If you’ve ever dropped your phone in water, you know the feeling of panic that sets in. Whether it’s a pool, a toilet, or a glass of juice, water can cause severe damage to your phone. But don’t despair; there are some steps you can take to try and save your phone from water damage. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow if you find yourself in this situation.
Do: Turn off your phone and remove the battery.
If you drop your phone in water, you should first turn it off and remove the battery if possible. This will prevent any short circuits or further damage to the internal components. If you have a phone that doesn’t have a removable battery, such as an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, turn it off and leave it alone.
Don’t Press any buttons or try to use your phone.
One of the worst things you can do if you drop your phone in the water is to press any buttons or try to use your phone. This can force more water into the cracks and crevices of your phone, making the damage worse. It can also trigger functions that drain your battery or overheat your phone. Resist the temptation to check if your phone still works and leave it off.
Do: Remove the SIM card and microSD card.
Another thing you should do if you drop your phone in water is to remove the SIM card and microSD card if you have one. These cards contain important information such as contacts, photos, and files. Removing them can help prevent data loss and allow air to circulate inside your phone.
Don’t Use a hair dryer or put your phone in the oven.
Some may think using a hair dryer or putting their phone in the oven can help dry out their phone faster. However, this is a bad idea for several reasons. First, a hair dryer can blow more water into your phone or melt some plastic parts. Secondly, putting your phone in the oven can cause overheating, warping, or even exploding. These methods can do more harm than good, so avoid them.
Do: Use silica gel packets or uncooked rice.
One of the best ways to dry out your phone is to use silica gel packets or uncooked rice. Silica gel packets are those small packets that come with new products such as shoes or electronics. They are designed to absorb moisture and keep things dry. Uncooked rice is also a good alternative if you don’t have silica gel packets handy. To use these methods, fill a plastic zip-top bag with silica gel packets or rice and bury your phone in the bag. Leave your phone in the bag for 24-48 hours.
Don’t: Put your phone in rice.
You may have heard that putting your phone in rice can help fix a water-damaged phone, but this is untrue. Rice is not very effective at absorbing moisture, and it can also leave behind dust and starch that can clog up your phone’s ports and speakers. Rice can also attract bugs and bacteria that can harm your phone. Instead of rice, use silica gel packets or uncooked rice, as mentioned above.
Do: Check for water damage indicators.
After you’ve dried out your phone for a few days, you can check for water damage indicators to see how bad the damage is. Water damage indicators are small stickers that change color when exposed to water. They are usually inside the battery compartment or near the SIM card slot. Water has reached those parts of your phone if the stickers are red, pink, or purple. If they are white or silver, it means that those parts are dry.
Don’t Expect your warranty to cover water damage.
Unfortunately, most phone manufacturers do not cover water damage under warranty policies. If you drop your phone in water and it stops working, you may have to pay for the repair or replacement yourself. Some manufacturers may offer water-resistant phones that can withstand some exposure to water, but this does not mean they are waterproof or immune to water damage. It would be best to always read your warranty’s fine print before buying a new phone.
Conclusion
Dropping your phone in water can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. By following these dos and don’ts, you may be able to save your phone from water damage and restore its functionality. However, there is no guarantee that these methods will work for every case, so it’s always better to prevent water damage in the first place by using a waterproof pouch or case, avoiding wet environments, and being careful with liquids around your phone.
