TL;DR
If you’ve spilled water on your MacBook:
- Turn off your Mac immediately to prevent damage.
- Disconnect the charger to avoid electrical issues.
- Take out all external accessories.
- Invert the MacBook to drain water.
- Gently dab away visible water.
- Let it dry for 24-48 hours without heat.
- Place silica packets to absorb moisture.
- Don’t turn it on too soon to prevent damage.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Spilling water on a MacBook can feel like a disaster, but acting fast can make all the difference. In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to help minimize the damage and increase the chances of saving your device.
What to Do When You’ve Spilled Water on Your MacBook
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If you’ve accidentally spilled water on your MacBook, follow the steps I mentioned below in particular order:
1. Shut Down the MacBook Immediately
As soon as you spill water, your first step is to turn off the MacBook. Water and electricity don’t mix, so keeping the device powered on can cause a short circuit.
- Press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds until the screen goes black.
- Don’t wait for the regular shutdown process, force it off as fast as possible.
2. Unplug the Power Adapter
If your MacBook is plugged into an outlet, disconnect it immediately. Keeping it connected to power while wet can lead to electrical shocks or damage the charging port and internal components.
To ensure your safety, consider using rubber gloves when unplugging the charger from the A/C outlets.
3. Remove External Devices
Any accessories like USB drives, headphones, or external mice can also be affected by the spill or add to the damage. You want to remove them quickly so the ports don’t get water in them. Make sure the ports are dry afterward by gently wiping them with a cloth.
4. Turn the MacBook Upside Down
Flipping the MacBook upside down helps water drain out instead of seeping deeper into the sensitive parts of the device like the motherboard or battery.
- Place the MacBook in an upside-down V or tent shape with the screen and keyboard angled downwards.
- Leave it in this position for several hours to help any liquid drip out.
While you move your Mac to a dry location, keep it upright and avoid shaking or tilting it. Don’t try to drain water from your device, or you’ll do more damage than good.
5. Wipe Excess Liquid
After flipping the MacBook, use a soft, absorbent cloth to gently blot any visible water on the surface. Focus on the keyboard, trackpad, and edges where water may have pooled.
- Dab, don’t rub. Rubbing could push water into the device.
- Pay attention to the ports (USB, headphone jack, charging port) and blot any moisture from there.
6. Let the MacBook Air Dry
Allow the MacBook to air dry for at least 24-48 hours in a cool, dry place. Avoid using any artificial heat sources like a hair dryer or heater, as these can damage the internal components or push the water deeper into the device. Find a spot where air circulates freely. Don’t store it in a tight or humid place.
7. Consider Using Silica Gel or Desiccants
Silica gel packets are a great way to absorb moisture faster. If you don’t have silica gel, you can use uncooked rice in an emergency, but silica gel is much more effective.
- Place silica gel packets (you can find them in new shoe boxes or buy them online) around and under your MacBook while it’s upside down.
- If using rice, place the MacBook on top of a layer of rice in a large, shallow container. Make sure not to let the rice get inside the ports.
8. Don’t Try to Turn It On Right Away
It’s tempting to check if your MacBook is still working, but you should wait at least 48 hours before attempting to power it on. Turning it on too soon can cause a short circuit or permanent damage.
When to Call in a Professional
If your MacBook doesn’t turn on, makes strange noises, has a non-working keyboard or trackpad, shows signs of corrosion, or has a flickering screen after water exposure, it’s time to call a professional. Continuing to use it can make the damage worse and costlier to fix. You can also reach out to Apple Customer Support for official repair options and guidance.
What Not to Do When You’ve Spilled Water on Your Mac
Here’s a list of what not to do when you’ve spilled water on your MacBook:
- ⚠️ Turn Off Immediately: Shut down your Mac right after the spill to prevent electrical damage.
- 🚫 Don’t Press Keys or Trackpad: Avoid pressing anything to prevent liquid from spreading inside.
- 🔥 No Heat Sources: Don’t use a hairdryer or heater, as heat can damage internal parts.
- ⏳ Wait 48 Hours: Let it dry completely before turning it on, at least 48 hours.
- 🔧 Don’t Disassemble: If you’re not experienced, don’t open the Mac—this can cause more harm.
Moving Forward From Spilled Water on Your MacBook
Spilling water on your MacBook can be a stressful experience, but taking quick and appropriate action can save your device. Here are some more tips to improve you Mac experience:
- Regular Mac maintenance keeps your device in top condition and extends its life.
- Preventing your Mac from overheating is key to optimal performance.
- It’s useful to know if MacBooks are waterproof and how to protect them from water damage.
