If you’ve accidentally spilled water or another liquid on your MacBook, you may be wondering if it can be repaired and restored to full working order. The short answer is yes, in many cases MacBooks can be fixed after water damage. However, the extent of the repairs needed will depend on how quickly you act and the severity of the water exposure.
What to do immediately after water damage
If your MacBook gets wet, it’s important to act quickly in order to give yourself the best chance of saving it. Here are the steps you should take immediately:
- Turn off the MacBook and unplug it from power – This will help prevent shorts and further damage to the internal components
- Disconnect any external devices like USB drives or external monitors
- Wipe off excess moisture with a soft, absorbent cloth – Don’t rub aggressively as this can damage the screen
- Tilt the MacBook to drain off any water and allow it to dry out for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to turn it on again
- Do not try to dry out the laptop with an external heat source like a hairdryer – This can push moisture further into the small spaces inside the computer and cause corrosion
The quicker you can stop additional water from entering the computer and give it time to dry out, the better chance you’ll have of reviving it without major component damage.
Assessing the water damage
Once your MacBook has had time to dry out, the next step is to assess the extent of the water damage. Here are some things to check:
- Try turning it on – Does it power on and boot up normally? If yes, that’s a good sign there may be minimal damage.
- Is there visible corrosion on any external ports or connectors? This can indicate water got inside.
- Does the keyboard work properly? Sticky/unresponsive keys can signify water under the keyboard.
- Connect to an external monitor if possible – Do you see video output or is the screen blank?
- Check all functionality like WiFi, speakers, camera, USB ports, etc. Any components not working could indicate water exposure.
If your MacBook won’t power on at all, won’t charge, has visible corrosion, or has malfunctioning components, it will likely need professional repair service.
Common water damage issues
Here are some of the most common issues that can occur after water damage on a MacBook:
Short circuits
If water gets on the logic board or makes contact with internal connectors, it can cause short circuits and electrical malfunctions. This may prevent the laptop from turning on or cause it to suddenly shut down intermittently.
Corroded connections
Corrosion can build up on data ports and electrical contacts due to mineral deposits left behind after water dries. This can interrupt the flow of power and data to components.
Degraded display
The LCD display panel can be damaged if moisture seeps between the screen layers. This usually appears as distorted or discolored areas on the screen.
Sticky keys
If water gets under the keyboard membrane, it can make the keys stick and register improperly when pressed. The trackpad may also behave erratically if moisture gets underneath.
Damaged logic board
The logic board contains the laptop’s core processing components. If it gets wet, the water can short circuit and corrupt delicate chipsets and connections, making the computer unusable.
Drying out a wet MacBook
If your MacBook did get wet but you caught it quickly, there are some steps you can take to dry it out fully:
- Leave it powered off and disconnected from power for at least 24-48 hours to air dry.
- Remove any parts you can access like the battery and hard drive and let them dry separately.
- Use compressed air to blow out any visible moisture in ports, connectors, and buttons.
- Place the laptop in front of a fan directed away from the screen to circulate air through the holes.
- Insert silica gel packs inside to actively absorb moisture – don’t turn it on until all packs are dry.
The longer you leave the MacBook to thoroughly air dry before attempting to use it, the better. This gives time for any remaining moisture trapped inside to evaporate.
When to take your MacBook in for repair
If your MacBook suffered significant water damage or shows signs of malfunction even after drying, it’s best to take it to a professional repair shop qualified to service Apple products. A technician can:
- Disassemble the device to clean out any remaining moisture
- Inspect components for corrosion and damage
- Replace any parts that were irreparably damaged
- Thoroughly clean and dry the logic board
- Test and verify all laptop functionality
Don’t attempt to turn on your MacBook if there are signs of liquid inside – this can short circuit and cause further damage. Leave it to the professionals to safely extract any water and perform necessary repairs.
Cost of repairing a water damaged MacBook
The cost to repair a water damaged MacBook can vary widely based on the severity and components affected. Here are some approximate repair costs:
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Keyboard replacement | $200 – $700 |
| Logic board repair | $500 – $1200 |
| Display replacement | $400 – $700 |
| Battery replacement | $130 – $200 |
| Full device replacement | $1200+ |
Keep in mind third-party and mail-in repair shops often charge less than the Genius Bar at Apple Stores. Shopping around can save you money on water damage repairs for your MacBook.
Is water damage covered by AppleCare+?
If you purchased AppleCare+ coverage for your MacBook, it may cover certain types of accidental damage – including damage from liquid contact. Each incident is subject to a service fee, but this is considerably less than the actual cost of repair:
- AppleCare+ for MacBook: $99 service fee per incident
- AppleCare+ for MacBook Pro: $299 service fee per incident
So while AppleCare+ won’t fully cover water damage repair costs, it can significantly offset expensive fixes to your MacBook or MacBook Pro due to spills and accidents.
Preventing water damage to your MacBook
While no laptop is 100% waterproof, there are some simple precautions you can take to avoid exposing your MacBook to moisture:
- Use a waterproof case or bag when traveling with your laptop.
- Don’t eat or drink around your MacBook.
- Keep the MacBook away from bodies of water like pools or bathtubs.
- Don’t use the laptop outdoors when it’s raining or snowing.
- Keep liquids in sealed containers when near your laptop.
- Shut down and unplug the MacBook if there’s risk of a spill.
Being mindful of conditions where spills are more likely can go a long way towards preventing costly water damage to your MacBook or MacBook Pro.
Can my MacBook be fixed after water damage? – Conclusion
In summary, MacBooks can often be repaired and restored to full functionality even after water damage, especially if treated quickly. Turn off and dry out your laptop immediately, assess the damage once dry, and bring it to a professional Apple repair shop if necessary. The cost will depend on which components need to be replaced. While not covered under the standard warranty, AppleCare+ can offset repair costs by up to $299 for each incident. With proper care and quick response when accidents happen, water damage doesn’t have to spell the end of your MacBook’s life.