Fix a phone that fell into the water

SOS: My phone fell in water! How to fix it quickly?

• In today's world, our phones are our lifelines. We use them to stay connected with friends and family, keep track of our schedules, work on-the-go, and so much more. So when your phone falls in water, it can be a panic-inducing situation. Whether it's a toilet, pool, or sink, water damage can cause serious harm to your phone's internal components. Water damage can mean the loss of important data and contacts, and it can also be a costly repair. However, all is not lost. There are some simple steps you can take to fix your phone quickly and minimize the water damage. In this post, we'll discuss some of the most effective ways to revive your wet phone and get it back to working condition in no time.

1. Act quickly

If your phone falls in water, the first step is to act quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage it can cause. The first thing you need to do is to turn off your phone immediately. This will prevent the water from short circuiting the phone's electrical components. If your phone is still on, turn it off by pressing and holding the power button until the screen goes black. Do not try to restart it or press any buttons.

The next step is to remove the phone's case and take out the battery, SIM card, and SD card (if your phone has them). This will help to prevent any further damage to the phone and allow the water to evaporate more easily. If you have an iPhone or a phone with a non-removable battery, try to power it off and keep it off.

After removing the battery and other components, wipe the phone down with a clean, dry cloth. Be sure to remove any excess water that may be in the headphone jack, charging port, or any other crevices. You can use a cotton swab or toothpick to gently remove any water that is trapped in these areas.

Lastly, the most important step is to dry your phone out as quickly as possible. You can use a hairdryer or a bowl of uncooked rice to help absorb the moisture. If you choose to use rice, place your phone in a bowl and cover it completely with rice. Leave it for at least 24 hours to allow the rice to absorb the moisture from your phone. After 24 hours, turn your phone on and see if it works. If not, seek professional help.

2. Turn off the phone

If your phone falls in water or any liquid, the first and the most important step to take is to turn it off immediately. This is important to avoid short circuits and further damage to the internal components of the phone. If the phone is still on, there's a chance that the water can cause a short circuit and damage the circuit board and other components that are vital to the functionality of the phone.
Even if the phone turns off automatically after falling in water, it's still a good idea to manually turn it off just to be sure. Don't try to turn it back on to see if it's still working, as this can cause more damage to the phone. It's important to resist the urge to check if it's still working as the water can cause further damage to the internal components when electricity is flowing through them.
Once the phone is turned off, remove the battery (if possible) and the SIM card. This will help to minimize the damage caused by the water. If you have an iPhone or any other phone with a non-removable battery, skip this step and move on to the next one.

3. Remove any protective cases or covers

If your phone has taken a dive in water, the first thing to do is to remove any protective cases or covers that may be on it. This will help to expose the phone to the air and allow it to dry out more quickly.
If your phone is still turned on, switch it off immediately to prevent any electrical damage occurring. Take out the battery if you can, as this will help to prevent any short-circuiting from occurring.
If the phone has been submerged in saltwater, it's important to rinse it in freshwater to remove any salt residue, as this can cause further damage to the phone's components.
Once you have removed any covers and turned off the phone, the next step is to dry it out. You can use a soft cloth to gently remove any excess water from the surface of the phone, but avoid using a hairdryer or any other heat source, as this can cause further damage to the phone's internal components.
Instead, place the phone in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel sachets, which will help to absorb any remaining moisture. Leave it for at least 24 hours, or longer if necessary, before attempting to turn the phone on again.
Remember, it's important to act quickly if your phone has been submerged in water, as the longer it is left in water, the greater the chance of permanent damage occurring.

4. Remove the SIM card and any other external components

If your phone has fallen into water, it's important to act quickly to avoid further damage. One of the first things you should do is to remove the SIM card and any other external components, such as a case or screen protector. This will allow you to access the inside of the phone and ensure that no water has seeped into any of the ports or crevices.
To remove the SIM card, you'll need a small tool (usually included with your phone or SIM card) to open the SIM card tray. Gently push the tool into the hole next to the SIM card tray and it should pop out. Carefully remove the SIM card and lay it on a dry towel or cloth.
Next, remove any other external components and gently dry them off with a towel or cloth. Be sure to remove any excess water and let them air dry for a few hours before reattaching them to your phone.
By removing the SIM card and external components, you're minimizing the risk of further damage to your phone and giving it the best chance of recovery. However, it's important to remember that water damage can be unpredictable and even after taking these steps, there may still be damage to the internal components of your phone. If you're unsure about the extent of the damage or how to proceed, it's best to seek the help of a professional.

5. Dry the phone with a soft cloth or towel

After taking your phone out of the water as quickly as possible, the next step is to dry it off with a soft cloth or towel. This should be done gently and carefully, taking care not to cause any further damage to the phone. Any excess water on the phone's surface should be wiped away, paying particular attention to any ports, buttons, and other openings where water may have seeped in.
It's important to avoid using any heat sources to dry the phone, such as a hairdryer or radiator, as this can cause damage to the phone's internal components. Additionally, using compressed air or shaking the phone to remove water is not recommended as this can push water further into the phone and cause more damage.
If the phone has a removable battery, it's a good idea to take it out at this point to prevent any electrical damage. It's also recommended that you leave the back cover off to allow any remaining water to evaporate.

6. Use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to remove any remaining water

If your phone has been submerged in water, then you must act quickly to avoid long-lasting damage. After you have removed your phone from the water source, the next thing you need to do is remove any remaining water from the device. Using a vacuum cleaner or compressed air can be an effective method to remove any remaining water from the nooks and crannies of the phone.

If you want to use a vacuum cleaner, then make sure it is set to the lowest suction setting to avoid any further damage to your phone. Hold your phone with one hand, and use the other hand to hold the vacuum cleaner nozzle close to the phone. Move the nozzle slowly around the phone to suck out any remaining water.

Alternatively, you can use compressed air to remove any remaining water from your phone. Hold the phone with one hand and use the other hand to hold the compressed air can. Point the nozzle of the compressed air can at the phone, and spray air in short bursts.

It’s important to ensure that you don't use a hairdryer, as the heat can cause further damage to the phone's internal components. It’s also important to make sure that you don't shake the phone too much as this can cause the water to spread and damage the phone further.

Once you have removed any remaining water from your phone, you can then proceed to dry it out using a towel or silica gel packets. Remember that time is of the essence in this situation, so act quickly to increase your chances of saving your phone.

7. Use a moisture-absorbing substance like rice or silica gel

If your phone has been submerged in water, it's important to act fast and use a moisture-absorbing substance like rice or silica gel. These substances work by drawing moisture out of the phone and helping to dry it out quickly.

To use rice, simply fill a container large enough to hold your phone with uncooked rice and place your phone in the center of it. Make sure the phone is completely covered by the rice and leave it for at least 24 hours. The rice will absorb the moisture from your phone and help to dry it out.

Silica gel is a more effective moisture-absorbing substance and can be found in small packets that are often included in new electronic devices. If you don't have any silica gel packets on hand, you can purchase them online or at a local hardware store.

To use silica gel, simply place your phone in a container with enough packets to completely surround the device. Leave the phone in the container for at least 24 hours to allow the silica gel to absorb the moisture.

It's important to note that while rice and silica gel can be effective in drying out a wet phone, they are not guaranteed to work in all cases. If your phone has been submerged in water for an extended period of time or has suffered damage beyond just being wet, it may be necessary to take it to a professional for repair or replacement.

8. Wait at least 24 hours before turning the phone back on

If your phone has taken an unexpected dip in water, the first thing to do is to remove it from the water as quickly as possible. After that, if you want to save your phone, the best thing to do is to turn it off immediately.
Once the phone is off, make sure to remove any case or protective cover and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Don't use a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry the phone as it might cause further damage.
The most important thing to remember is to wait at least 24 hours before turning the phone back on. This will give the phone enough time to dry out properly. If you turn it on too soon, water could still be inside, and you could cause a short circuit that could damage the phone permanently.
If your phone still doesn't work after waiting for 24 hours, you can try putting it in a bag of uncooked rice. This is a popular method for drying out electronics, and the rice will absorb any remaining moisture.
In conclusion, if your phone falls in water, don't panic. Just remember to turn it off immediately, dry it with a cloth, and wait at least 24 hours before turning it back on. If all else fails, you can always take it to a professional to see if it can be fixed.

9. Test the phone's functionality

After you have followed all the previous steps to dry your phone, it is time to test the phone's functionality. Before turning your phone back on, make sure it is completely dry. You can do this by looking for any remaining moisture in the charging port, headphone jack, or any other openings on the phone. If you see any moisture, give it more time to dry or use a cotton swab to absorb any remaining moisture.
Next, turn your phone back on and check all its functions to see if it is working properly. Make sure the touchscreen is responsive, the camera is working, and all the buttons are functioning. Play some music to test the speaker and make a phone call to test the microphone. Try inserting headphones to see if the headphone jack is working as well.
If you notice any issues with the phone's functionality, don't panic. You can try some additional solutions to fix those specific problems. For example, if the screen is not responding properly, try resetting the phone or performing a factory reset. If the speaker or microphone is not working, you can try using a Bluetooth speaker or headset.
In some cases, you may need to take your phone to a professional repair service to fix any damage that occurred while it was submerged in water. However, by following all these steps, you will have given your phone the best chance of surviving a dunk in water and returning to full functionality.

10. Additional tips to prevent water damage in the future

Preventing water damage to your phone is crucial, especially if you have experienced it before. Here are additional tips to keep your phone safe from water damage in the future:

1. Use a waterproof phone case: Investing in a high-quality waterproof phone case is a great way to protect your phone from water damage. Make sure to choose a case that is compatible with your phone model and has good reviews.
2. Be cautious around water: Avoid using your phone near water, whether it's the pool, beach, or even the bathroom. Keep your phone away from any sources of water to prevent accidental damage.
3. Use a ziplock bag: If you're going to be around water, but don't have a waterproof case, consider using a ziplock bag. This will protect your phone from splashes and accidental drops.
4. Keep your phone away from extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can cause damage to your phone. Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight or in places that are too hot or too cold.
5. Turn off your phone: If you drop your phone in water, turn it off immediately. This will prevent any short circuits that could cause further damage.

By following these additional tips, you can prevent water damage to your phone and ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come.

• In conclusion, we hope that our article on how to fix a water-damaged phone has been helpful to you. Dropping your phone in water can be a stressful experience, but with the tips outlined in this post, you have a good chance of saving your device. Remember that the most important thing to do is to act quickly and not turn on the phone until it is completely dry. We wish you the best of luck in reviving your phone, and we hope that it works perfectly fine after trying these tips.