Liquid spill on a MacBook

Symptoms

• Liquid visibly spilled onto the keyboard or trackpad
• Keys feel sticky, stop responding, or type on their own afterward
• The MacBook is behaving erratically right after the spill
• A liquid contact indicator may have changed color (if visible/checkable)

Likely causes

• CommonWater or a mostly harmless liquid spillPlain water is less damaging than sugary or sticky liquids but can still cause a short if power isn't cut quickly.
• CommonA sugary or sticky liquid (coffee, soda, juice)These leave residue that can cause corrosion and stuck keys even after drying.
• PossibleLiquid reaching internal components through the keyboardThe severity depends on how much liquid, how it entered, and how quickly power was cut.
• PossibleA short circuit occurring because the MacBook stayed powered on during the spillThis is the single biggest risk factor for lasting damage.
• PossibleCorrosion developing over the following days if not properly cleanedThis can cause issues that appear well after the initial spill.

What to do

1. Immediately shut down the MacBook by holding the power button; don't wait to save your work first.
2. Unplug the charger right away if it's connected.
3. Turn the MacBook upside down in an inverted V (tent) shape to help liquid drain away from internal components rather than deeper in.
4. Do not press any keys, shake it vigorously, or try to power it on to 'check' if it's okay.
5. Do not use a hair dryer or place it in rice, both of which are commonly suggested but can cause more harm (heat damage or debris) than good.
6. Let it sit powered off and unplugged in a dry area for at least 24–48 hours if the spill was water.
7. If the spill was anything other than plain water (coffee, soda, juice, alcohol), don't wait and turn it on at home; take it in for professional cleaning as soon as possible, since residue causes ongoing corrosion.
8. After the waiting period for a plain water spill, try powering it on; if it works normally, still monitor closely for any new issues over the following days.

Tools and parts

• None required immediately

When to call a pro

For anything beyond plain water, or if the MacBook doesn't power on normally after drying, an Apple-authorized shop should professionally clean the internals before further use.

Safety