Turn the MacBook off now and unplug the charger. Wipe the outside dry and do not turn it back on. Then get it opened and cleaned within a day or two, because acting fast gives it the best chance.
What should I do in the first 10 minutes?
Follow these five steps in order. Each one takes a minute or two.
| When | Do this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Right now | Hold the power button until the screen goes black. | Power running through wet parts is what burns them out. |
| Minute 1 | Pull out the charger and anything else that is plugged in. | It stops power reaching the wet parts. |
| Minutes 2 to 5 | Wipe the keyboard, trackpad and edges with a towel. | It stops more water running inside. |
| Minutes 5 to 10 | Leave it off. Do not press keys and do not charge it. | Testing it sends power through the water. |
| Same day | Book a clean, and say so if you have no backup. | The first day or two is when it is easiest to save. |
Why do I need to turn it off so fast?
Power does the damage, not the water on its own. Tap water has minerals in it, and when power meets those minerals, metal starts to move off the tiny joints on the logic board. The logic board is the main circuit board that runs the Mac. This damage is called corrosion. It works like rust, and it keeps going after the water has dried.
Turning the Mac off is not the whole fix, because the battery still feeds parts of the board when the Mac is off. That is why a wet MacBook needs to be opened and the battery unplugged.
Can I turn it back on to check it?
No. A wet MacBook will often start up and seem fine, but that does not mean it is safe. Corrosion can start right away, yet some Macs run for days or weeks before they fail. Each time You turn it on, the damage speeds up!!
Does putting a MacBook in rice work?
No. Apple says not to put a Mac in a bag of rice, because small grains can get inside and cause harm. Rice also cannot reach water that is under the keyboard. Apple says not to use heat or compressed air either, so no hair dryer and no heater.
How long does a MacBook take to dry?
It takes longer than most people think. Apple says to wait at least a day for a wet port to dry, and water under the keyboard is sealed in, so it takes longer again. Drying is only half of the job. The minerals stay on the board and keep eating the metal, and only a clean removes them.
What if the water went somewhere else?
Where the water went changes what You should do.
- On the keyboard: This is the most common spill. Water runs down between the keys to the logic board, so follow the five steps above.
- On the screen or hinge: Water can get in behind the glass, and you may see dark patches or lines. Keep the Mac off and do not press on the screen.
- In a port: Newer MacBooks show a liquid warning when you plug in a USB-C cable. Unplug the cable, shut the Mac down and wait at least a day before you try again.
- In a bag with a leaking bottle: The Mac may have sat in water for hours. Do not turn it on to check, and treat it as urgent!! See what to do when a bottle leaks in your bag.
- It turned itself off: Leave it off and do not charge it. It needs to be opened.
- It still works: Turn it off anyway, because working today does not mean it is safe.
Will Apple fix it under warranty?
No. Apple’s one-year warranty does not cover liquid damage, and Apple can tell a Mac has been wet from small markers inside it. With AppleCare+, Apple charges A$429 for each liquid damage repair. Without it, Apple gives a price only after it has looked at the Mac.
What does it cost to fix?
I charge $150 to open, clean and check a wet MacBook, and that comes with a written report. If it needs more work, the $150 comes off the repair. Most liquid repairs come to between $250 and $650, and You get the price before any work starts.
When should I get help?
Get help the same day if you can, and the next day at the latest. Plain water is the easiest spill to fix when it is caught fast. If you have no backup, say so first, so your photos and files get looked at first.
See prices and four real repairs on the MacBook water damage repair page. If it was not water, see coffee, wine or soft drink.
Give me a call or send a few photos of what happened … happy to have a look!!