10 Quick Things to Do When Your Phone is Soaked in Water [2]
Have you ever accidentally dropped your cell phone in the sink, or even worse – the toilet? Did you leave it in your pocket and run it through the washing machine and at times it’s possible that your friends dunked you in a swimming pool just for the fun of it? Did you get beaten by the rain or did you forget and go swimming with your cell phone in your pocket?
Getting your cell phone wet usually means you have to replace it, because electricity and water do not go well together. However, sometimes if you’re fast enough, you might be able to save the phone! Here are some more steps outlined in this article to try to save your wet cell phone.
6. Do not use a hair dryer to dry out a phone.
Contrary to common advice, it is not recommended that you use a hair dryer (even on the “cold” mode). Using a hair dryer may force moisture further inward toward the crevices, reaching the electrical components deep inside the phone.
If moisture is driven deeper inside, corrosion and oxidation may result when minerals from liquids are deposited on the circuitry which could eventually cause component failure inside the phone.
While avoiding blowing air into the phone, conversely, using a heater, fan or other air-flow device to blow air ACROSS the phone’s openings will aid drying.
7. Try the rice magic.
An inexpensive option is to place the phone in a bowl or bag of uncooked rice overnight.The rice would absorb the moisture.
If available, it is preferable to use a desiccant instead. Desiccants may absorb moisture better than rice.] You can also try slipping the cell phone inside a plastic bag that can be sealed or a plastic container (airtight). Add a desiccant packet, such as silica gel — often found with new shoes, purses, noodle packets, etc — in with the cell phone. The downside of this method is the packets packed with shoes has usually already reached its absorption capacity. Desiccants for flower drying can usually be purchased at most craft stores. Leave the phone with the desiccant or rice as long as possible (at least overnight) to absorb the moisture.
Rotate the phone to a different position every hour until you go to sleep. This will allow any water left inside to run down and hopefully find an opening to escape.
8. Leave to dry for days.
After a couple of days, you can remove the phone from the rice back, insert the battery into the phone and switch the phone on.
9. If your phone doesn’t turn on, try charging it. If it doesn’t charge, the battery may be damaged. You could try a replacement battery, or consider taking your smartphone to a repair shop to be checked by a professional.
10. If your phone has turned on and it is running as it should, you should still keep a close eye on it for the next few days, to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Play some music to check the speakers and ensure the touch screen still responds as it should.
In the future, avoid taking the phone with you when you go to the pool, use the bathroom or do the dishes.
