Have you ever dropped your smartphone into the water? It goes without saying; many people have had that awful dream of losing an expensive phone in a pool of water just because of a slip. Well, here is the good news: you don’t have to freak out because you can remove water from your phone and repair it yourself if there isn’t much damage.
Did you know? Till 2018 in the United States, 39% of accident cases regarding smartphones happened because the phone fell into water.
Oh, don’t be bothered with the statistics, as we are going to make you understand some tips and tricks in this article that will help you get the water out of your phone correctly without damaging any component and ports. The additional value that this article might bring into solving this problem is the following:
- What are the steps that help in getting water out of your phone?
- The importance of seeking professional repair and where one should seek these repairs.
- How to save your phone from water exposure?
If you find this intriguing, let’s hop right into it.
Table of Contents
8 Simple Steps You Can Use to Get Water Out of Your Phone
If your phone accidentally fell into the water and you are worried about it getting water damage, here are 8 steps that will help you minimize water damage to your smartphone:
1. Switch your Mobile Phone off Immediately
Switch your phone off the instant it gets wet to avoid short-circuiting. Avoid pressing any buttons, as this may force the water further into the device. A big step, since electricity and water don’t mix, and trying to use your phone wet may irreversibly damage it.
2. Remove External Components
Remove casing, SIM card, memory card, and every other thing that can be taken out. A closed area may retain water which takes longer to get completely dried. Lay those things on an absorbing cloth to increase the speed of the drying process.
3. Dry the Outside
Dab the phone as gently as possible with either a microfiber cloth or a paper towel, paying particular attention to the charging port, the headphone jack, and the speaker grills. Avoid shaking the device; this can only help to force water further inside. Do instead a very gentle all-over exterior drying to minimize the possibility of further damage inside the device.
4. Use the Vacuum Cleaner.
Switch the vacuum on to the lowest settings possible, then carefully suck water out of the phone, really focusing your effort on openings like the charging port and speaker holes. Avoid using a hair dryer or any other heating source, which could further damage the internal components by warping or deforming them. This vacuum will get in these tight spots without heating things up.
5. Use Silica Gel Packets
Wrap your phone in an airtight container containing silica gel packets. They are highly effective at absorbing moisture compared to any other conventional methods, which include rice. Let it be for some time for at least 24-48 hours; the longer you wait, the better it gets for your phone to dry out. These can be commonly found in shoe boxes or in the packaging of electronics and can again be reused for this purpose.
6. Use the “Gravity Trick”
Position the phone completely straight-up, with the charging port or headphone jack facing down. Let gravity do its thing and let the water come out on its own, positioning a paper towel below to catch it as it goes out. Be patient; let gravity do the work, and don’t shake the device yourself.
7. Use Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or above)
Carefully clean any accessible areas to displace water and prevent corrosion. Alcohol can also evaporate faster, aiding the drying process. Be cautious and ensure you’re not causing more damage by disassembling parts without expertise. This method is especially effective for components like charging ports, but it should only be used if you’re comfortable handling your device carefully.
8. Test your Smartphone
Let it air-dry completely, then switch your phone on and test it. Make sure the screen, speakers, and buttons are in good condition. If this does not work, then it may require professional attention. Quick action coupled with patience in drying may highly increase the survival chances of your phone.
Choose Professional Services to Get Water Out of Your Phone
Professional services can be very helpful if your phone has gained significant damage from water intake. Here’s why you may want to consider one:
- Advanced Equipment: The professionals make use of such things as ultrasonic cleaners in the removal of water and corrosion on internal parts; these could dive deeper into the machinery where do-it-yourself approaches can’t.
- Expertise: Technicians can diagnose latent damages you can’t see, such as a short circuit or failure of some components. They also change damaged parts with compatible ones, extending life for your phone.
- Warranty Protection: Repair services often come with warranties, ensuring peace of mind. If the repair doesn’t resolve the issue, you’ll have recourse to get additional help without extra costs.
When should you seek professional help?
You should seek professional help in the following situations:
- If the phone does not respond after drying.
- If you notice persistent issues like screen discoloration, speaker distortion, or battery malfunction.
- Although most smartphones these days have water-resistant seals, they are by no means perfect. So if your phone was washed out in the rain, seek professional help.
- Finally, professional services hold significance for premium devices, as the expense associated with repair is considerably lower than the expense of replacement as they have more value over old mobile phones.
5 Ways to Prevent Water from Going into Phone
Here are some ways you can prevent water from from going into your smartphone:
1. Use Waterproof Phone Cases
Invest in a good-quality waterproof or water-resistant case to provide extra protection. Brands such as Lifeproof and Otterbox are good options that can protect your phone. Make sure the case is sealed properly before exposing your phone to water.
2. Avoid High-Risk Environments
Remove your phone from pools, bathrooms, or kitchens, if you can help it. Simple habits, like removing your phone to the next room while cooking or taking a shower, cut risks way back. If you’re at water’s edge, tuck your phone away securely into a pocket or a secure bag.
3. Turn On Water Lock Options
Some phones automatically block the water in cases of accidental damage using built-in settings. For example, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch collection has a water-lock mode that can be initiated in seconds. Understand the features of your devices so they are better equipped in situations like these.
4. Use Water Resistant Pouches or Bags
Protective pouches will protect your device from splashes at the beach and pool or in wet conditions. They are affordable measures for that added peace of mind. Look for pouches with IP (International Protection) ratings that would determine the degree of its water resistance.
5. Be Mindful of the Phone’s Placement
Always place the phone on a safe and dry surface to avoid accidental spilling or dropping. Also, do not place it on uneven or wet places where it may fall easily. It should become a habit to look around before putting your phone down.
Recommended Read: Quick Steps to Clean Your SIM Card
Wrapping It Up
To sum up, water damage does not necessarily mean you must bid your phone goodbye. With prompt actions, following proven methods, and seeking professional help when required, it is often possible to salvage your device. Prevention is just as essential, proactive steps ensure you will not be caught in this stressful situation in the first place.
Remember that although DIY can do wonders, there is simply no alternative to professional repair when the damage is considerable. It can save you so much time and hassle from all that you spend on unprofessional repairs by taking precautions through waterproof cases or water-lock features. Treat your phone like an essential tool and avoid risking any danger that might harm it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get water out your phone speaker?
A sound frequency app can be used to emit vibrations that will expel water from the speaker. Do not use heat or insert objects into the speaker. Sound-based water removal tools, such as “Fix My Speakers,” can be very effective.
How to get water out of your phone without rice?
Use silica gel packets, a vacuum cleaner, or the gravity trick to get the job done rather than relying on rice. Rice is often overestimated and less effective than alternative moisture-absorbing tools, such as silica gel.
What should I do if I dropped my phone in water for 2 seconds?
Turn it off right away, remove the external components, and dry it. Internal damage may be caused by even the briefest exposure, so don’t take the risk lightly.
How can you get water out of your iPhone?
Turn it off, take out the SIM card, and then apply silica gel or an iPhone-specific drying kit. Don’t use any chargers or accessories until it’s dry. There are also liquid detection indicators inside an iPhone, which may give a sign of water damage.
How to remove water from inside phone screen?
Professional repair services are your best bet, disassembling it yourself and making it loose warranties could mean further damage. Specific equipment can dry out your screen without creating other potential issues.
