Introduction
Have you ever dropped your phone in the water, and you wondered what to do next? Water damage is one of the most common accidents for smartphones and can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time. The good news is that with the right tools and techniques, you can get water out of a phone and prevent further damage. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get water out of a phone and what to do when it happens.
Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about why getting water out of a phone is crucial. When water enters your phone, it can cause a short circuit which can damage vital components inside. This damage can cause your phone to malfunction or, in severe cases, stop working altogether. We understand how frustrating it can be to experience water damage, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of steps to follow when your phone takes an unexpected dive.
In this guide, we’ll cover the following:
1. Turn off the Phone Immediately
2. Remove the Case and SIM Card
3. Dry Off Excess Water with a Lint-Free Cloth
4. Use a Vacuum Cleaner or Air Compressor
5. Place the Phone in Rice or Silica Gel Packets
6. Use a Hair Dryer on a Low Heat Setting
7. Try a Desiccant
8. Put the Phone in an Airtight Container with Dessicant
9. Test the Phone
10. Use a Professional Service
1. Turn off the Phone Immediately
If your phone has dropped into water, the first step you should take is to turn it off. Do not try to turn it on or charge it. This may cause a short circuit and further damage. Turning off your phone immediately is crucial as it reduces the risk of electrical damage.
If you have an iPhone:
Hold down the power button and swipe to the right to turn off your phone. If you own an iPhone 8 or later, press the volume up button, then press the volume down button, and hold down the power button. If you have an iPhone X or later, hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power off slider appears.
If you have an Android:
Press and hold the power button, then tap the power off or restart icon to switch off your phone. If your phone has a removable battery, take it out.
2. Remove the Case and SIM Card
After you have turned off your phone, the next step is to remove the case and SIM card. This will allow you to access all parts of your phone and dry it effectively. Removing your SIM card is crucial as it may contain your valuable data and may be damaged if left inside the phone while it dries.
3. Dry Off Excess Water with a Lint-Free Cloth
Use a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth to dry off any excess water. Wipe the surface of your phone gently, being careful not to scratch or damage it. Pay special attention to ports, speakers, and microphones as water can collect in those areas. Do not use paper towels or tissues as these can leave tiny fibers on your phone.
4. Use a Vacuum Cleaner or Air Compressor
If you have a vacuum cleaner or an air compressor, use it to suck out any water that is trapped in the ports or crevices of your phone. Hold the vacuum or air compressor nozzle above the phone and let the suction or air remove the water. Be careful not to touch the nozzle to your phone, as it may cause scratches or damage.
5. Place the Phone in Rice or Silica Gel Packets
Place your phone in a bowl of rice or silica gel packets. Rice or silica gel packets absorb moisture and can help dry out your phone. Cover the phone completely with rice or silica gel packets and leave it for at least 24-48 hours.
6. Use a Hair Dryer on a Low Heat Setting
If you don’t have rice or silica gel packets, use a hair dryer on a low heat setting. Hold the hair dryer approximately 6 inches away from your phone and move it back and forth to circulate warm air and dry out your phone.
7. Try a Desiccant
A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture from the air. You can purchase a desiccant from a hardware store and place it in a container with your phone. Leave the container undisturbed for at least 24-48 hours.
8. Put the Phone in an Airtight Container with Dessicant
If your desiccant is not working well, you can try putting your phone in an airtight container with other materials that can absorb moisture such as rice, silica gel packets, or even oatmeal. This will create a vacuum seal that will keep the moisture out and help to dry your phone.
9. Test the Phone
After leaving your phone to dry for at least 24-48 hours, try turning it on. If it works, congratulations! Your phone is back to normal. If it doesn’t, there may still be moisture inside, and you should take your phone to a professional to avoid further damage.
10. Use a Professional Service
If all the above methods do not work, it may be time to take your phone to a professional for repair. Professional services specialize in water damage repair and can help restore your phone to its former glory. As a last resort, this is often the most effective option.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Method
Using Rice or Silica Gel Packets
Advantages:
- Easy to find in most households
- Cheap and readily available
- Effective at absorbing moisture
Disadvantages:
- Not as effective as other methods
- Takes longer to dry out your phone (24-48 hours)
Using a Hair Dryer on Low Heat Setting
Advantages:
- Quick and efficient way to dry your phone
- Saves time
Disadvantages:
- The heat may damage your phone
- The fan may push water deeper into the phone
Using a Vacuum Cleaner or Air Compressor
Advantages:
- Quick and efficient way to remove water from your phone
- The suction can remove water from small crevices and ports
Disadvantages:
- The vacuum or air compressor may cause scratches or damage to your phone
Using a Desiccant
Advantages:
- Effective at absorbing moisture
- Can be more effective than rice or silica gel packets
Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive
- Takes longer to dry out your phone (24-48 hours)
Putting Your Phone in an Airtight Container with Other Materials
Advantages:
- Creates a vacuum seal to keep moisture out
- Can use materials readily available in your household
Disadvantages:
- Can be more of a hassle
- The process can be time-consuming
| Methods | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Using Rice or Silica Gel Packets | Easy to find in most households, cheap and readily available, effective at absorbing moisture. | Not as effective as other methods, takes longer to dry out your phone (24-48 hours). |
| Using a Hair Dryer on a Low Heat Setting | Quick and efficient way to dry your phone, saves time. | The heat may damage your phone, the fan may push water deeper into the phone. |
| Using a Vacuum Cleaner or Air Compressor | Quick and efficient way to remove water from your phone, the suction can remove water from small crevices and ports. | The vacuum or air compressor may cause scratches or damage to your phone. |
| Using a Desiccant | Effective at absorbing moisture, can be more effective than rice or silica gel packets. | Can be expensive, takes longer to dry out your phone (24-48 hours). |
| Putting Your Phone in an Airtight Container with Other Materials | Creates a vacuum seal to keep moisture out, can use materials readily available in your household. | Can be more of a hassle, the process can be time-consuming. |
FAQs
1. Can I Use a Hair Dryer on High Heat Setting?
No, using a hair dryer on high heat setting can damage the internal components of your phone. Always use the low heat setting when drying your phone.
2. Can I Use a Regular Vacuum Cleaner Instead of an Air Compressor?
Yes, you can use a regular vacuum cleaner to remove water from your phone. However, make sure to hold the nozzle above your phone and not to touch it to avoid scratches or damage.
3. How Long Should I Leave My Phone in Rice?
Leave your phone in rice or silica gel packets for at least 24-48 hours to absorb the moisture and dry your phone completely.
4. Can I Use a Microwave to Dry My Phone?
No, never use a microwave to dry your phone. The heat can damage the internal components and cause irreparable damage.
5. Can I Charge My Phone Immediately After Drying It?
No, you should not charge your phone immediately after drying it. Make sure your phone is completely dry before turning it on or charging it.
6. Can I Use a Hair Dryer with a Cold Setting?
No, using a hair dryer with a cold setting may not be effective in removing moisture from your phone. Always use the low heat setting.
7. Can I Use Alcohol to Clean My Phone After it Gets Wet?
No, never use alcohol to clean your phone after it gets wet. Alcohol can damage the internal components and cause further damage.
8. Can I Use a Fan to Dry My Phone?
Yes, you can use a fan to dry your phone. Place your phone in front of a fan and let the air circulate around it. However, this method may not be as effective as others.
9. Can I Use a Hair Dryer on the Cold Setting After Drying My Phone?
No, using a hair dryer on the cold setting after drying your phone may not be effective in removing any remaining moisture. Always use the low heat setting.
10. Should I Wipe My Phone Dry with a Towel?
No, you should not use a towel to dry your phone as it may leave tiny fibers and cause further damage. Use a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth instead.
11. Can I Put My Phone in the Sun to Dry It?
No, never put your phone in the sun to dry it. The heat can damage the internal components and cause further damage.
12. Can I Use a Hair Dryer on My Phone if It’s Not Wet?
Yes, you can use a hair dryer on low heat setting to clean your phone if it’s not wet. However, be careful not to blow air or get too close to your phone as this can cause damage or scratches.
13. What Should I Do if My Phone Gets Wet but It’s Not Turning on?
If your phone gets wet but it’s not turning on, take it to a professional for repair. There may still be moisture inside, and turning it on may cause further damage.
Conclusion
Water damage to your phone can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. With the right tools and techniques, you can get water out of a phone and prevent further damage. Follow the steps we outlined in this guide and choose the method that works best for you. Remember to be patient and give your phone enough time to dry out completely. If all else fails, take it to a professional for repair. We hope this guide helps you save your phone from water damage and keeps it in good condition.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or diagnosis. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Use these methods at your own risk and discretion. If you are unsure or feel uncomfortable trying any of these methods, seek professional help. Always take adequate precautions to protect your phone from water damage, such as using a waterproof case. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.