The cost of Mac water damage repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific model of the Mac.
If your Mac is still under warranty, Apple may offer to repair it for free, as long as the damage is not due to user error. However, if your Mac is out of warranty or the damage is not covered under the warranty, you will likely need to pay for the repairs yourself.
The cost of Mac water damage repair can range from several hundred dollars to over $1,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the model of the Mac. For example, repairing water damage on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro can cost between $300 to $1200, depending on the model and the extent of the damage.
| Component | Cost |
| Keyboard | $100-200 (depending on the model) |
| Trackpad | $100-200 (depending on the model) |
| Logic board | $500-800 (depending on the model) |
| Display | $300-500 (depending on the model and the display size) |
| Data recovery | $300-1000 (depending on the severity of the damage and the amount of data) |
| Other replacement parts (if needed) | Varies depending on the model and the extent of the damage |
The costs mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the location and the repair shop.
If the water damage is minor and only affects a small component like the keyboard or trackpad, the repair may only cost a few hundred dollars. However, if the water damage is extensive and has affected multiple components, such as the logic board or display, the repair can cost several hundred or even a thousand dollars.
It’s important to note that some water damage is not repairable, and the device might be beyond repair.
Before sending the device for repair, you should back up all your data to ensure you don’t lose any important information. Also, some repair shops can make data recovery in case the hard drive is affected, which is especially important if you’re dealing with a damaged Apple storage drive.
How can I tell if my MacBook has been water damaged?
Several signs can indicate that a MacBook has been water damaged:
- Water stains or discoloration on the case or display. This can be a clear indication of water damage.
- Corrosion or rust on the charging port, headphone jack, or other metal components.
- Distorted or discolored display. If the display appears distorted, discolored, or has “dead” pixels, it may signify water damage.
- Keyboard or trackpad not working properly. If the keyboard or trackpad is not functioning properly, it could signal water damage to the internal components.
- Battery not charging or holding a charge. If the battery is not holding a charge or not charging at all, it could be a sign of water damage to the internal components.
- Strange noises or smells. If the MacBook makes strange noises or emits a musty odor, it could be a sign of water damage.
Water damage can be difficult to detect, and some internal components may not show visible signs of damage. It’s recommended to contact an Apple-authorized service provider or an Apple Store for a diagnostic test to determine if the device has been water damaged.
You might be interested in
Is a water-damaged Mac worth repairing?
Whether or not it’s worth repairing a water-damaged MacBook depends on the damage’s extent and the repair’s cost.
It may be worth repairing if the damage is minor and only affects a small component, such as the keyboard or trackpad.
However, if the damage is extensive and has affected multiple components, such as the logic board or display, the repair cost may be high, and purchasing a new device may be more cost-effective, especially when factoring in other potential repairs that might be needed.
Consider the value of the device and the data on it. It may be worth repairing if the device has sentimental value or contains important data.
However, if the device is an older model and the data can be easily transferred to a new one, it may not be worth the repair cost, especially when considering additional expenses like MacBook Pro SMC replacement.
Will Apple fix a Mac that was damaged by water?
Apple does repair water-damaged laptops as long as it is not catastrophic damage, but it is not free. AppleCare+ also covers liquid damage at a reduced cost if a damage incident is still available, which can be helpful for issues like MacBook Pro charging port repairs.
Apple will repair water-damaged Macs, but it depends on the extent of the damage and if the device is still covered under warranty. There are some exclusions where the repair may be covered at no additional cost if the device is still covered under the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law.
However, if the device is out of warranty or the damage is not covered under warranty, the repair will be considered a warranty service, and the customer will be charged accordingly.
