Dropping your phone into the water can be a nightmare. Whether it falls into a pool, a sink or gets splashed by a drink, water can cause severe damage to your valuable device. It’s essential to act quickly to prevent long-term damage. By knowing the right steps to take, you can increase the chances of saving your phone and avoid expensive repairs or replacement costs.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about handling a water damaged phone. From immediate actions to expert advice on when to seek professional repair, you’ll find comprehensive steps to restore your phone to working condition.
Immediate Actions to Take When Your Phone Gets Wet
Quick action can make a big difference when your phone gets wet. Here are the steps you should take immediately:
1. Remove the Phone from Water: Quickly retrieve your phone from the water. The longer it stays submerged, the greater the damage.
2. Turn Off the Phone: Hold down the power button and shut off your phone. This prevents short circuits, which can cause further damage.
3. Remove Case and Accessories: Take off the phone case and remove any accessories like SIM cards, memory cards, and earphones. These items can trap moisture inside the phone.
4. Dry the Exterior: Use a dry cloth or paper towel to blot the phone dry. Be gentle and avoid shaking the phone, as this can push water further inside.
5. Avoid Heat Sources: Do not use a hair dryer, oven, or microwave to dry your phone. These methods can overheat and ruin internal components.
6. Place in Rice or Silica Gel: If possible, submerge your phone in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel packets. These materials absorb moisture effectively. Leave it there for at least 24 to 48 hours.
By taking these immediate actions, you reduce the risk of serious water damage. The next steps involve assessing the damage and using other methods to dry out your phone completely.
Assessing the Damage and Drying Methods
Once you’ve taken initial steps to prevent further damage, it’s important to assess how much harm your phone has sustained and explore drying methods.
Start by visually inspecting your phone. Look for signs of water under the screen, in the charging port, or around the camera lens. Check for any visible corrosion on the battery contacts or other metal parts. This can indicate how far the water has penetrated.
Next, try some drying methods to remove moisture from inside the phone:
1. Use a Vacuum Cleaner: A vacuum can draw out moisture from the phone without pushing it further inside. Use it on a low setting and hold it close to ports and openings.
2. Dismantle If Possible: If you’re comfortable doing so, and your phone model allows it, carefully open the back cover and remove the battery. This can help you dry the internal parts more effectively. Always refer to a guide specific to your phone model to avoid causing damage during disassembly.
3. Use a DampRid Bag: These desiccant bags are designed to absorb moisture. Place your phone inside one of these bags, seal it, and leave it for 24 to 48 hours.
4. Silica Gel Packets: If you didn’t use them in the initial step, surround your phone with silica gel packets. These are often found in packaging for shoes and electronics and are great at absorbing moisture.
After employing these drying methods, give your phone ample time to dry out completely before attempting to power it back on. Wait at least 48 hours to ensure it’s thoroughly dry. If your phone turns on and works normally, you might have successfully saved it. If not, you’ll need to look at more long-term fixes or seek professional help.
Long-Term Fixes and Preventative Measures
While drying out your phone might solve immediate issues, long-term fixes and preventative measures can keep it running smoothly.
1. Check for Corrosion: Once your phone is dry, open it up (if possible) and inspect for any corrosion on the battery and circuit board. Use isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush to clean any corroded areas gently.
2. Replace Damaged Parts: If any components, such as the battery or screen, show signs of water damage, replacing them might be necessary. Order parts compatible with your phone model or consult a repair service.
3. Backup Your Data: Regularly backup your phone data to a cloud service or external hard drive. This ensures that if water damage occurs, your important files and photos are not lost.
4. Use Waterproof Cases: Consider investing in a quality waterproof case. Brands like LifeProof and OtterBox offer cases providing excellent protection against water and other elements.
5. Keep it Dry: Avoid using your phone in or near water. Be mindful around pools, sinks, and even during rainy weather. Keeping a distance can prevent future accidents.
By following these long-term fixes and preventative measures, you can extend your phone’s life and avoid the hassle and cost of water damage.
When to Consult a Professional Repair Service
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your phone might still experience issues after getting wet. Knowing when to consult a professional repair service can save you time and further damage.
1. Persistent Issues: If, after drying and cleaning, your phone remains unresponsive or shows erratic behaviour, a professional can diagnose and fix underlying problems.
2. Unknown Problems: If there are signs of internal damage that you can’t identify or repair, a professional repair service has the tools and expertise to deal with complex issues.
3. Screen and Connectivity Issues: Water damage can affect your screen’s sensitivity and visibility. It may also disrupt Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile network connections. Repair technicians can replace affected components and restore proper functionality.
4. Insurance and Warranty: If your phone is insured or under warranty, check whether water damage is covered. Professional repair services can provide the documentation required for claims.
A professional repair service, like Forest City Computer Repairs, has the expertise to handle severe water damage. If you’re unsure or your efforts don’t resolve the problem, seeking help can prevent further complications.
Conclusion
Accidentally dropping your phone into water can be a stressful experience. However, by acting quickly and following the right steps, you can minimise damage and increase your chances of saving your phone.
When your phone still shows signs of trouble after these steps, it’s wise to consult a professional. Getting expert help can resolve complex issues and save your device from permanent damage.
At Forest City Computer Repairs, we understand how important your phone is to you and are here to help restore it to perfect working condition. If you’re facing water damage or any other phone and laptop repairs in London, contact us today for reliable and professional service.