Introduction
Welcome to our article on how to fix a phone that fell in water! It’s a common accident that can happen to anyone, and it can be very frustrating to deal with. However, there is no need to panic as there are several ways to fix a phone that fell in water and we will guide you through it all. Whether it’s a small spill or a complete immersion, we have got you covered.
In this article, we will describe in detail the steps you need to take to save your valuable phone from water damage. We will also provide you with the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as some frequently asked questions to help you with any doubts you may have. So, let’s dive in!
How to Fix a Phone That Fell in Water
When a phone falls into water, it is essential to act quickly to prevent further damage. Here are the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Turn Off Your Phone Immediately
The first thing you need to do is to turn off your phone immediately if it is still on. Press and hold the power button until the phone shuts down. This will prevent further damage to your phone’s internal components.
Step 2: Remove SIM Card and Memory Card
Next, remove your phone’s SIM card and memory card. This will prevent any moisture from damaging these cards and also ensure that your data is safe.
Step 3: Wipe Your Phone with a Dry Cloth
Use a soft and dry cloth to wipe your phone gently. Do not use any heat sources such as a hairdryer or microwave oven, as this can cause further damage. Do not shake your phone as well, as it can cause water to penetrate further into the device.
Step 4: Air-dry Your Phone
After you have wiped your phone, air-dry it. Remove the phone’s case and battery if possible, and gently shake any excess water out of the device. Leave the phone in a dry and warm place for at least 24 hours to dry out completely. Do not use your phone while it is drying, as this can cause further damage.
Step 5: Rice Method
Put your phone in a bag of uncooked rice. Rice is an excellent absorbent that can soak up any remaining moisture in your phone. Keep your phone in the rice for at least 24-48 hours. After that, remove your phone, and turn it on to check if it is working correctly.
Step 6: Silica Packet Method
Another effective method is using silica packets that come with new items such as shoes. These packets absorb moisture, and if you have some of these packets at home, put them in a sealed bag with your phone. Leave the phone in the bag with the silica packets for at least 24-48 hours.
Step 7: Using a Vacuum Cleaner
If you don’t want to use the rice or silica packet method, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the water. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and hold it close to your phone, but not too close. The suction power will help pull the water out of the phone. Do this for about 20-30 minutes and then leave your phone to dry out for at least 24 hours.
Advantages and Disadvantages of each Method
Now that we have discussed the different methods of fixing a phone with water damage let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Rice Method
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Rice is an absorbent that can soak up excess water. | Rice can leave tiny debris in your phone, which can cause further damage. |
| Rice is readily available in most homes. | The drying process can take a long time, depending on the degree of water damage. |
| The rice method is a low-cost solution. | There is no guarantee that your phone will be saved by this method. |
Silica Packet Method
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Silica packets are readily available in many households or you can get them easily. | It takes a long time to dry out the phone using silica packets. |
| Silica packets are effective at absorbing moisture. | Silica packets are not as readily available as rice. |
| The silica packet method is a low-cost solution. | There is no guarantee that your phone will be saved by this method. |
Using a Vacuum Cleaner
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The vacuum cleaner is quick and effective at removing moisture. | The vacuum nozzle should not be too close to the phone as it can cause further damage. |
| The vacuum cleaner method is a low-cost solution. | There is a risk of electrocution if the phone is not turned off or if there is water inside the phone. |
| The vacuum cleaner can be used on several other household items that incur water damage. | If the vacuum cleaner is too powerful, it can also damage the phone. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a hairdryer to dry my phone?
No, you should not use a hairdryer to dry your phone as it can cause further damage, such as overheating the phone.
2. Can I use a microwave to dry my phone?
No, you should not use a microwave to dry your phone as it can cause further damage, such as overheating the phone.
3. How long should I leave my phone in rice?
You should leave your phone in rice for at least 24-48 hours to ensure that it is fully dry.
4. Should I put my phone in the freezer?
No, you should not put your phone in the freezer as it can cause further damage to your phone.
5. Does putting your phone in a sealed bag of rice really work?
Yes, putting your phone in a sealed bag of rice can help absorb any moisture that’s inside the phone. However, there is no guarantee that it will work for every case.
6. Can I use a vacuum cleaner to dry my phone?
Yes, using a vacuum cleaner to dry your phone can be effective, but you need to be careful not to hold the nozzle too close to the phone and avoid sucking up any of the phone’s components.
7. What should I do if my phone is still not working?
If your phone is still not working after trying these methods, it may be time to take it to a professional for repair or replacement.
8. Can I charge my phone after it has fallen in water?
No, do not charge your phone if it has fallen in water, as it can cause further damage to your phone’s components. Let it dry out completely before attempting to charge it.
9. Can I turn on my phone after it has fallen in water?
No, do not turn on your phone after it has fallen in water, as it can cause further damage to your phone’s components. Follow the steps mentioned above to dry out your phone before attempting to turn it back on.
10. Should I use a blow dryer to dry my phone?
No, do not use a blow dryer to dry your phone as it can cause further damage to your phone’s components and also force water deeper into the phone.
11. Do I need to replace my phone if it falls in water?
Not necessarily. If you act quickly and follow the steps mentioned above, your phone may still work. However, if the phone experienced severe water damage, it’s best to take it to a professional for repair or replacement.
12. How long does it take for a phone to dry out after falling in water?
It can take 24-72 hours for a phone to dry out completely after falling in water. The drying time depends on the extent of the water damage.
13. Can I put my phone in the sun to dry?
No, do not put your phone in direct sunlight to dry, as it can cause further damage such as overheating the phone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your phone falls in water, it’s essential to take quick action to prevent further damage. Follow the steps mentioned above, and hopefully, your phone will work again. However, if it doesn’t work, don’t worry; there are still options available such as taking it to a professional for repair or replacement. Remember, the faster you act, the higher the chances are your phone can be saved.
Disclaimer
The methods mentioned in this article are not guaranteed solutions, and we cannot be held responsible for any damages that may occur to your phone. We recommend seeking professional help if your phone experiences severe water damage.