Learn the essential steps to save your water-damaged cell phone, from immediate retrieval and battery removal to proper drying techniques using a vacuum and uncooked rice.
Dropping a cell phone in water is cause for panic, as it often implies an expensive repair or replacement. However, a wet cell phone does not always equate to a permanently damaged system. In fact, if you act quickly, you can save your phone from an early retirement. Here’s what you should do:
- Retrieve the cell phone: The longer it remains immersed in water, the more damage it can incur. Salvage it from the water source as soon as possible. This is easy if the phone was dropped in a glass or pail of water, but if it accidentally fell into a toilet bowl or swimming pool, use an implement to retrieve it. Remember never to compromise your health or safety just to retrieve a cell phone.
- Disconnect the battery: The battery is a power source which, if left attached to a wet phone, can cause serious electrical damage. Remove it as quickly as possible, dry it with paper towels, and set it aside. Also, remove the SIM card and dry it thoroughly. In most cases, the SIM card has a high chance of survival.
- Remove as much liquid as you can: You can do this in two ways. First, dry the exterior of the phone with paper towels, making sure to reach all parts. You can use cotton swabs for ports, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. Second, gently shake the water off the phone. Be careful not to shake it too vigorously, which could cause remaining water to seep deeper into internal components. Once no more water comes out of the phone, proceed to the next step.
- Use a vacuum: A vacuum can help wick away moisture, but make sure to keep the nozzle several inches away from the cell phone. Vacuum the phone for around 20 minutes, or longer if it was submerged for an extended period. Never use a blow dryer, as the forced air can push moisture further inside and cause additional damage.
- Submerge the phone in uncooked rice: Uncooked rice helps absorb remaining moisture from inside the device. Simply place the phone in a bowl and cover it completely with uncooked rice, leaving it to sit for at least 12 hours. Alternatively, you can use desiccants. Place the phone and several desiccant packets—which can be found in medicine bottles, shoe boxes, and food packages—together inside a sealed bag for 12 hours.
Dry the cell phone for as long as necessary. If the phone was severely soaked, leave it to dry for longer than 12 hours. Once you are certain the internal parts are completely dry, reattach the battery and turn the phone on. It should work properly once dried. If it still does not turn on, have a professional take a look at it. Never attempt to open up and fix the cell phone yourself unless you have technical repair experience.
How to Save a Cell Phone That Has Been Dropped in Water
Learn the essential steps to save your water-damaged cell phone, from immediate retrieval and battery removal to proper drying techniques using a vacuum and uncooked rice.
Dropping a cell phone in water is cause for panic, as it often implies an expensive repair or replacement. However, a wet cell phone does not always equate to a permanently damaged system. In fact, if you act quickly, you can save your phone from an early retirement. Here’s what you should do:
- Retrieve the cell phone: The longer it remains immersed in water, the more damage it can incur. Salvage it from the water source as soon as possible. This is easy if the phone was dropped in a glass or pail of water, but if it accidentally fell into a toilet bowl or swimming pool, use an implement to retrieve it. Remember never to compromise your health or safety just to retrieve a cell phone.
- Disconnect the battery: The battery is a power source which, if left attached to a wet phone, can cause serious electrical damage. Remove it as quickly as possible, dry it with paper towels, and set it aside. Also, remove the SIM card and dry it thoroughly. In most cases, the SIM card has a high chance of survival.
- Remove as much liquid as you can: You can do this in two ways. First, dry the exterior of the phone with paper towels, making sure to reach all parts. You can use cotton swabs for ports, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. Second, gently shake the water off the phone. Be careful not to shake it too vigorously, which could cause remaining water to seep deeper into internal components. Once no more water comes out of the phone, proceed to the next step.
- Use a vacuum: A vacuum can help wick away moisture, but make sure to keep the nozzle several inches away from the cell phone. Vacuum the phone for around 20 minutes, or longer if it was submerged for an extended period. Never use a blow dryer, as the forced air can push moisture further inside and cause additional damage.
- Submerge the phone in uncooked rice: Uncooked rice helps absorb remaining moisture from inside the device. Simply place the phone in a bowl and cover it completely with uncooked rice, leaving it to sit for at least 12 hours. Alternatively, you can use desiccants. Place the phone and several desiccant packets—which can be found in medicine bottles, shoe boxes, and food packages—together inside a sealed bag for 12 hours.
Dry the cell phone for as long as necessary. If the phone was severely soaked, leave it to dry for longer than 12 hours. Once you are certain the internal parts are completely dry, reattach the battery and turn the phone on. It should work properly once dried. If it still does not turn on, have a professional take a look at it. Never attempt to open up and fix the cell phone yourself unless you have technical repair experience.
How to Save a Cell Phone That Has Been Dropped in Water
By Howtodotips
Learn the essential steps to save your water-damaged cell phone, from immediate retrieval and battery removal to proper drying techniques using a vacuum and uncooked rice.