I. Introduction
Water damage is a situation that could happen to anyone who owns a phone. From accidentally falling into the pool to dropping it in the toilet, water damage is a real threat to phone usage. Water can damage not only the hardware but also the software components of a phone leading to data loss as well as expensive repairs. This article aims to help you get your phone back to working condition after experiencing water damage.
II. Assess the Damage
The first step after water damage has occurred is to assess the level of damage done to the phone. Look for signs of water intrusion like fogging on the camera lens or water droplets visible underneath the screen. Assess whether the damage was caused by freshwater or saltwater as well since saltwater damage could potentially cause more corrosion.
III. The Do’s and Don’ts
After the phone has been exposed to water, there are a few things you should and should not do to prevent further damage. The first thing to do is to turn off the phone immediately. Do not try to turn it on to see if it still works. Also, do not use a hairdryer or any heat source to dry the phone as this could potentially damage it further. Avoid shaking the phone as well and do not press any buttons as this could push water further into the phone, causing more damage.
IV. The 7 Steps to Remove Water from a Phone
After assessing the level of damage and knowing what to do and what to avoid, it’s time to get started on the steps to remove water from your phone. Here are the seven steps you can follow:
Step 1: Turn off the phone
The first step is to turn off the phone immediately after water exposure. This will prevent any electricity from flowing through the phone and potentially short circuits due to water intrusion.
Step 2: Remove the case and battery
If you have a phone that comes with a removable battery, remove it as well as any protective case. Remove any SIM card or memory card as well before cleaning the phone.
Step 3: Dry the exterior of the phone
Use a cloth or any absorbent material to remove any water droplets on the exterior of the phone. Dry it thoroughly yet gently.
Step 4: Use a towel to absorb any visible moisture
After drying the exterior of the phone, use a towel or any absorbent material to remove any visible moisture remaining on the phone. Pay attention to any openings, ports, or buttons.
Step 5: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove moisture from the phone’s ports
A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove any remaining moisture that may have entered the phone through ports or openings. Use a low setting and be gentle to avoid further damage to the phone components.
Step 6: Place the phone in a container of rice or silica gel packets
After removing as much moisture as possible, place the phone in a sealed container filled with rice grains or silica gel packets. This will absorb any moisture remaining inside the phone.
Step 7: Wait for at least 24 hours before turning it back on
Leave the phone in the container for at least 24 hours before trying to turn it on. Do not rush this step as any remaining moisture inside the phone may cause damage to the components if it’s turned on too soon.
V. What to do if the Phone Won’t Turn On
If the phone won’t turn on after completing the seven steps, don’t panic and try to take it to a professional. Before reaching out to a repair shop, wait for at least one hour after the device has been charged before trying again. If it still won’t turn on, try connecting it to a computer and see if it can be recognized. Also, try using a different charger as the old charger could be faulty.
VI. Other Methods
Other popular methods of getting water out of a phone include compressed air, moisture removal products, and using a fan. However, they may not be as effective as the above method. Compressed air can push water droplets further into the phone, while moisture removal products may contain chemicals that could further damage the phone. Fans can also be wasteful, produce more heat and could blow the water droplets further into the phone.
VII. Best Practices for Water Damage Prevention
It is always better to prevent water damage from happening in the first place. To help prevent your phone from experiencing water damage, here are some tips to follow:
- Invest in a waterproof case for your phone
- Use protective screens to prevent water from seeping through the edges of your screen protector
- Avoid using your phone in areas with high moisture content
- Do not take your phone swimming with you
- Avoid bringing your phone to the beach or anywhere near saltwater
VIII. Conclusion
Water damage is a real threat to phone usage and could happen to anyone. However, the damage can be mitigated and the phone restored to working condition by following the steps outlined in this article. Always remember to turn off the phone after water exposure and be patient while waiting for it to dry. Investing in preventive measures, like waterproof cases, can also go a long way in protecting your phone from water damage and saving you money on repairs in the long run.