Will Apple inspect a MacBook for liquid damage, and is the diagnostic free?
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MellowCactus42
My MacBook was exposed to water and now the keyboard and screen are behaving strangely. I want to take it to an Apple Store to find out what is wrong and get an estimate for repairs. Do they charge simply for running a diagnostic, and should I tell them directly that liquid was spilled on it? The nearest store is about two days away, so I'm also wondering whether leaving it beside a fan will help or whether the damage could get worse while I wait.
Answers
A basic diagnostic is generally free, even without AppleCare, but repairs or liquid-damage cleaning may cost money. Be upfront about the spill rather than describing it as an unexplained failure—the technicians need that information to avoid making the damage worse and to give you an accurate estimate.
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Don’t keep trying to power it on or use it while you wait. A fan won’t reverse liquid damage, and corrosion can continue as moisture and residue remain inside. Keep it unplugged and take it in as soon as you reasonably can; the store will likely inspect it for liquid indicators and internal corrosion before recommending cleaning or replacement.
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MellowCactus42: So leaving it switched off beside a fan is okay, but I shouldn’t test it again before the appointment? I’ll make sure to explain exactly what happened when I bring it in.