It’s a nightmare scenario: You’re typing on your laptop when you reach for a glass of water or your morning cup of coffee and—gasp—it tips over, soaking your screen and keyboard. Don’t worry, if liquid spills on your laptop you can still save your device—but only if you act fast. We’ll walk you through what to do to prevent a small spill from turning into a big problem.
Here’s our guide on what to do if you splash or spill water—or any type of liquid—on your laptop.
Turn off your laptop
If water spilled on your laptop keyboard or screen, it’s important to turn off your device immediately. First unplug your laptop , then press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds or longer until it shuts down completely.
Don’t wait to turn off your laptop, since leaving it on while it’s wet could cause a short circuit or other serious damage. Also, be careful—if you or your clothes are wet, don’t unplug your laptop directly from the wall, as you could electrocute yourself. Instead, locate the switch or circuit breaker for the outlet you plugged your device into, then turn it off there.
Remove the battery
After you’ve turned off your laptop, try to remove the battery. Here’s how:
- Turn over your laptop so the bottom is facing up and find the battery latch.
- Slide the latch switch to the opposite side and hold it open until the battery releases.
Remove all plugged-in devices
Next, unplug any USB drives, dongles, or accessories such as a mouse or charger from your laptop.
Dry and drain your laptop
If you spilled liquid on your laptop, it’s important to dry it as quickly and carefully as possible. First, take a microfiber cloth to dab any excess liquid from your device, making sure to dry the keyboard, vents, trackpad, and USB ports. Then follow these simple steps to drain your laptop:
- Turn your laptop upside down, place it on a towel or a microfiber cloth, and let the water drain out.
- Allow at least 24 hours for your computer to fully air dry for best results.
- Do not place your device in rice. You’ll create more problems if the rice gets stuck in and around the components of your laptop.
- Do not use a hairdryer or leave it out in the sun. Too much heat could damage your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I check it before the two days are up?
You’ll want to resist the urge to turn on your laptop until you are confident that it is completely dry, he says.If you power it on too early, it can lead to further damage.
Is there a way to help my laptop dry faster?
Do not use hairdryers, heaters, or other heat sources. Do not place it out in the sun, as excessive heat can cause more harm than good. High heat can damage delicate components and rice and the dust from rice can create more problems by getting stuck in and around components.
Where do I go if my laptop is still under warranty?
If your laptop is under warranty, consider taking it to an authorized service center associated with your laptop’s brand. They are trained to handle specific brands and may offer warranty-covered repairs. Some laptop manufacturers have their own service centers that handle repairs. Contact the manufacturer or check their website for information on authorized service providers in your area.
If your laptop is not covered under warranty. Local computer repair shops often provide services for various brands and models. Do your research and make sure to choose a reputable and experienced shop with positive reviews.