MacBook Repairs | Battery, Keyboard, Screen and Liquid-Damaged Logic Boards

MacBook battery health: “Normal” or “Service Recommended”?

Apple states that Battery Health is available under Apple menu → System Settings → Battery. Click the information button beside it to see Maximum Capacity, the battery's capacity as a percentage of when it was new. Battery Health shows one of these states:

Apple also notes that when “Service Recommended” appears, the battery may not be functioning normally even if you have not noticed an obvious change. For iPhone battery health, see iPhone Battery Replacement.

MacBook battery cycles: when to replace it and how to check

Apple states that batteries have a limited cycle count, after which performance is expected to decline. Most MacBook and MacBook Pro models from 2010 onwards, including Apple silicon, have a maximum of 1000 cycles; some older models have 300 or 500. Batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of original capacity at that limit. They remain usable afterwards, but runtime may decrease; Apple recommends replacement to maintain performance.

How to check cycle count (Apple's instructions):

• Step 1: Hold Option, click the Apple menu and select System Information.
• Step 2: Select Power under Hardware.
• Step 3: Find Cycle Count under Battery Information.

How can I extend MacBook battery life?

Apple states that macOS offers Optimised Battery Charging. Your Mac learns your charging habits and delays charging beyond 80% until you need it, reducing battery ageing. Intel-based Mac laptops also have battery health management, which monitors temperature history and charging patterns and may temporarily reduce maximum charge to slow chemical ageing. These settings are under System Settings → Battery → Battery Health.

MacBook keyboard problems: does the whole keyboard need replacing?

Not necessarily. Dead, stuck or repeating keys may result from dust, liquid residue, an individual key mechanism, the keyboard flex cable or the logic board. MacBook keyboards are closely integrated into the body; do not pry off keycaps yourself. We open and inspect the device, then explain whether cleaning, individual-key treatment or keyboard assembly replacement is needed. Work starts after quote approval. If symptoms began after a spill, treat it as liquid damage.

What should I do about a cracked, flickering or light-bleeding MacBook screen?

A cracked MacBook screen usually requires a display assembly replacement. Backlight bleed, flickering or lines may involve the panel, flex cable or other display components and need diagnosis first. Assemblies differ by year and size, so we confirm the model and parts availability before quoting. Even if the image remains visible, repair cracks promptly to prevent spreading or cuts.

Spilled a drink on your MacBook? What to do immediately

• Turn it off immediately: Hold the power button to switch off; do not try starting it again.
• Disconnect power: Disconnect the power adaptor and all peripherals.
• Turn it over: Open it into a tent shape and place it upside down so liquid can drain. Do not use a hairdryer.
• Note the liquid: Whether it was water, coffee, a soft drink or another beverage. Sugary or sticky residues are harder to remove.
• Seek repair promptly: The sooner the board is opened and cleaned, the better. Corrosion may continue even when the outside is dry.

Apple states that Mac liquid damage is excluded from its one-year limited warranty and AppleCare Protection Plan. Current Mac laptops and some Apple keyboards have liquid contact indicators. AppleCare+ for Mac provides accidental-damage cover subject to a service fee; check official service first if covered. For phone or iPad liquid damage, see Phone liquid damage repair.

Check MacBook hardware yourself with Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics can check your Mac for hardware problems. For models with Apple silicon, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Shut down. If normal shutdown fails, hold the power button for up to 10 seconds until the Mac turns off.
• Step 2: Hold the power button (Touch ID on equipped models); the Mac starts and loads startup options.
• Step 3: Release when Options appears, then hold Command (⌘)-D until the Mac restarts.
• Step 4: Follow the diagnostic prompts and note the reference codes shown.

The steps differ for Intel models; refer to Apple's official instructions. Share the diagnostic results and reference codes with the technician when bringing your Mac in to help identify the problem.

Official versus independent MacBook repairs: which suits you?

If your MacBook is under warranty, has AppleCare+ or has a manufacturing fault, check with Apple first. Apple states that its repairs and replacement parts are covered for 90 days or the remaining warranty period, whichever is longer. For out-of-warranty accidental or liquid damage without AppleCare+, an independent shop quoting for the actual damage may be a more practical choice.

*Official terms are subject to Apple's latest information. Our terms are stated in the in-person quotation and written warranty. We are not an Apple Authorised Service Provider.

What should I prepare before a MacBook repair?

• Back up first: If the device still starts, back up important files with Time Machine or another method first.
• Make sure you know your login details: System testing may require signing in. We recommend changing your password after repair.
• Bring the power adaptor: Helps test charging and rule out charger or cable faults.
• Explain what happened: Any drops, drink spills or previous repairs.
• Record diagnostic results: If you ran Apple Diagnostics, note the reference codes.

iPad users can read iPad Repair; for system issues, see Software Troubleshooting. For more practical advice, see Phone repair guide and Phone repair FAQs.