How to change keyboard key allocation in MacBook Pro?

I've just changed the battery on my macbook pro 2017 and the spacebar is misbehaving. It's either not responding unless I press it hard or it's placing two spaces at a time. Is there a way to change the mapping of one of the other keys on the keyboard to function as the spacebar?


For context I live in a location where I have absolutely no access to Apple stores or technician support so I have to sort this myself.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How to change keyboard key allocation

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jun 4, 2025 1:32 PM

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5 replies

Jun 4, 2025 5:50 PM in response to Breer-rab1t

Breer-rab1t wrote:

I've just changed the battery on my macbook pro 2017 and the spacebar is misbehaving. It's either not responding unless I press it hard or it's placing two spaces at a time. Is there a way to change the mapping of one of the other keys on the keyboard to function as the spacebar?

For context I live in a location where I have absolutely no access to Apple stores or technician support so I have to sort this myself.


I suspect you would be better off buying an external keyboard. 2017 anf the butterfly keyboard have know issue— and not worth sending in for a replacement keyboard (ie top case.)




verify Full Keyboard Access did not get turned on

>System Settings>Accessibility >Keyboard>Full Keyboard Access>OFF


ref:Navigate your Mac using Full Keyboard Access - Apple Support

Navigate your Mac using Full Keyboard Access - Apple Support



Change the behavior of the modifier keys on Mac - Apple Support



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How to change keyboard key allocation in MacBook Pro?

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