Accidentally dropping your phone in water can be a nightmare. Water can quickly seep into a phone’s ports and openings, causing major damage to the circuits and inner workings. However, there are steps you can take right away to potentially save a water-damaged phone and get it working again. Here is a guide on what to do if your phone takes an unfortunate plunge.
Act Fast
As soon as possible after the water incident, retrieve your phone and follow these tips. Every second counts for minimizing the water impact, so do not delay.
Remove from Water Source
If your phone is still in water, remove it right away. Make sure to safely retrieve it from any sink, toilet or liquid. Quickly dry it with a towel to soak up excess water on the surface.
Turn Off the Phone
Don’t try to turn it on or charge it. Immediately power off the phone to avoid short circuiting and further damage. If it won’t turn off, remove the battery if possible.
Don’t Press Buttons
Avoid pressing any buttons while wet, as this can short circuit internal components. Also refrain from plugging it into a charger.
Dry the Phone
Use a microfiber cloth, towel or compressed air to thoroughly dry your phone and ports. Remove any water droplets on the screen and camera lenses using absorbent material.
Submerge in Rice
Place your phone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice. Rice will help absorb any residual moisture inside. Leave it submerged for at least 24-48 hours.
Use Silica Packs
You can also put your phone in a sealed bag with silica gel packs. Like rice, the silica packs draw moisture away from the phone.
Do Not Use Heat
Avoid blow dryers, ovens or other heating methods to dry out the phone. Excessive heat can damage the phone further. Let it air dry at room temperature.
When Phone is Dry
Once completely dry, you can attempt to turn on your phone and assess the damage. If it powers on, inspect for any corrosion, camera fogging or speaker issues. Backup data immediately in case of future failure.
For Severe Damage
If your phone suffered significant water damage and does not turn on, you may need professional phone repair. Phone repair shops use specialized equipment to dry out interior phone components without heat damage. However, liquid damage is difficult to fix so water rescue isn’t guaranteed.
In the future, invest in a waterproof phone case for accident-prone phones. Acting quickly can save your phone from a watery demise. With some luck and the right drying techniques, you may be able to revive your device after a splash or dunk.