Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad Pro Magic keyboard trackpad stains?

NM08SRT8

NM08SRT8

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 18, 2010
986
330
Earf
I have stains on my trackpad and idk why. Anyone else? I’ve tried multiple times to remove them but nothing works.
Just curious how it might have happened or if anyone else has this same thing so I know how to prevent it.
Petty, I know, but for $300+, I’m curious.
Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • C81C9E6D-E269-4342-BE16-3D64434F39FC.jpeg
    C81C9E6D-E269-4342-BE16-3D64434F39FC.jpeg
    322.3 KB · Views: 678
I thought so too, but it’s a weird “pattern” instead of a big spot like the space bar. 🤷🏽‍♂️
 
NM08SRT8 said:
I thought so too, but it’s a weird “pattern” instead of a big spot like the space bar. 🤷🏽‍♂️
Click to expand...
Definitely appears to be something from your fingers, when you’re swiping on the trackpad and when you’re tapping on the space bar and other keys. It’s inevitable but it’s best not to be eating anything while using it. Crumbs will inevitably get under the keys and smears on the touched surfaces. And as one poster found, using the 2020 MKB with the 2021 iPP can get those smears transferred to the iPP screen. Wiping off with a slightly damp cloth should clear those areas, I’ve even occasionally used a dab of the solution I use to clean the screen on the keyboards.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NM08SRT8
I cleaned it but the minute I use the trackpad it comes back. The smudges on the keys all wiped away and look brand new.

So weird.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jazz1
NM08SRT8 said:
I cleaned it but the minute I use the trackpad it comes back. The smudges on the keys all wiped away and look brand new.

So weird.
Click to expand...
Sorry for the simplistic recommendation. I think you should call Apple, or go to a local store. I once had a folio that started showing some basket weave like wear. The Apple Store replaced it for no charge.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NM08SRT8
jazz1 said:
Sorry for the simplistic recommendation. I think you should call Apple, or go to a local store. I once had a folio that started showing some basket weave like wear. The Apple Store replaced it for no charge.
Click to expand...
No need to apologize. I’ll work my… magic… tomorrow. 😉
 
  • Like
Reactions: jazz1
In the past, I had such problem with an new Thinkpad X1. I rubbed something from the surface of the trackpad. The replacement was fine. Call Apple for an replacement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NM08SRT8
Have you tried a Magic Eraser? They are great for removing stubborn and strange marks.

Not a joke or a pun. Google it
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nhwhazup
Can you add AppleCare and get it taken care of? I just received my first iPad Pro (12.9) and also bought the white magic keyboard. I decided to do the monthly plan for $7.99 because I found out that as long as they were bought within 60 days that they would both be covered. Peace of mind is fantastic.
 
I’ll just go exchange it. Just wanted to avoid if I’d possible.
If the new one does it, me don’t know how to prevent it.
 
LaloG said:
Can you add AppleCare and get it taken care of? I just received my first iPad Pro (12.9) and also bought the white magic keyboard. I decided to do the monthly plan for $7.99 because I found out that as long as they were bought within 60 days that they would both be covered. Peace of mind is fantastic.
Click to expand...
What happens when the 2021 MKB is purchased from Best Buy and arrives prior to picking up the 5th gen iPP at an Apple Store? I would think about buying AC should it cover both devices.
I have yet to use the 2021 MKB as I am wanting on a skin from DBrand.
 
xenoako said:
What happens when the 2021 MKB is purchased from Best Buy and arrives prior to picking up the 5th gen iPP at an Apple Store? I would think about buying AC should it cover both devices.
I have yet to use the 2021 MKB as I am wanting on a skin from DBrand.
Click to expand...
Not sure. I’m hearing different things. Apple support says it has to be purchased at the same time but online they say as long as you buy the iPad and accessories within 60 days it should be good.
 
Yes they are covered. Just got off the phone with an Apple care specialist and they said as long you added the Apple care+ to your iPad, it will extend to your keyboard. There is no apple care for just the keyboard so you couldn’t add that if you wanted too. You just have to add the apple care+ within 60 days to your iPad and it covers your iPad, keyboard and pencil. I’m keeping all my receipts in a safe place in case anything gets questioned.
 
  • Like
Reactions: xenoako
NM08SRT8 said:
I have one, let me try real quick.
Click to expand...

Magic Erasers (melamine foam) work by acting as a fine abrasive, or high grit sandpaper, so they not only remove whatever surface stain is present, but also part of the substrate it rests on.

Not necessarily the best way to attack the surfaces of electronic devices, like touchpads.

If those stains do come from greasy hands, a surfactant that will lift and separate the grease from the surface is the safer and preferred approach. Most households will have such a handy thing in the kitchen -- dish soap, whose purpose happens to be to strip greasy substances from porcelain, metal, glass, and plastic, and rinse easily and cleanly.

The laundry room will have a stronger version -- liquid detergent, but it's harder to to rinse cleanly, but worth a try if the dish soap doesn't work.

There are also dedicated degreasers, but they can be strong enough to damage surfaces, so are best avoided. Goo Gone, and Goof Off also fall into that category, with the latter being the strongest, and to be avoided surfaces such as this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: haruhiko
TheIntruder said:
Magic Erasers (melamine foam) work by acting as a fine abrasive, or high grit sandpaper, so they not only remove whatever surface stain is present, but also part of the substrate it rests on.

Not necessarily the best way to attack the surfaces of electronic devices, like touchpads.

If those stains do come from greasy hands, a surfactant that will lift and separate the grease from the surface is the safer and preferred approach. Most households will have such a handy thing in the kitchen -- dish soap, whose purpose happens to be to strip greasy substances from porcelain, metal, glass, and plastic, and rinse easily and cleanly.

The laundry room will have a stronger version -- liquid detergent, but it's harder to to rinse cleanly, but worth a try if the dish soap doesn't work.

There are also dedicated degreasers, but they can be strong enough to damage surfaces, so are best avoided. Goo Gone, and Goof Off also fall into that category, with the latter being the strongest, and to be avoided surfaces such as this.
Click to expand...
I swapped it with a new one yesterday, obviously flawless now.

The other one was black in those areas of the marks like when new, and the rest of it was dull when your finger oils get on it. Oddly enough, it wouldn’t correct itself with water, rubbing alcohol, a drop of dish soap and a damp microfiber, etc. Really not sure what happened to cause this but I’ll be extra careful this time around.
 
LaloG said:
Yes they are covered. Just got off the phone with an Apple care specialist and they said as long you added the Apple care+ to your iPad, it will extend to your keyboard. There is no apple care for just the keyboard so you couldn’t add that if you wanted too. You just have to add the apple care+ within 60 days to your iPad and it covers your iPad, keyboard and pencil. I’m keeping all my receipts in a safe place in case anything gets questioned.
Click to expand...
To further clarify on this, I was told that you need to call in and have them add the serial number from your keyboard to the Apple Care plan.
 
NM08SRT8 said:
To further clarify on this, I was told that you need to call in and have them add the serial number from your keyboard to the Apple Care plan.
Click to expand...
Normally, if you purchased it from Apple, that’s not necessary and wouldn’t work anyway. When the serial number is added the AppleCare software would just pop up an invalid device or coverage not available, some wording like that. When I had my Time Capsule swapped out it was because my AppleCare for my laptop was still in effect. But I had purchased the Time Capsule from Apple so they already had a record of it. I’m not sure how this works when buying from a 3rd party. Having a receipt should be sufficient. But calling in to speak to someone is a good idea, I’m just skeptical that there is any mechanism to add a device that is not covered by AppleCare. Best Buy should have its own coverage available.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back