Phone got wet? Here’s what you can do

If your phone comes with a high IP Rating for dust and water resistance, like IP67 or IP68 protection, congratulations, it’s probably going to be fine! But if it’s got a lower rating, or none at all, you should prepare for the worst. So when you accidentally dropped your phone in the bath, or even worse, in the toilet, or jumped into the pool with it in your pocket, what is your immediate reaction? Panic? Throw it in a jar of rice? The warranty doesn’t cover any damage caused by water so here’s a list of things you can do when your phone gets wet.

1. Take it out of the water ASAP

We know, it sounds obvious, but you might think that it’s already too late and not even worth rushing to get it. However, every second matters, and if you’re lucky, you’ll still have a shot at saving your phone.

If your phone is soaked in salt-water, beer and other liquids, wash the phone with a damp cloth. Yes, your phone got wet again. But salt water is corrosive and will definitely damage your phone if not removed. Most smartphones these days should be able to cope with a damp cloth. Just dry it off again immediately.

2. Remove what you can

Remove all covers and plugs that cover the gaps and slots in the phone. Pat your phone dry with a microfiber cloth or a towel (it’s recommended not to use paper because the particles can clog in the gaps of the phone).

3. Avoid Jostling, Tilting, or Shaking Your Phone

If there’s water inside the phone, don’t make it worse by letting the water run in new places.

4. Do not blow-dry your wet phone

Heat can damage the delicate electronics inside. What you should do is give the naked, case-free phone a quick wipe with a clean towel, making sure no water accidentally ends up draining into its charging port, SIM or MicroSD slots, or headphone jack. If there are traces of water trapped inside cracks or indentations in the case, try carefully and conservatively using compressed air to blow it out.

5. Turn it off

More often than not, your phone will automatically turn itself off when it falls into some water, but if it doesn’t, do not hesitate to turn it off or remove the battery to shut it down instantly. This will protect it from short circuiting.

6. Go for silica gels, instead of uncooked rice

The old suggestion is to put your phone in a jar filled with uncooked rice as it will absorb the moisture out. The problem with rice is that the grains can get inside your smartphone through ports or small openings. It also has a powdery residue that can further ruin your phone’s internals.

Silica gels are usually found in newly-purchased bags and shoes. You can also buy a pack in hardware stores if you don’t have one. Once you have a bunch of those just put them in a jar or resealable plastic bag, the more, the better, along with your phone. There’s no need to open the packets. Simply place them in the container with your phone. If your phone has port covers or SIM trays, make sure to leave them open. Keep it there for 2 to 3 days.

7. Wait

It’s very important to give your phone at least two days to dry and resist the urge to turn it on, because if a tiny water particle remains inside, all your efforts will be useless. After about 24 hours, balance the phone upright and tilt it, so the USB port aims down to make sure any remaining moisture drains downward and out of the phone.

So, if you do see signs of life, go through a quick set of tests. Does the screen work properly? Does the screen look normal, with no flickering or discoloration? If so, you’re lucky. But if you still have a dead phone at this point, sadly it’s likely to be time for a trip to the nearest repair shop.

8. Go to authorized service centers

If your phone is developing symptoms or you want to be sure that it is still in good working condition then bring it to a nearby authorized service center and have it checked. Again, as mentioned above, water damage voids your warranty so you might have to bring out your wallet. On the bright side, replacing a faulty part often costs less than buying a new phone.

Still, the best way to ensure your phone last long is to take care of it, that means not bringing your phone with you if you know you’ll get wet or if you can’t resist to bring your phone with you especially in the beach or pool party you can buy waterproof cases and bags online.

So that’s it! How about you? What do you do when your phone got wet? Let us know in the comments.

Source: Yugatech