Dropping your phone in water can be a startling and inconvenient experience, leading to potential damage to the device. However, immediate and proper action can significantly increase the chances of saving your phone. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to dry out your phone after a water accident.
Your phone is one of your most important possessions, and it can be a real pain when you accidentally drop it in water. If your phone gets wet, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent water damage. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to dry your phone out and hopefully save it from permanent damage.
1. Get The Phone Out Of The Water:
Time is of the essence; quickly remove the phone from the water to minimize the exposure and mitigate the extent of the damage.
2. Power it Off Immediately:
Immediately turn off the device to prevent short circuits and further damage to internal components.
This is the first thing you need to do once the phone is no longer getting wet. This will help to prevent any further damage from occurring. If your phone is still turned on, the water can cause the battery to short circuit, which could damage the phone’s internal components.
To turn off your phone, press and hold the power button until you see the power off slider. Slide the slider to the right to turn off your phone.
3. Remove the SIM Card, Battery, and Other Removable Parts:
If your phone allows, swiftly remove the battery, SIM card, and any other removable components to aid the drying process and protect the parts from damage.
If your phone has a removable SIM card or memory card, you should remove them as soon as possible. This will help to prevent water from damaging these cards.
To remove the SIM card, use a SIM card ejector tool to pry open the SIM card slot. Once the slot is open, gently remove the SIM card.
To remove the memory card, use a small Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the memory card slot cover. Once the cover is open, gently remove the memory card.
4. Use a Soft Cloth or Towel:
Gently pat the phone dry using a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. Avoid shaking the device, which could spread the water to undamaged areas.
Get rid of as much excess water as possible. You can do this by shaking your phone gently over a sink or bowl.
5. Do NOT Use a Hairdryer:
Avoid using a hairdryer or any heat source as it can force water deeper into the device or cause heat damage to internal components. If you think this is still something you want to do, put the hairdryer on the lowest setting to only blow dry your phone.
Be careful not to use too much heat, as this could damage your phone.
6. Use Silica Gel (Not Rice)
Place your phone in a container filled with silica gel packets or another moisture-absorbent material. Rice doesn’t really absorb residual moisture so don’t use that. Try to make sure all the water that is visible to you has already been wiped away before storing your phone somewhere safe for the rest of the drying out process. Keep it in for at least 24-48 hours.
7. Place in a Dry, Well-Ventilated Area:
Don’t have silica gel? That’s OK. Keep the phone in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to let the residual moisture evaporate.
Make sure to stand your phone so that gravity can pull as much water out of the speakers & ports on the phone.
8. Do Not Attempt to Charge the Phone:
Avoid charging the phone while it’s still wet as this can lead to short circuits and irreversible damage. Only after the phone has dried out for 24+ hours should you try to connect anything to it.
9. Turn On the Phone After it’s Completely Dry:
After allowing sufficient drying time, turn on the phone to check its functionality. Once you’ve turned on your phone, check to see if it’s working properly. You should be able to make calls, send text messages, and use your apps without any problems.
If your phone is not working properly, you will need to take it to a repair shop.
10. Consult a Professional:
If your phone exhibits any malfunctioning or abnormalities after turning it on, consult a professional technician for a thorough diagnosis and possible repairs.
Tips for Preventing Water Damage
Here are a few tips to help you prevent water damage to your phone in the future:
- Don’t use your phone in the shower or bathtub. Even if your phone is water-resistant, it’s not a good idea to use it in the shower or bathtub. The steam and water droplets can damage your phone’s internal components.
- Keep your phone away from water sources. If you’re near a pool, lake, or ocean, be careful not to drop your phone in the water. Even if your phone is water-resistant, it’s not invincible.
- Use a waterproof case or cover. If you’re going to be in a situation where your phone could get wet, it’s a good idea to use a waterproof case or cover. This will help to protect your phone from water damage.
- Be careful when using your phone in wet conditions. If you’re using your phone in wet conditions, be careful not to drop it or get it splashed with water. If your phone does get wet, dry it off immediately and follow the steps in this article to dry it out.
Conclusion
Dropping your phone in water can be distressing, but quick and appropriate actions can salvage the device. Turning off the device and removing removable components immediately are critical steps. Use absorbent materials like silica gel or uncooked rice and allow ample time for drying in a well-ventilated area. Avoid heat sources and charging the phone while it’s wet. If the phone doesn’t recover, professional intervention may be necessary to assess and rectify any damages. By following these steps meticulously, you can enhance the likelihood of restoring your phone to its full functionality.
By following these steps, you can help to protect your phone from water damage. If your phone does get wet, you can dry it out using the steps in this article. However, if your phone is not working properly after you’ve dried it out, you may need to take it to a repair shop.
FAQs
- Can I use a vacuum to remove water from my phone?
- Using a vacuum can be effective in extracting water from the exterior, but it may not remove all the moisture trapped inside.
- How long should I leave my phone in rice or silica gel?
- Ideally, leave it in for at least 24-48 hours to ensure that all the moisture is absorbed effectively.
- Is it safe to turn on the phone immediately after drying?
- It’s advisable to wait until the phone is completely dry before turning it on to avoid any potential short circuits.
- Can my phone be fully functional after drying it out?
- It depends on the extent of the water exposure, but prompt and appropriate drying methods can increase the chances of full recovery.
- Should I attempt to disassemble my phone for drying?
- Disassembling your phone can void the warranty and risk further damage. It’s best to remove only externally removable parts and seek professional help if needed.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
