Check out our macbook keyboard cover selection for the very best in unique. Keyboard 15 Touch Bar silicon cover Apple New Mac Air keyboard protector.
Apple products are made with a variety of materials, and each product might have specific cleaning requirements which vary by the part you're cleaning. To get started, here are some tips that apply to all products:
Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, and similar items that might cause damage.
Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
Keep liquids away from the product.
Don't get moisture into any openings.
Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.
Don't spray cleaners directly onto the item.
If liquid makes its way inside your Apple product, get help from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store as soon as possible. Liquid damage isn't covered under the Apple product warranty or AppleCare Protection Plans, but you may have rights under consumer law. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar (available only in some countries and regions).
For more detailed instructions, select your Apple product:
Notebook computers
Learn how to clean your Mac notebook computer.
MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air
When cleaning the outside of your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down your computer and unplug the power adapter. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.
To clean the screen on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down the computer and unplug the power adapter. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water only, then use it to clean the computer's screen.
MacBook Pro models from 2016 and later with Touch Bar and Touch ID: Clean the Touch Bar and Touch ID (power button) on these computers the same way you would clean the display. Shut down your Mac and unplug the power adapter. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water only, then use it to clean the Touch Bar and Touch ID.
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) and MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): The bottom case of these computers uses a soft nonslip material. Use a 3M Gray Microfiber or soft dye-free, lint-free cloth to clean the bottom case.
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Desktop computers
Learn how to clean your Mac desktop computer.
Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac
First, shut down your Mac and unplug the power cord along with other connected devices. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Don't spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.
To clean the display on your iMac, dampen the cloth that came with your iMac—or another clean, soft, lint-free cloth—with water only, and then wipe the screen.
Don't clean the screen of your iMac with a cleaner containing acetone. Use a cleaner intended for use with a screen or display. Never spray cleaner directly on the screen. It might drip inside the display and cause damage.
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Displays
To get help with Apple Pro Display XDR, learn how to clean your Pro Display XDR. The following guidelines are for cleaning the Apple Thunderbolt Display and previous Apple displays.
First, disconnect the display from power, from its connection to a computer, and from any external devices. Then use the cloth that came with your display or another soft, dry cloth to wipe dust from the screen.
If additional cleaning of the display panel or case is required, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the display.
Don't clean the screen of your display with a cleaner containing acetone. Use a cleaner intended for use with a screen or display. Never spray cleaner directly on the screen. It might drip inside the display and cause damage.
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If you use Microsoft Excel on your Mac, you can save the spreadsheets you create and open them in Numbers, Apple’s spreadsheet app. It’s a handy feature to use in case you can’t access. How to prevent files from opening automatically in excel mac. Then you can try the steps below to check if the AutoRecovery feature works well now: Go to Excel Preference Save Set the AutoRecovery period to 1 minute for testing purpose. Create a new test workbook, save it first. Then wait for more than 1 minute, open Activity Monitor to force quit Excel app. Excel for Mac features and add-ins issues. Problem opening files or folders with hyperlinks FIXED When you click a hyperlink to open a file or folder, it may not open a Finder window to show the folder or it may not open the linked file. This issue has been fixed in version 16.11.0 or higher.
Peripherals
Apple wireless or USB keyboards, mice, and trackpads
First, power off the device. If your device uses removable batteries, remove the batteries. (If your device is wired, simply unplug it from your computer.)
Next, clean the outside of your device with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Don't get moisture in any openings or use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide.
If your Magic Mouse or Magic Mouse 2 isn’t tracking properly, there might be a hair or other debris on the sensor lens. Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window using a bright light. If you see debris, use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window.
iPhone cases
iPhone case—silicone
To clean your silicone iPhone case, remove your iPhone from the case. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and the inside of the iPhone case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the iPhone case.
iPhone case—leather
The leather iPhone case is made from natural leather. Its appearance will change as you use it. It might acquire a patina and might change color due to the oils from your skin and direct sunlight, further enhancing the natural look.
Cleaning the leather might affect its color. If you choose to clean this case, first remove it from your iPhone. Use a clean cloth with warm water and mild hand soap to gently clean the iPhone case. You can also use a mild cleaner along with a dry clean cloth. Leather cleaners and conditioners can change the color of leather.
Keep your iPhone case away from prolonged intense sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to water, oil, makeup, and dyed materials (such as denim) can stain tanned leathers.
iPhone case—clear
To clean your clear iPhone case, remove your iPhone from the case. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and inside of the case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the case.
iPhone Smart Battery Case
To clean your Smart Battery Case, remove your iPhone from the case. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside of the case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the case.
When cleaning the internal Lightning connector, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, and don’t use liquids or cleaning products.
Learn how to clean your iPhone.
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iPad accessories
Apple Pencil
To clean your Apple Pencil, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. With the damp cloth, wipe your Apple Pencil from the tip end—but not the tip itself—toward the other end of your Apple Pencil. Don’t allow moisture to get inside the seam between the tip and the body of your Apple Pencil.
To clean your polyurethane Smart Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, Smart Cover, or Smart Case, first remove it from the iPad. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Wipe the front and the inside with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean this product.
iPad Smart Cover and Smart Case—leather
The iPad leather cover/case is made from natural leather. Its appearance will change as you use it. It might acquire a patina and might change color due to the oils from your skin and direct sunlight, further enhancing the natural look.
Cleaning the leather might affect its color. If you choose to clean the leather, first remove the cover/case from your iPad. Use a clean cloth with warm water and mild hand soap to gently clean the leather. Wipe the outside and the inside with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt. You can also use a mild cleaner along with a dry clean cloth. Mild cleaners or conditioners might help remove some stains but might also change the color of the leather.
Keep your iPad leather cover/case away from prolonged intense sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to water, oil, makeup, and dyed materials (such as denim) can stain tanned leathers.
iPad Silicone Case
To clean your iPad Silicone Case, remove your iPad from the case. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and the inside of the case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the iPad case.
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iPad
Handle your iPad with care to maintain its appearance. If you're concerned about scratching or abrasion, you can use one of the many cases sold separately. To clean iPad, unplug all cables and turn off iPad (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider). Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPad. iPad has an oleophobic coating on the screen; simply wipe iPad's screen with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oil left by your hands. The ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and might scratch your screen.
To clean iPod touch, unplug all cables and turn off iPod touch (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider). Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod touch.
iPod classic
To clean iPod classic, unplug all cables, turn iPod classic off, and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod classic.
iPod nano
To clean iPod nano, unplug all cables, turn iPod nano off, and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod nano.
On iPod nano 6th generation, which has no hold switch, you need to press only the Sleep/Wake button to turn the device off before cleaning.
iPod shuffle
To clean iPod shuffle, unplug all cables, turn it off (slide the switch to OFF), and use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod shuffle.
iPod mini
To clean iPod mini, unplug all cables, turn iPod mini off, and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod mini.
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Learn more
Learn how to disinfect the Apple internal or external keyboard, trackpad, and mouse.
For more information on cleaning, handling, and working with your Apple Product, please refer to the User Guide that came with your product or download a copy.
Does it ever feel like the space between the keys on your keyboard is comparable to the space between the couch cushions?
Stuff gets lost in there way too easily, it’s near impossible to get out, and it can get pretty nasty.
It may seem like the only solution is to never eat within a ten-foot radius of your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, or to carefully dust and wipe the keys every evening with some sort of magic solution.
However, there’s a much easier way to solve this problem — a keyboard cover (often called a keyboard skin). Keyboard skins lay flush over your keys and are usually made of silicone, allowing them to be removed and cleaned very easily.
In addition to protecting your keys from spills, drops, and dust, keyboard covers prevent overall wear and tear (such as the letters from rubbing off) by protecting the surface of the keys from typical use and any contaminants that make it unnoticed onto your fingers.
In this review article, we will show you the best keyboard covers/skins, and help you decide how to pick the right one.
Quick Summary
For the minimalist simply looking for functionality, the UPPERCASE GhostCover offers a premium ultra thin keyboard protector that covers your keys without drawing any unnecessary attention.
If you’re feeling a little bolder, try the silicone Batianda Ombre Color Keyboard Cover which is available in many bright colors and a bit more durable.
Headed for stylish? All-inside Ombre Color Keyboard Skin offers a sleek design that protects your keys from liquid and dust without sacrificing quality.
Using a 2016/2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar? Get KEC Keyboard Cover Skin as it’s made specifically for these new models.
Who Should Get This?
Almost everyone would be better off with a keyboard cover protecting his or her MacBook. A keyboard protector helps prevent the accumulation of grime on your keyboard, protect it from any accidents, and keep the real keyboard safe under a thin, often noticeable layer.
Also, keyboard skins are convenient and can be as stylish or invisible as you want. The only person we wouldn’t recommend a keyboard cover is one perhaps allergic to silicone (which is what most are made of) or has some sort of other pressing concern — though it’s hard to imagine any.
Keyboard Cover for MacBook: What to Consider in 2020?
Dimensions/Compatibility
Always make sure to check the model of keyboard cover you’re interested in is sized correctly for your MacBook! Besides the obvious factors such as 15-inch models with numpads/additional keys, there is some variation in key spacing and key depth between some models so you’ll want to make sure you have the right one. Additionally, make sure the cover matches the keyboard type you have, since Mac is available in many varieties besides a standard US keyboard, and these can have drastically different key layouts.
Thickness
If you have super sensitive fingers or don’t like the feel of silicone, you’ll want to look for skins that are as thin as possible over the keys. Alternatively, if you know you’re naturally clumsy and prone to spills, you might want something a bit sturdier that will give you more ease of mind. The thickness of the keyboard skin comes down to personal preference, but you should keep it in mind before you buy.
Appearance
Obsessed with chroma and RGB? Prefer pandas? Want to match your hardshell case? Or would you rather leave your MacBook’s keys appearing untouched? Due to their overall simplicity, keyboard skins offer a wide variety of customizations and give you space to really make your Mac your own. If you find a product that meets all your practical requirements, always check if the vendor offers multiple colors, patterns, or designs for you to choose from.
Best Keyboard Cover for MacBook in 2020: Our Picks
Available in iterations for almost every new MacBook Pro model, the UPPERCASE GhostCover has you covered whether you have a touchpad, numpad, or standard keyboard for MacBook Pros with Touch Bar 13″ and 15″ (2016 or later). The clear design is almost invisible on top of your Mac.
Pros:
Clear design is near unnoticeable on top of your keys and is available for a wide variety of MacBook Pros.
It allows backlit keys to shine through the cover.
Cons:
Typing on thermoplastic urethane instead of classic keys can take some getting used to.
2. Batianda New Ombre Color Keyboard Cover
Coming in many prints and patterns, the Batianda skin is made with the bold in mind. The silicone skin is very thin, so you’ll barely feel it while you type and you can still make a statement with the various available colors. Fits the keys nicely but be sure not to remove and replace it too much or it will stretch out and lose its snugness.
Pros:
Available in a plethora of designs, allowing you to personalize your MacBook with ease.
Thin and weighs only a little over an ounce.
Very easy to clean and fits the keys perfectly on a variety of MacBook models.
Cons:
Backlighting is easily blocked by the colored pattern.
3. All-inside Ombre Color Keyboard Skin for MacBook Pro
If your MacBook was released before 2016 and you’re looking for a cover that looks clean, this model from All-inside comes in a variety of peaceful ombres that add style without going overboard. Water and dust proof, it’ll keep your keys safe underneath.
Pros:
Gorgeous design that will fit your MacBook snuggly and add style without clashing with the rest of the room.
Protects effectively against liquid and dust.
Cons:
Silicone may leave an oily residue on keys if both the cover and the keyboard are not regularly cleaned.
4. KEC Keyboard Cover Skin for New MacBook Pro
This cover is specially designed to fit 2016/2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, 13-inch, and 15-inch. Note that this is a super slim cover that makes it easier for you to type, and you’ll find the characters clearly printed on the keyboard skin.
Pros:
It does its job and you don’t have too many options if you’re using the latest MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.
It’s durable and beautiful as you will find each key is specifically printed for better recognition.
Cons:
It may take you a little extra time getting used to the printed characters. A bit expensive than most other options.
Additional Tips & Resources
Once you have a keyboard cover, keeping your keys clean is a breeze. While you should still be removing the cover and cleaning both it and the keys themselves on a regular basis, it’s definitely less pressure. Learn more from this step-by-step guide made by Apple.
Keep in mind that keyboard cover is taking the beating instead of your keys — not simply deflecting it. It needs to be cleaned gently as oils and crumbs build up. The process is super simple and shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes.
For some general tips on keeping your whole computer in peak shape, use this guide from New York Times for cleaning everything from the actual keyboard to the screen.
Final Words
Keyboard covers are more than a neat decoration. They protect your powerful MacBook from falling victim to slips and spills and keep things clean all around. Do you have a favorite keyboard skin? Leave a comment and let us know.