MacBook Air m4 key backlight brighter after spill

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Level 1

4 points

MacBook Air m4 key backlight brighter after spill

I just got my new MacBook Air m4 like two weeks ago and today I spilt a total of TWO little drops of plain cold milk on 1-2 of the keyboard keys, I dabbed it off immediately but maybe a bit went under the key so I got scared, turned off the laptop, and placed it upside down with a microfibre cloth between the keyboard and screen for like 3 hours. turned it on, no impaired function and the keys aren't sticky but an hour or two after checking the keys I realised the backlight coming out of one of the keys affected by the spill is noticeably brighter than the other keys. is this a problem will I have to get it checked and can it damage my laptop permanently

Posted on Aug 18, 2025 12:08 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 18, 2025 01:26 PM in response to sk-3

sk-3 wrote:

is this a problem will I have to get it checked and can it damage my laptop permanently

If the only issue really is a brighter backlight under a key, as long as you can live with it then it may be fine. The real concern is that liquid travels easily through small openings and small amounts of liquid can start a corrosive process that spreads from the point of origin.

If you're near an Apple Store, make an appointment at the Genius Bar and have it checked.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

sk-3 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 18, 2025 06:42 PM in response to neuroanatomist

okay, thank you for your response!

well, what I really wanted to know is, has anyone else experienced this same issue- and if yes was there a worse issue behind it or was it just the backlight that was affected.. I live quite far from the nearest Apple Store but ill get it checked maybe this weekend I just wanted to know if this has happened to someone else (because online I could only find reports of backlights become dimmer after liquid damage) and if its cause for serious concern

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