Quick Answers
Apple may fix a water damaged MacBook, but it depends on the extent of the damage and which model you have. Your best bet is to bring it into an Apple Store and have them assess the damage. Apple’s limited 1-year warranty does not cover liquid damage. For newer models, you can purchase AppleCare+ which covers up to two incidents of accidental damage from handling, including spills, for a service fee. With older models, your only option is an out-of-warranty repair at your own cost.
Assessing Liquid Damage on a MacBook
If you spill liquid on your MacBook the first thing you should do is power it off and disconnect any connected cables and devices. Do not try turning it on as this can cause short circuits and further damage.
Next, drain out any excess liquid by holding the MacBook at an angle or lightly shaking it over a sink. Do not shake it too vigorously. Allow it to dry thoroughly for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to turn it on again.
Once fully dried, connect the power adapter and press the power button. If it powers on, check that the keyboard, trackpad, speakers, ports, and screen are all functioning properly. Even if it appears to work, liquid could still cause corrosion over time.
If it does not turn on, or some components are damaged, you will need to have it assessed by an Apple technician. The genius bar at any Apple store can run a diagnostic test and determine if liquid caused any corrosion to the logic board or other internal components.
Assessing Damage on Older MacBooks
With older MacBook models from around 2015 and earlier, liquid damage is more difficult to repair. These models have the RAM soldered to the logic board making water damage repairs less feasible. Replacing the entire board is often the only option, which can rival the cost of a new laptop.
Assessing Damage on Newer MacBooks
Newer MacBook models from 2016 and later tend to be more repairable when it comes to liquid damage. The removable RAM modules are less likely to be damaged by a spill. In these cases, a tech may only need to replace a shorted-out component or module instead of the entire logic board.
Apple Warranty Coverage and Repairs
Apple includes a 1-year limited warranty on all new MacBook purchases. However, this warranty does not cover any damage caused by accidents, drops, spills or other types of physical damage. Liquid damage is classified as “accidental damage” and any water-related repairs will void your warranty.
You can extend your MacBook’s warranty by purchasing AppleCare+ within 60 days of your original purchase date. AppleCare+ extends repair coverage to 2 years from the original purchase date and adds up to 2 incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other damage.
If water or liquid is spilled on your MacBook and you have AppleCare+, you can bring it into an Apple store and have it repaired for the applicable service fee based on the type of damage. Without AppleCare+, your only option is paying Apple’s out-of-warranty repair fees.
AppleCare+ Accidental Damage Coverage
Here is what AppleCare+ covers for liquid damage:
– Up to 2 incidents of accidental damage from handling, including spills, are covered during the 2-year period after purchase.
– Damage can include an external enclosure repair or full unit replacement.
– Each incident is subject to a service fee of $99 for screen or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other damage related to liquid.
– Coverage only applies to operational or mechanical failures caused by an accident from handling. Any damage caused intentionally or from abuse is not covered.
Out-of-Warranty Repair Costs
For any MacBook model that is no longer under warranty or AppleCare+ coverage, Apple charges out-of-warranty fees for liquid damage repairs:
– Screen damage: $299
– External enclosure damage: $299
– Other liquid damage repairs: $699
– If the logic board was damaged, the fee can be as high as $1099.
– Full unit replacements are not offered for old products no longer covered by AppleCare+. The device would need to be replaced at your own cost.
Third Party Repair Options
Rather than go directly through Apple, you can get quotes from third party repair shops to fix a liquid damaged MacBook. Prices vary enormously based on the model, type of damage, and required parts.
Advantages of third party repairs:
– Often cheaper than Apple, especially for older models where replacing the logic board may not make sense.
– More willing to work on heavily damaged units that Apple would just recommend replacing entirely.
– Quicker turnaround time compared to the Genius bar.
Disadvantages:
– Quality of parts may be lower than genuine Apple replacements.
– Repair workmanship can be hit-or-miss depending on the shop.
– Technicians may lack specialized training and tools for Mac repairs.
– Third party shops cannot access any diagnostic info from Apple directly.
– Repairs may void any remaining Apple warranty coverage.
Always vet a third party repair shop thoroughly, read reviews, ask about their experience with MacBook repairs, and request a detailed quote in writing before letting them complete any liquid damage repairs.
DIY and Self Repair Options
With the right technical skill set, you can attempt to repair minor liquid damage yourself rather than go through Apple or a repair shop. There are also mail-in DIY options for MacBook repairs.
What you can potentially repair yourself:
– Replace external case or shell that suffered cosmetic water damage.
– Replace trackpad/keyboard if liquid seeped under keys and caused input issues.
– Replace display screen if damaged by moisture seeping behind LCD.
– Disassemble, dry out, clean, and reassemble MacBook after spill.
Parts needed can be purchased from sites like iFixit and replacement procedures found on repair guide videos. Be sure to follow proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) protocols when working inside any MacBook.
More extensive component-level repairs for actual liquid corrosion should still be left to experienced professionals. But for minor spills limited to external case and input components, self-repair can be a cost-effective DIY option worth considering.
Self Repair Considerations
Here are some key considerations if attempting a DIY liquid damage repair on your MacBook:
– Review repair/teardown guides thoroughly first and determine your technical comfort level.
– Purchase a proper ESD wrist strap and use grounded mats to avoid discharge damage.
– Be gentle when disassembling and keep track of all screws and components.
– Only replace clearly damaged parts – don’t overcomplicate what is needed.
– Test before reassembly and don’t force anything that isn’t connecting or fitting properly.
– Use proper tools – don’t try to pry or force open enclosures.
– Go slow and take plenty of photos during disassembly to assist reassembly.
Proceed with caution to avoid making matters worse through amateur repair attempts. For anything complex, it still makes sense to work with an experienced MacBook repair technician when liquid or corrosion is involved.
How to Dry Out a Wet MacBook
If your MacBook suffers a direct spill or gets splashed or soaked by water, prompt action can help dry it out quickly to minimize any permanent water damage:
– Immediately power off the MacBook and unplug all cables/devices. Any connected power sources can short and cause electrical damage if still live.
– Wipe away any standing water on the surface but don’t try to shake out water inside openings.
– Tilt/incline the MacBook to drain out as much moisture through ports/openings as possible. Absorbent towels placed below can help collect water draining out.
– Remove any wet cases or covers. Disassemble further if needed to access soaked components.
– Do not try turning on before thoroughly dried. Water inside the circuits can short and fry components.
– Allow to dry for at least 24 hours minimum. Up to 4-5 days recommended for very soaked units before reconnecting power.
– Place in front of a fan blowing room temperature air to speed up drying. Do not use hair dryers or other high heat.
– Once fully dried, reconnect and test. If it works, run thorough diagnostics to check for longer term water damage.
Rapid power off and draining/drying right after a spill offers the best chance of being able to revive a water damaged MacBook. The longer moisture sits inside, the greater the risk of short circuit damage during power up.
Conclusion
Liquid damage on a MacBook can be devastating but does not automatically mean the end of your computer. For newer models, or any MacBook still under AppleCare+ warranty, your best bet is taking it to Apple for assessment and repair. This route provides the highest quality fixes directly from Apple.
For older models no longer covered by AppleCare+, third party repairs can be more affordable. However quality may vary significantly. DIY repairs are an option as well for minor spills, but attempting component-level fixes is risky without proper skills and tools.
No matter what model you have, immediately powering off, draining excess moisture, and thoroughly drying out your MacBook gives you the best chance of reviving it after any spill or water incident. While liquid damage is never good, fast action can help mitigate any permanent damage.