The nightmare of any Apple user is to spill a glass of water, coffee or something stronger on the Mac. Unlike the iPhone, Apple computers are defenseless against moisture.

In a partner article with iOn, his team explains how to provide first aid to a MacBook in such a case.

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What should be done first

Step 1. Turn off your Mac and disconnect it from the charger. If you have a laptop with a removable battery, take it out. In modern MacBook models, it is not possible to remove the battery without tools, so turn off the computer forcibly. To do this, hold down the power button and do not release it until the screen turns off.

Flash drives, adapters, cables and other peripheral devices can fail, so it is better to get them. Even if the computer is turned off, the power circuits on the motherboard continue to work and a short circuit can occur.

Step 2 Blot the wet surface with a towel or other absorbent cloth. Do not press or try to forcefully wipe the MacBook, so that the liquid does not smear and go inside.

Step 3 Turn the MacBook sharply and place it on the towel with the keyboard facing down. If a lot of water gets inside, it will start to leak out through the holes around the keys. Be careful not to get liquid on the display as it can damage it. Leave the laptop upside down for a while.

If you are not a professional service engineer and you do not have special tools at hand, it is better to stop there.

Learn more about how an authorized Apple service center works

Does it make sense to take a flooded Mac to the service

Service is your only chance to save your computer. And it’s better to take the MacBook there as soon as possible, because as soon as moisture gets inside, the electrolysis process begins. By the way, try to transport the laptop in the position in which it was dried – with the keyboard down.

What methods do not work

Do not waste time on useless advice from the Internet. They will either not help or make the situation worse. Here’s what you definitely shouldn’t do:

• Dry with a hair dryer. If the liquid gets to the electronics, then under the pressure of hot air, it will turn into condensate, which will only intensify the chemical processes. The scale of the disaster will increase.
• Put in fig. You will simply waste valuable time and transfer the croup. Rice is not able to extract moisture from the laptop case.
• Turn on the laptop. If there is a suspicion that at least a few drops have seeped inside, it is better to play it safe and contact the service. In the worst case, you will simply leave for nothing. Or save the laptop. Remember that water is an excellent conductor of electricity and even one drop on the board can cause a short circuit.
• Disassemble a Mac yourself. Without special skills and equipment you’ll ruin your computer or increase repair costs.

Learn more about how an authorized Apple service center works

What to do if it is not possible to go to an authorized service

You can play roulette and continue using your laptop. It will even turn on and work, and you will think that the danger has passed. But even if the contacts are dry, the corrosion has not gone anywhere. And at the same time, the laptop can fail. It usually happens at the wrong time. And if you also use the laptop in an area with high humidity, this will only accelerate the process of electrical corrosion.

The only thing you can do is postpone going to the service. To do this, perform the three steps of first aid and ask a specialist in the nearest workshop to remove at least the battery. Even in off mode, it still supplies power to the internal components.

What could be the consequences

It all depends on where exactly the water seeped. Most often, the liquid is spilled on the keyboard, under which the motherboard is located – the most vulnerable element of the computer. Therefore, if moisture penetrates through the openings around the keys and touchpad, the board and the controller may fail.

Some laptops require battery replacement after bathing. And if water gets on the hinges of the display unit, separation may occur. In this case, you need to change the entire display module together with the cover.

Learn more about how an authorized Apple service center works

Instead of output

Not all liquids spilled on equipment are equally dangerous. They can be conventionally divided into aggressive and mildly aggressive. The more sugar and salts in the liquid, the higher the level of “aggression”.

For example, the worst thing is if cola, kvass, juice, mineral water, alcohol, as well as sweet tea or coffee get inside the case. Corrosion of conductors occurs several times faster due to a chemical reaction. Less dangerous liquids are water, unsweetened drinks. Even if you have spilled them, with properly provided first aid, the chance to restore the device for an adequate amount is quite high.

The simplest example is when the laptop is helped by cleaning and does not need replacement of components. Such a service will cost approximately UAH 1,000.

How the Apple service center works in Ukraine

The main conclusion: if you spilled a glass on your Mac, contact service. And best authorized. For example, in iOn – Apple service center in Ukraine.

The company includes a chain of Apple equipment stores and its own authorized service centers. iOn specialists are certified by representatives of the corporation and work on professional equipment.

In iOn you can also buy MacBook, iPhone and other Apple equipment, all devices have an official warranty on the territory of Ukraine. You can also buy Apple devices here Trade-in, installments or on credit.

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