Spilled water on your MacBook? Here's what to do

Accidents happen, but if you've spilled water on your MacBook®, it can ruin your computer—and your day. The good news: You may be able to save your device and prevent further damage, but you'll have to act fast.

At Asurion, when tech breaks, we fix it—whether your MacBook won't turn on or your iPhone® speaker is broken. Here's our guide for what to do if water spilled on your MacBook.

Turn off your MacBook

If you've spilled water on your MacBook keyboard or screen, it's important to turn off your device immediately. First unplug your MacBook Pro® or MacBook Air®, then press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds or longer until it shuts down completely.

Spilled water on your device?

We can help. Skip the bag of rice, and schedule a water damage repair for a free diagnostic.

Schedule a repair

Don't wait to turn off your MacBook, since leaving it on while it's wet could cause a short circuit or other serious damage. Also, be careful—if you or your clothes are wet, don't unplug your device directly from the wall, as you could electrocute yourself. Instead, locate the switch or circuit breaker for the outlet you plugged your MacBook into, then turn it off there.

Remove all plugged-in devices

Next, unplug any USB drives, dongles, or accessories such as a mouse, wired headphones, or charger from your MacBook.

Dry and drain your MacBook

If your MacBook got wet, it's important to dry it as quickly and carefully as possible. First take a microfiber cloth to dab any excess liquid from your device, making sure to dry the keyboard, vents, trackpad, and USB ports. Try using a cotton swab to dry small, hard-to-reach places. Then follow these simple steps to drain your MacBook:

1. Turn your MacBook upside down, place it on a towel or a microfiber cloth, and let the water drip out.
2. Allow at least 24 hours for your computer to fully air dry for best results.
3. Do not place your device in rice. You'll create more problems if the rice gets stuck in and around the components of your MacBook.
4. Do not use a hairdryer or leave your MacBook out in the sun. Too much heat could damage your device.

Let a pro clean and check your MacBook

Before you turn your device back on or plug anything back into the device, it's a good idea to have a professional clean your MacBook and check for water damage. An Asurion Expert can do that for you—schedule an appointment or stop by your nearest for repairs as soon as the same day. They can also remove the back of your device and check your battery for damage—you'll want to avoid doing this yourself, as it could void your warranty.