If your MacBook has gotten wet, it’s important to dry it out as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage. Here are some tips on how to safely dry out a wet MacBook.
What to do if your MacBook gets wet
The first thing you’ll want to do is disconnect the power adapter and any connected cables or accessories from your MacBook. You don’t want to risk getting electrocuted from any water that may have gotten inside the ports or connectors.
Next, you’ll want to turn off the MacBook if it’s still on. Don’t worry about losing any unsaved work – your priority is preventing further damage at this point. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the MacBook shuts down.
With the MacBook powered off, flip it over to drain out any obvious pools of liquid from the keyboard, trackpad, or ports. Gently shake the MacBook to remove any trapped water droplets.
It’s important not to try turning the MacBook back on yet. Powering on a wet MacBook can short circuit the logic board and other components, likely rendering it unusable.
Dry the outside of the MacBook
Before worrying about residual moisture inside your MacBook, dry the outside as much as you can:
- Use a microfiber cloth to gently blot up any moisture on the MacBook’s aluminum case. Don’t rub the surface, which can push the water further inside.
- If the case still feels wet, place the MacBook on its side and leave it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Position it so any remaining liquid can drain out.
- You can speed up drying time by placing the MacBook in front of a fan. Just make sure the fan is blowing air over the surface, not directly into the ports where moisture could get pushed further inside.
- Do not try drying the MacBook with an external heat source like a hairdryer or heater. The extreme heat can damage internal components.
Once the case feels dry to the touch, it’s time to tackle residual moisture inside the MacBook.
Dry out the inside of the MacBook
If liquid got inside your MacBook, it’s likely still trapped under the keyboard and around internal components. Here are some methods to safely extract that moisture:
Leave the MacBook in dry rice
One of the most popular ways to absorb moisture from the inside of electronics is to submerge them in uncooked rice. Here’s how to dry a MacBook with rice:
- Fill a sealable container with enough uncooked rice to fully cover your MacBook.
- Bury the MacBook in the rice so it’s fully submerged. Make sure the rice fills every nook and cranny.
- Seal the container and leave it at room temperature for at least 24-48 hours.
- Check on the MacBook every 12 hours, stirring the rice to expose it to any moisture drawn out.
- Once the rice no longer feels damp, remove the MacBook and wipe away any excess rice using a dry lint-free cloth.
The rice will gradually absorb moisture from inside the MacBook through small openings like the keyboard. Just make sure no rice grains get stuck in ports or connectors.
Use moisture-absorbing packs
Silica gel packs and other moisture-absorbing products can also be used to draw water out of a wet MacBook:
- Place moisture-absorbing packs inside a sealable bag or container with the MacBook.
- For maximum exposure, prop up the MacBook so air can circulate all around and underneath it.
- Leave the sealed container in a dry location for at least 48 hours.
- Check on the packs every 12 hours, replacing them if they become saturated with moisture.
- When the packs are no longer collecting moisture, remove them and wipe down the MacBook.
This controlled drying method prevents moisture from getting pushed further inside the MacBook. The packs actively collect water vapor from the air, gradually drying out the laptop’s interior.
Use a portable dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can actively dry the air around your MacBook to extract residual moisture. Here’s how to use one effectively:
- Select a portable electric dehumidifier that can manage a volume large enough to accommodate your MacBook.
- Place the dehumidifier and MacBook inside a sealed bag or storage container.
- Connect the dehumidifier and let it run inside the container for 12-24 hours.
- Frequently check the dehumidifier’s water tank and drain it as needed.
- When no more moisture is being collected, remove the MacBook and dehumidifier.
- Wipe down the MacBook’s exterior and ports in case of dripping condensation.
This quick active drying prevents moisture from seeping deeper into the laptop. Just make sure not to leave the MacBook unattended so you can drain the dehumidifier as needed.
Use a fan to circulate air
If you don’t have rice, drying packs, or a dehumidifier available, you can still use a fan to speed up drying time:
- Place the MacBook on its side elevated above a surface so air can flow underneath.
- Position a fan several feet away pointed so it blows across the surface of the MacBook.
- Make sure the fan isn’t so close that it blows liquid into ports and openings.
- Let the fan run for 12-24 hours, periodically repositioning the MacBook to expose any unseen moisture.
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe up any emerging water droplets so they don’t roll back inside.
This rudimentary air circulation helps moisture evaporate instead of settling further in the MacBook’s nooks and crannies.
When it’s safe to use your MacBook after water exposure
Once you’ve dried your MacBook for at least 24-48 hours using one of the above methods, you can start testing it out again. Here are some tips on safely using it post-water-damage:
- Inspect the exterior for any remaining moisture or suds around ports, vents, or connectors.
- Connect the power adapter and press the power button, but don’t keep it on long-term until you’ve verified functionality.
- If it boots up, check for basic functionality like keyboard input, trackpad gestures, and display.
- Shut down, disconnect from power, and let it sit powered off for another 24 hours in a dry location before regular use.
- After 48 hours, if the MacBook still powers on without issue, it should be safe to operate normally.
- However, look out for odd behaviors like repeated crashing or freezing which could indicate lingering liquid damage.
Don’t be tempted to power on your MacBook before it’s had ample time to dry out. Prematurely using it could short circuit and destroy sensitive components.
When to take your MacBook to the Apple Store
If you follow all the drying steps but your MacBook still won’t turn on or has serious issues, liquid may have reached the logic board or other vital internal parts. At that point, you’ll need to take it to the Apple store or authorized service provider. Symptoms like these indicate professional help is needed:
- MacBook won’t power on at all, even after 48 hours of drying
- MacBook powers on but won’t boot up all the way, shutting down unexpectedly
- Corrosion around ports or connectors
- Distorted or cracked sound from speakers
- Display isn’t turning on
- Unresponsive keyboard and/or trackpad
- Internal liquid indicators show water damage
Apple’s liquid damage diagnostic tools and repairs can salvage a MacBook even after significant water exposure. Just don’t turn it on or try fixing it yourself once major problems appear.
How Apple fixes water damaged MacBooks
If a thorough inspection at the Apple Store determines your MacBook did sustain internal liquid damage, a repair could involve:
- Disassembling the MacBook to drain any standing liquid and dry components
- Cleaning corrosion from logic boards and ports
- Replacing any short-circuited or corroded components
- Testing and calibrating repaired components like the display, battery, and trackpad
- Reassembling the MacBook and verifying all repairs were successful
The specific repairs depend on how far the water penetrated and which parts failed as a result. In severe cases, the entire logic board may need replacement.
Cost of water damage repair
Water damage repair costs can vary significantly depending on extent of damage. Some average repair costs for common models include:
| MacBook Model | Liquid Damage Repair Cost |
| MacBook Air 13-inch | $500 – $700 |
| MacBook Pro 13-inch | $700 – $900 |
| MacBook Pro 16-inch | $900 – $1300 |
Keep in mind newer MacBook Pros with Apple’s M1 chips could be more expensive to repair due to fewer available parts for these newer models.
Alternatives to Apple repair
Repairs directly through Apple tend to be pricier but reliable. However, you can get quotes from local authorized third-party Mac repair shops for potentially lower repair pricing. Just make sure to vet any repair shop thoroughly based on reviews and examples of their work.
Some people also try do-it-yourself MacBook liquid damage repair using online guides and replacement parts purchased online. This is riskier but can save money if successful – just make sure to follow repair guides closely.
Preventing water damage to your MacBook
While no laptop is truly waterproof, you can take some precautions to avoid MacBook liquid damage in the first place:
- Keep all drinks well away from your workspace to prevent spills.
- Don’t use your MacBook anywhere with risk of rain, splashes, or humidity like patios or boats.
- Carry your MacBook in a padded waterproof case or bag when on the go.
- Never leave your MacBook unattended in sinks, bathtubs, or other wet locations.
- Use a waterproof cover when working outdoors.
- Avoid placing water containers or houseplants on the same desk as your MacBook.
- Keep small children and pets who may spill liquids away from your MacBook.
While mishaps can always happen, a little planning goes a long way in keeping water away from your expensive electronics.
Conclusion
Liquid damage doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your MacBook as long as you act quickly. Letting it dry thoroughly before powering on again is crucial, along with cleaning any corrosion once powered up. In severe cases of water exposure, trust Apple’s repair experts to salvage your MacBook and avoid turning it on once problems appear.
With some knowledge on safely drying out your MacBook, a little spilled liquid doesn’t have to become a major crisis. Just remember – when in doubt, get it checked out by a repair professional rather than risking further damage. Your swift action can help your MacBook survive its unexpected water exposure.
