How to save a wet mobile phone – and what not to do
A mobile phone can be your lifeline, holding important contacts, business and personal information. Imagine the panic when it accidentally falls into water or gets drenched in the rain. But don’t panic! You might still be able to save your device if you act quickly and follow these essential steps.
1. Remove the phone from water:
Promptly remove your phone from water, no matter if it’s a puddle, sink, or pool. The longer your device remains submerged, the more likely it is to suffer permanent damage.
2. Turn off your phone:
Immediately power down the device by pressing and holding the power button. This will prevent any short circuits that might occur due to water seeping into electronic components.
3. Remove battery and SIM card (if applicable):
Carefully remove any removable components like the battery, SIM card, and micro SD card if your phone design allows for it. This will further diminish any risk of electrical shorts.
4. Dry off external surfaces:
Use a soft lint-free cloth or towel to gently wipe away any visible moisture on surfaces of your phone, including the screen and charging ports.
5. Do not use heat or blow dryers:
Avoid using hairdryers, heaters or other heat sources to dry your phone as these could cause irreparable damage to its sensitive components.
6.Find a suitable drying agent:
An effective method for drawing out moisture from the interior of electronics is using silica gel packets or uncooked rice. Place your disassembled phone (including removable battery) in an airtight container filled with either of these substances.
7. Let it sit for 24-48 hours:
It is crucial to be patient during this process; don’t try reassembling your device prematurely before the drying process is completed.
8.Reassemble and test:
After waiting for at least 24-48 hours, carefully reassemble your phone and attempt turning it on. If your device powers up and seems to be operating normally, congratulations on a successful rescue!
9.Contact professional assistance:
If your phone remains unresponsive or shows signs of water damage, you should contact a reputable repair service or the manufacturer for further advice.
What not to do when trying to save a wet mobile phone:
1. Don’t shake the phone violently, which can exacerbate water damage by spreading moisture further into the internal components.
2. Avoid pressing buttons on a wet phone. This might inadvertently force water deeper into the inner workings of the device.
3. Do not attempt charging the device when it is wet; doing so can cause short-circuits and permanent damage.
Remember that prevention is better than any cure! Invest in a waterproof phone case, avoid keeping your phone near open liquids, and always be cautious during those rainy days outdoors to ensure your trusty device stays safe from water damage!