MacBook Repair Guide: Common Issues and Costs
MacBooks are well-built, but they're not immune to problems — and because they're more tightly integrated than most Windows laptops, MacBook repairs often need more specialist care. Here's what we see most often.
Screen damage
A cracked or damaged MacBook screen, whether from a drop, something resting on the closed lid, or a knock while travelling, means replacing the full display assembly on most models — the screen and its housing are one unit. This is usually the single most expensive common MacBook repair, simply because of the size and cost of the part itself.
Battery problems
MacBook batteries degrade the same way phone batteries do — noticeably shorter runtime, unexpected shutdowns, or a battery health warning in System Settings. A genuine warning sign to act on immediately: if the trackpad has started lifting slightly at one edge, or the bottom case doesn't sit flat on a table any more, that's very likely a swollen battery, and it should be looked at straight away for safety.
Keyboard issues
Individual keys not registering, double-typing, or a section of the keyboard that's stopped working entirely are common, especially on models with the older butterfly keyboard mechanism, which is more sensitive to dust and crumbs than the newer scissor-switch design. Sometimes it's a targeted clean; sometimes the keyboard assembly needs replacing.
Won't turn on at all
This has a wide range of possible causes — a battery that's fully discharged and won't hold charge, a logic board fault, liquid damage, or a charging port problem. It's genuinely one of the harder issues to diagnose over the phone, which is exactly why we do a proper diagnostic on the machine itself before quoting anything.
Trackpad and hinge wear
A trackpad that's become unresponsive or clicks unevenly, or a hinge that's become loose or stiff over years of opening and closing, are both common wear-and-tear issues on older MacBooks that see daily use.
What it typically costs
MacBook repair costs vary more than phone repairs, because the parts themselves vary more in price between models and repair types. We always diagnose first and give you a clear, upfront price before any work starts — no guessing, no surprises on collection.