With the vast majority of adults, and even many teens and tweens now carrying smartphones at all times, it’s clear to see that society is heavily reliant on these devices. They are used for productivity, scheduling, school, work, socialising, gaming, taking photos, and much more. There’s no doubt that before you leave the house you always ensure your phone is with you, and it stays with you for the rest of the day. So, with all that continued use, it’s only natural they take a bit of a beating. And while general wear and tear isn’t a big deal, water can be incredibly damaging to your phone.
Raise your hand if you can relate – you know what it’s like to have water spilt on your device, or even worse, have your device fall into a body of water such as the bathtub, a pool, or even a toilet! Knowing what to do in those initial moments and hours that follow your run-in with water can determine if your phone is salvageable. Here’s a look at the steps you can take that will help you to fix a water-damaged phone.
How to Fix a Water-Damaged Phone – Jump Into Action
The first tip is that you need to give this situation the urgency it deserves. Shrugging it off like it’s no big deal and not doing anything about the water is a guaranteed way to destroy your phone. Not only is action needed, but the faster you take these steps, the more likely you’ll be able to save and fix the phone. This doesn’t mean it’s time to panic, it just means the phone will need your immediate attention.
Turn Off Your Phone Right Away
Before you take any steps to fix your phone, you need to dry it off and turn it off. The faster you turn it off, the better it will be for the inner workings of the phone. If your device happens to be the type that allows you to remove the battery, do so. The SIM card should also be removed. When the phone is on, all the electronics in the device are working. If water is traveling around inside the device, it can destroy those electronics.
Once your device is turned off, resist pressing any buttons. When you do this, it can allow water to get inside easier. You also don’t want to blow on or shake the device for the same reason. Try to keep it as stable as possible. Plugging it in is another big mistake, as this can short it out.
Take the Phone Out of the Case
Now that the device is safely out of the water and turned off, it’s time to take it out of the case. Do so carefully so you’re not moving it around and jarring it too much. Leaving it in the case means water can remain trapped.
Once the case has been removed, take a dry soft cloth and wipe up any water. Never rub the phone, be sure to pat it dry instead. Choose a cloth such as a microfiber cloth that is known for being able to draw and hold a lot of moisture.
Do Not Leave Your Phone in the Sun to “Dry Up”
A common myth people can believe is that it’s best to just put a water-logged phone in the sun to dry up. In reality, you’ll be baking the device and not addressing the problem. Instead, it should be moved to a cool and dry spot out of the direct sun.
Do Not Play Surgeon and Take Your Device Apart
While it is suggested that you remove your SIM card and battery (if possible), that doesn’t mean it’s time to play surgeon and take the device apart. Attempting to take it apart means you risk permanently damaging the phone, and the fact is that even though water got on it, it’s probably still fixable.
Don’t forget, taking your phone apart can also void your warranty so ask yourself if that’s something you want to do.
Try Sucking the Water Out With a Vacuum Cleaner
This tip comes with a bit of caution. Sucking the water out of the device can be very helpful and can be done with a vacuum cleaner but you need to be careful you’re not shaking it and moving it too much. Use the smallest attachment your vacuum has and keep the phone stabilised while vacuuming it. A wet/dry vac will be needed rather than a standard vacuum.
On the flip side, do not attempt to blow dry the device as this can push the water into the device’s inner parts even more.
Use Cotton Swabs for Indents
Any place where there are indents on the phone or openings, try using clean dry cotton swabs to soak up the moisture. Again, you’re not pushing the water in, you are just gently soaking it up with the cotton.
What Happens If the Fluid Is Sticky?
If it’s just plain water on your device, all the steps mentioned are ideal, but what happens if it’s juice or soda that was spilt? These have a sticky residue that will be left on your device. The best tip is to use a soft cloth and dampen it slightly, and then try to pat off the fluid. You may need to do this a few times to get all the stickiness off. Again, you never want to rub the device as this will only cause more problems.
You’ll Need to Practice Patience
After following all these steps, it’s very tempting to turn your device on to see if it’s working. This isn’t advised. Instead, it’s best to show patience, set it somewhere flat and safely out of the way and let it be. Some people think putting it in a large resealable plastic sandwich bag full of rice is a good idea, as it will absorb any moisture, but leaving it in a baggie with silica gel packets often works much better. These are the packets that you find in new shoes, purses, knapsacks, etc.
It’s best to leave your phone undisturbed and turned off for at least 24 hours after water damage but try to aim for 48 hours instead. After leaving it for the suggested amount of time, you can go ahead and turn it on and cross your fingers tightly. The fact is that if you’ve followed these steps, you’ve got a good chance that the phone is okay. If it fails to turn on, unfortunately, that means it may be time to take it to a repair shop and it could even mean you need to replace it.
How to Fix a Water-Damaged Phone – Prevent t from Happening at All
The final tip isn’t so much a step but an important lesson. Prevention is key; it’s a lot easier than going through all these steps and dealing with the stress that ensues. Invest in a waterproof case, especially if you’re going to be at the beach, pool, or any other area that gets wet. Go into the situation assuming your phone will be exposed to water, so what can you do to prevent damage from occurring?
You can find a wide array of waterproof cases and pouches that essentially seal your phone up. Even if you only use these for beach/pool days, rainy days, etc., it can make a huge difference in terms of protection. Think of them as a rain jacket for your smartphone.
If this sort of thing is a regular occurrence for you, you may even want to think about upgrading to a waterproof smartphone. Many models are either water-resistant or waterproof which will offer better peace of mind. However, even when a phone claims it is “waterproof” there is always fine print involved. It is likely only to a certain depth and for a specified amount of time so be sure you know what “waterproof” or “water resistant” truly means.
The problem is that even when you think you’ve successfully dried out the phone, corrosion can start happening inside. You don’t see the damage happening, so you assume everything is fine. Corrosion spreads, and eventually, it may overtake the inside of the phone. Just picture a car that gets a spot of rust on it. That rust will spread over time until the car is destroyed. So, unfortunately, even if the phone turns on and seems good initially, water damage can reduce its overall lifespan.
There’s No Need to Panic – But It Is Time for Action
The simple fact is that accidents happen with your smartphone. Even when you think you’re being careful, things can happen and before you know it your phone is soaked. While your first instinct may be to panic, that’s not going to fix the situation. Instead, you need to jump into action immediately and follow all the right steps. The better your reaction time, the higher the chances are that you can save your phone.