Will Apple inspect a water-damaged MacBook for free?
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MellowCedar42
My MacBook was exposed to water and now the keyboard and screen are behaving strangely. I want to take it to an Apple Store for an inspection so I can understand what's wrong and get an estimate for repairs. Would the diagnostic or inspection itself be free, or could I be charged just for asking them to check it? Also, should I avoid turning it on before taking it in, and is waiting a couple of days likely to make the liquid damage worse?
Answers
A basic diagnostic is usually free, even without an extended warranty plan. They can inspect it and explain whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense, although any actual repair or liquid-damage cleaning may cost extra.
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Since it was exposed to water, the priority is getting it inspected and cleaned—not repeatedly testing it. Keep it powered off and unplugged, and don’t try to dry it with heat. Moisture and residue can continue damaging the boards and connectors, so leaving it near a fan is safer than using heat, but it isn’t a substitute for professional service. Tell the technician upfront that liquid was involved so they don’t power it on blindly.
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MellowCedar42: I didn’t realize the corrosion could keep spreading. I’ll leave it switched off and take it in as soon as I can rather than waiting and testing it again.