Symptoms
- One or a few specific keys don't type
- Entire keyboard is unresponsive
- Keys feel stuck or mushy
- Wrong characters appear when typing
Likely causes
- CommonDebris or crumbs under specific keysFood, dust, and hair are the most common cause of individual dead keys.
- CommonSticky residue from a spillSugary or sticky liquids can gum up key switches even after drying.
- PossibleWrong keyboard layout/language selectedThis can make keys produce unexpected characters rather than failing outright.
- Less commonPhysical keyboard connector issueAn internal ribbon cable can loosen after a drop, affecting the whole keyboard.
What to do
- Restart the Chromebook to rule out a temporary software glitch.
- Turn it off, tilt it at an angle, and gently tap around the affected keys to dislodge loose debris.
- Use a can of compressed air to blow around and under the affected keys.
- Check Settings > Device > Keyboard to confirm the correct layout and language are selected.
- If keys feel sticky, carefully clean around the edges with a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol, keeping liquid away from the ports.
- If the entire keyboard fails at once, this points to an internal connection issue needing professional repair.
Tools and parts
- Compressed air can
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol
When to call a pro
If the whole keyboard stopped working at once, or a spill got inside, have a technician inspect the internal connection.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.