Tips

Handling a Water-Damaged Phone: Tips and Tricks

The following simple steps on how to handle a water-damaged phone will help prevent severe damage to your phone.

25 February, 2024

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Having your phone dropped into water is a situation no one wants to encounter. If unfortunately, your phone falls into water, immediately apply the simple handling method below.

How to handle when your phone falls into water

Sometimes, while using your phone, you accidentally drop it into water. If you encounter this situation, stay calm and follow the steps below:

Take the phone out of the water and turn off the phone

When your phone falls into water, the first thing you need to do is take it out of the water immediately. However, you need to make sure that the phone is kept in an upright position, with the ports facing downwards so that the water can flow out and avoid the water from flowing inside.

After that, you need to turn off the power. This action will prevent water from entering the circuit boards and causing circuit failures if the phone is still in operation. In case you are charging your phone, calmly unplug the charger first, then take out the phone to avoid electric shock.

Disassemble the phone

Remove the back cover and take the battery out of the device immediately, use a soft dry cloth to wipe the battery, then leave it in a cool place for quick drying (if the phone has a removable battery).

Remove the SIM card and memory card from the device. Since SIM cards and memory cards are small, drying them will be easier.

Dry the phone on the outside

For normal water: Use a soft cloth to thoroughly dry the entire surface of the phone. Then use a cotton swab to clean the charging port, the headphone port, and all the ports connected to the accessories.

How to handle when your phone falls into water.

For non-water liquids (soft drinks, saltwater, etc.): These types of liquids can corrode the phone, so immediately wipe the phone with a damp cloth to remove the attached liquid and reduce the risk of corrosion. Then, use a dry, soft cloth to clean the phone again.

Dehumidify the phone

After drying the phone and other components, you need to dehumidify the phone. There are several ways to dehumidify. Firstly, you can use rice to dehumidify by covering the phone with rice for 1-2 days. Note that you should not let small rice grains get stuck in the ports.

Secondly, put the phone in a silica gel dehumidifier pack for 1-2 days. Thirdly, use a hairdryer or a vacuum cleaner to remove the remaining water in the crevices of the phone.

Note that you should not expose the phone to sunlight outdoors, as high temperatures can damage the internal components of the phone.

Be patient and wait

After completing the drying process, be patient and wait, using another phone as a replacement. If you put the phone in a bag of rice, wait for 1 to 2 days.

Restart the device and test

After completing the above steps, insert the battery (if it is removable) or plug in the charger, and after a while, turn on the power button to see if the phone works normally.

Notes when using cotton swabs and cotton cloths to clean the phone

Drying the phone and its ports with cotton pads and cotton swabs is a method that many people use. However, when wet cotton fibers can get stuck in the phone and damage the internal components. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when handling this situation.

Above are the steps to handle when your phone falls into water. If your phone unfortunately falls into water, stay calm and follow the instructions.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

First, turn off your phone immediately to prevent short circuits. Do not turn it back on until you are certain it is dry. Remove the battery if possible, and wipe the phone and battery with a dry cloth. Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture, and place your phone in a container with these packets. You can also use uncooked rice, but silica gel is more effective. Leave it for at least 24 hours, preferably 48-72 hours, before turning it back on.

Yes, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove moisture from hard-to-reach areas of your phone. Place the vacuum nozzle near, but not directly on, the affected areas. This will create a gentle suction that can help draw out moisture. You can also try using isopropyl alcohol to clean the phone’s exterior and interior, as it can help displace water and speed up the drying process. However, be very careful when handling this substance, and ensure proper ventilation.

If your phone won’t turn on after water damage, there might be more severe issues. In this case, it is best to take it to a professional repair shop as soon as possible. They have specialized equipment and techniques to deal with such situations. The longer you wait, the higher the chances of permanent damage.

To prevent water damage, consider investing in a waterproof case for your phone. These cases are designed to seal your phone and protect it from water ingress. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and try to avoid places with high humidity or potential water exposure. Keep your phone away from sinks, pools, and other water sources as much as possible.

Some common signs of water damage to a phone include condensation or moisture under the screen, a corroded charging port, a phone that won’t turn on or respond, or a phone that suddenly shuts down and won’t turn back on. If you notice any of these signs, act quickly and follow the steps mentioned earlier to minimize potential damage.