How to save a phone or tablet that has fallen into water

If you drop your phone or tablet in water, don't worry! Your device may not be permanently damaged. But you should act quickly to avoid water damage to internal components. Follow these simple tips to save your device!

Don't turn on the wet phone immediately!

Simply put, water and electricity are "incompatible"; A wet device can short circuit and even give you an electric shock. Water can damage the display and seep into the bezels, slots under the display, and into the battery compartment. All of these situations can cause serious damage to your device if not handled properly.

So, if your smartphone or tablet breaks and turns itself off, don't rush to turn it back on. If the device remains on, immediately turn off the power to avoid possible damage. Turn off the machine until you dry it completely.

Most Android devices can be turned off by pressing and holding the power button, then selecting Power off from the shutdown menu. To access the shutdown screen on a modern iPhone or iPad, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously. If you own an older Apple device with a physical Home button, simply press and hold the side button.

Dry whatever you can immediately

After turning off your phone or tablet, first dry the outside as much as possible to prevent water from entering your device. Avoid using paper towels or other items that can leave residue.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. If your device has a removable battery, remove the battery from the compartment. Then, place it on a flat surface and pat it with a dry cloth to absorb moisture.
2. Remove the SIM card and SD card (if in use), dry it with a lint-free cloth, and store it in a safe place.
3. Dry the battery, SIM card, and SD card slots (if applicable) with a lint-free cloth to absorb any remaining water. This prevents water from seeping inside and causing further damage.
4. Wipe off any water droplets along the edge of the screen. Check the screw holes, bezels, and the entire exterior of your phone or tablet to make sure it's dry.
5. Place your phone or tablet in a warm room or outside on a sunny day. Avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures as they can be harmful.
6. Avoid using heat sources such as hair dryers as they can damage your device's battery and other components; Instead, let it dry naturally.

By following these tips, you can dry the outside of your device in just a few minutes. Please hold off on turning it on as there may still be some water left inside.

Remove excess water that may have spilled inside

USB ports, audio jacks, and speakers are places susceptible to water intrusion. If you ignore these locations, turning your phone or tablet back on with water inside could cause damage.

 Start by drying the USB port and audio jack on your smartphone, if there is one. Use a lint-free cloth to absorb moisture from openings; Do not blow air into the holes or plug in a charger or headphones as this may push water inside.

We recommend using silica gel (desiccant beads) to remove water remaining on the speaker and other places. It is a moisture remover commonly used to help prevent moisture damage to electronic equipment. Simply purchase silica gel from the store, place your device in an airtight container, then insert the silica gel packets or evenly pour the loose granules into the container.

You should leave your device in silica gel for 24 to 48 hours. If you can't wait that long, wait at least 12 hours, to give the gel enough time to absorb moisture. Avoid using rice to dry the device; it can do more harm than good. Also, avoid disassembling the phone to clean the water inside. Doing so may expose the internal circuitry to water, leading to further damage.

After completely drying your smartphone and ensuring that all remaining water has been removed, leave it alone for a few hours. Finally, try turning the device on. If you power it on successfully, everything is done. But if the machine won't turn on, you'll need professional help.

Bring your phone or tablet to a service center

If your phone or tablet won't power on or you hesitate to turn it on, take it to a nearby service center for inspection. If the hardware cannot be repaired, the only option is to replace it.

 However, if repair is possible, check to see if your device's warranty covers water damage. Typically, you'll have to pay the entire cost yourself unless you pay for an extended warranty plan like AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+.

To maintain your warranty or insurance, visit official service centers whenever possible.

Pay attention to problems when using your phone or tablet

If you have successfully turned on your device or restored its normal function, monitor it closely over the next few days. If you observe signs of water damage to your phone, such as a blurred screen, screen patches, water condensation on the camera, muffled sound, muffled speakers, or unstable charging, turn it off. source and check again.

If you experience warnings like "Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector" on iOS, "Moisture detected" on your Samsung device, or any other warnings If anything else involves the presence of moisture, water may still be inside. Refer to your device manufacturer's website for instructions on how to handle that specific warning.

If these warnings persist even after trying the suggested steps, it is wise to seek professional help. If you have an iPhone, you can use a third-party iOS shortcut to push water out of the speaker and microphone.

Following these tips will help protect your smartphone or tablet from irreparable water damage. To prevent a similar situation from recurring, adopt safer habits: Avoid using your device near water sources, shield your device from bathroom steam, do not use your device while drinking water, and be careful. important in areas where there is a potential risk of water damage.

Additionally, consider purchasing an insurance plan to minimize repair costs and opt for waterproof equipment when upgrading in the future.

Marvin Fry

Update 02 February 2024