Dropping your phone in water can be a nightmare, but acting quickly and correctly can save it from permanent damage. The key is to stay calm and follow the right steps to dry it out without causing further harm.
Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do if your phone takes an unexpected dive.
1. Switch It Off!
The phone is most likely to turn off on its own after falling into the water. If it is not so, immediately turn it off and don’t be in a hurry to turn it on to check whether it is working. This may cause some internal damage.
Switching off your phone after you have taken it out of the water will prevent short circuits and potential damage to the internal components, especially the mainboard, which can occur due to moisture and heat.
Some don’ts!
- Don’t blow dry
- Don’t put it under the sun
- Don’t use a hairdryer
- Don’t put it in a freezer
- Don’t put it for charging
- Don’t use a cotton swab or cloth in the charging ports
- Don’t start shaking the phone with the full force of your muscles
2. Joggle It!
Gently joggle the phone to ensure that there is no water inside the pores – headphone jack, charging port or under the physical buttons.
3. De-Assemble!
Take out every component of the phone – the battery, SIM cards, memory cards and all other ornaments – the case, stylus, etc. Gently wipe these components with a dry piece of cloth in case they have also been wetted.
4. Keep In Airtight Spaces
This is a common tactic. Place the phone in a well-ventilated area to dry. Keep it in airtight spaces or containers like a sag of rice, zip lock pouches, silica gel packets, or desiccant packs. You can also put it under a high-speed fan.
5. Wait And Watch!
Keep the phone dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. Resist your temptations to somehow turn it on to see whether it will revive! Your phone will start working if not much damage is done.
6. Rebuild the Phone!
After you have dried all the components individually, put them back together. And then, it is finally ready to be turned on. You can charge the phone as it may lose its battery. Use all the features to detect any inconsistency – camera, calls, chats, etc. to ensure everything is fine.
What If It’s Still Dead?
After this rigorous process, if your phone still doesn’t respond, don’t experiment with the device! Instead, seek professional help. Go to a repair shop and make the repairs.
Save the phone, not the money!
If your phone still doesn’t turn on after following these steps, don’t panic! Instead of spending a fortune on a brand-new device, consider getting a refurbished phone from XtraCover. It’s a smart, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious choice. Stay prepared, and next time, keep your phone safe from accidental water damage!
