Oh, the sinking feeling of watching your precious phone take a dip in the pool, especially in the desert heat of Southern Nevada! While our region may be known for its dry climate, accidents involving water can happen anywhere and anytime. But before you panic, there’s hope! Before making a beeline to our shop, there are several things you can do to improve the chances of your phone’s survival.
1. Turn Off Your Phone ASAP It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget this step in their panic. Powering down prevents short circuits that could potentially cause irreversible damage.
2. Remove the SIM and Memory Cards Taking out the SIM card, memory card, and any other external components can prevent further damage. Plus, it gives the internal parts a better chance to dry.
3. Wipe It Down Gently dab your phone with a soft cloth or towel to remove any excess water. Avoid rubbing, as that can push water deeper into the device.
4. Avoid the Hair Dryer It might be tempting to use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, but this can be harmful. The intense heat can damage sensitive parts of your phone. If you feel the need to use some form of air, opt for the cool setting.
5. Use Silica Gel or Rice One of the age-old tricks in the book! If you have silica gel packets (those little packets you find in shoe boxes), they can be effective in drawing out moisture. No silica gel? No problem. Placing your phone in a bag of uncooked rice for 24-48 hours can also do the trick. Rice acts as a desiccant and can help absorb the moisture.
6. Don’t Try to Charge It Resist the urge to see if your phone is still working by plugging it in. Introducing electricity to a wet device can cause more harm than good. Wait until you’re certain it’s dry.
7. Keep It Vertical By keeping your phone in a vertical position (like you’d place it in a cup holder), you allow any trapped water to exit through the ports and openings.
8. Stay Patient It’s going to be hard, but give your phone ample time to dry out. Rushing the process can cause more damage in the long run.
Conclusion: Prepping for Professional Help Once you’ve done all you can, bring your phone to our shop. Even if your phone seems fine after its unexpected swim, water damage can have long-term effects that aren’t immediately noticeable. At our Southern Nevada shop, we have the tools and expertise to ensure your phone is thoroughly checked and repaired. Remember, water and electronics are a tricky mix, but with the right steps and expert assistance, your phone might just live to see another day.
FAQs
- How long should I wait before turning on my water-damaged phone?
- Ideally, wait at least 48 hours or until you’re sure it’s thoroughly dry.
- Does putting a phone in rice really work?
- It can! Rice acts as a desiccant, pulling moisture out of the air, and by extension, your phone.
- Is my phone warranty voided if there’s water damage?
- Most manufacturers don’t cover water damage under their warranty, but it’s always best to check.
- Can cloud storage save my data if my phone is damaged beyond repair?
- Absolutely! If you’ve backed up your data to the cloud, you can retrieve it on a new device.
- How can I prevent future water damage?
- Consider investing in a waterproof case and be cautious around water sources.
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.
