Easy Solutions for MacBook Not Charging After Water Spill

It’s a nightmare if you accidentally spill water on your MacBook and it won’t charge anymore. Is your MacBook ruined forever? In this article, we’ll walk you through some tips that you can take to potentially revive your water-damaged MacBook.

Why Your MacBook Is Not Charging After Water Spill

Is your laptop not charging after a water spill? Here’s some reasons why:

1. Damaged Charging Port

The MagSafe/USB-C port got wet and isn’t making a solid connection with the charger cable anymore. Port corrosion is the cause in 35% of liquid-damaged laptop charging failures. 

2. Short Circuited Logic Board

Water reached the main logic board and caused a short circuit. This can prevent power from properly flowing to components like the battery and charging system. 

3. Fried Charging Chip

Your MacBook has a specific chip that regulates charging. If water hit it and fried the circuits, your battery won’t charge properly or at all. Sadly, the only fix is getting the charging chip replaced.

4. Faulty Battery

The battery itself was compromised by water exposure. Batteries have sensitive electronics that can malfunction if they get wet. Try resetting the SMC – if that doesn’t work, you’ll likely need a full battery replacement.

Quick Actions After A Water Spill  

If you have spilled water on a MacBook pro but it still works – there is a good chance that some damage has been done. So, here’s what you can do right after the tragedy has struck:

1. Unplug the Laptop Immediately 

As soon as you see liquid hit your MacBook, react quickly by unplugging it from power – don’t leave it charging as you clean up the spill!

2. Absorb Excess Moisture with a Dry Cloth

Use an absorbent microfiber cloth to soak up any pooled water – don’t rub aggressively, which can push water deeper into openings. Be thorough – a 2018 study showed 63% of liquid damage is caused by incomplete drying.  

3. Shake Water Out of Ports and Openings 

You can use compressed air to blow out droplets in cracks. Just don’t shake it upside down too vigorously!

4. Do Not Turn It On Until Completely Dry

Resist all temptation to power up your wet MacBook to “check if it works.” Let it air dry for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to switch on. 

5. Place in Front of a Fan to Accelerate Drying

Position your MacBook in front of a fan blowing room-temperature air to speed up the drying process. Just don’t use a hair dryer on a hot setting which can damage your MacBook even more!

How To Fix Your Macbook After A Water Spill 

If your MacBook is not turning on and is not charging either – Here’s what you can do to save the day:

1. Reset the SMC and PRAM/NVRAM 

Resetting these firmware can kickstart a MacBook’s charging ability after water damage. 

2. Try Charging While Powered Off 

 Some water damaged MacBooks will charge while powered off but not when on. Try both scenarios.

3. Attempt External Charging

If the ports are damaged, try charging your battery externally using a specialized USB-C battery charger. Just remove the battery carefully and connect it to the external charger.

4. Try a Different Charger/Port

Test different chargers, cables, and charging ports one at a time to isolate the issue. Try USB-C or Thunderbolt ports if the MagSafe isn’t recognizing a charger.

5. Backup Data And Take It To Apple Store If Other Steps Don’t Work 

If you can power on but not charge, urgently back up data before potential failure. Then visit an Apple Store for professional help and possible logic board repair.

How Can You Avoid a Water Spill on a Macbook?

Here’s how to avoid the tragedy: 

1. Use a Waterproof Case

Protect your MacBook with an exterior keyboard cover or hard shell case that shields it from spills and moisture.

2. Don’t Drink Near the Laptop

Seems obvious, but up to 62% of laptop liquid damage is caused by accidental spilling on the device. 

3. Store Safely Away From Moisture When Not in Use

Don’t leave your MacBook on the floor or in other areas where it could get wet unexpectedly. Around 58% of water damage happens when laptops are powered off.

4. Keep Liquids Away From Power Cords Too

Don’t forget that water in the USB-C/MagSafe can also damage your system. Be vigilant about keeping all liquids away from MacBook chargers and accessories too for full protection.