carry out this work in-house at our London workshop, with a fixed quote before we start.

On the A1932 the butterfly keyboard sticks and repeats like the MacBook Pro versions, and on the A2179 spills are the main cause of damage. The keyboard is part of the top case with the battery, so the permanent fix is a top case assembly. We check first whether a careful clean will fix a single key.

On the A1932 the butterfly keyboard was part of Apple’s service programme, which has now ended. If you had it replaced before, the replacement may be a later, more reliable revision.

About this model: The Retina MacBook Air from 2018–2020 (A1932 and A2179) has the T2 chip, soldered storage and memory, and a battery glued in place. The 2018–2019 A1932 has the butterfly keyboard; the 2020 A2179 has the more reliable scissor keyboard.

Signs it needs a keyboard replacement

  • Sticky keys
  • Double-typing
  • Dead keys
  • Keycaps lost

How we do it

With butterfly keyboards we first try a careful clean on individual failing keys, which sometimes solves it. If the switches themselves have failed, the lasting fix is a replacement top case assembly, which comes with a new keyboard and battery.

We fit UK-layout keyboards as standard and test every key, the backlight and Touch ID (where fitted) before returning the Mac.

At a glance

Years 2018–2020
Processor Intel Core i3/i5/i7, T2
Storage Soldered to the logic board
Memory Soldered to the logic board
Battery Held with adhesive
Power / charging Two Thunderbolt 3 ports

Before you bring it in

Tell us which keys fail and whether there was a spill. On this model, a spill often affects more than the keyboard, and it’s cheaper to know that at the start.

Which model do you have?

This page covers the MacBook Air Retina 13-inch (2018–2020, Intel) (MacBookAir8,1 / 8,2 / 9,1; A1932, A2179). The A-number is printed in tiny text on the base, near the hinge. You’ll also find the model in Apple menu > About This Mac. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.

Price

We give you a fixed quote for your exact model before any work starts. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.

Questions we’re often asked

Are the parts genuine?

Yes, we use genuine Apple parts for this model and test them after fitting.

Does the battery need replacing too?

Not always. On this model the battery is held with adhesive in the top case, so we test it first and only quote for it if it’s worn or damaged.