Dropped your phone in water or spilled liquid on it? That can be panic-inducing. Fortunately, there are some really easy cellphone repair tips you can try to fix your phone after liquid exposure.
Remember, timing is key when it comes to water damage. Therefore, you must act quickly and remove your phone from the water. Now, switch it off immediately and do not press buttons to check if it is working, as it will make the water seep further into the device. Remove all the accessories and let it dry for 24 to 48 hours. Soak up the excess moisture with silica gel packets or uncooked rice. Now turn on the phone and see if it works fine. If it doesn’t, it is best to seek professional cell phone repair services.
Cellphone Repair 101: How To Fix a Water Damaged Phone?
Here is how you can save your water-damaged phone.
Rescue The Phone ASAP
First things first, do not leave your phone in the water for too long. You must act quickly and remove it from the water to minimize the damage. This might not be a pleasant task, especially if your phone is one of the unlucky ones that gets dropped in the toilet. Quickly retrieve the phone from the water to minimize damage and immediately power it off. Rapid action is crucial for potential recovery.
Turn It Off
Now that you have removed it from the water, you must switch it off immediately. While it is natural to press buttons and check if it is still working fine, you must resist the urge as pressing buttons may cause water to seep further into the device and cause more damage.
Remove All The Accessories
The next cellphone repair tip is to remove all the accessories, including the SIM card, memory card, protector, and hard case, so you can dry them separately. You can even remove the battery if your phone has a removable one. However, you must be very careful and not tilt the phone too much to avoid spreading the water.
Pat Dry
Now that your phone is taken apart use a small, dry dishcloth or paper towel to dab away any extra water gently. If you have spilled something sticky on it, do not rub it too hard. This could cause more damage. Instead, put a tiny bit of water on the cloth to clean the stickiness, then dab the phone dry. Gently dab the phone with a soft, lint-free cloth to absorb excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, as this can push water deeper into the device’s components.
Soak Up Excessive Moisture
Now that you have gotten rid of most of the moisture, it’s time to boost up the drying process. While you may commonly have heard of using rice to soak up the excess moisture, this might not be the best method.
Cellphone repair experts explain that while rice has absorbent properties, it may expose your phone to dust and debris, which are the byproducts of uncooked rice. A better alternative is to use silica gel packets, as they are much more effective. Take a plastic zip-top bag filled with silica gel packets and put your phone inside it. Leave your phone in the bag for 24 to 48 hours to let it dry completely.
Let It Dry
It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours to 48 hours before you attempt to turn on your phone. Some people believe it is best to let your phone dry for a week, but 24 hours usually do the trick. Just make sure that your phone is switched off the entire time. To fix a water-damaged phone, first, power it off immediately to prevent short circuits. Then, gently dry it with a soft cloth and let it air dry.
Seek Professional Help
Now comes the time to test it if it works fine, voila! You have fixed it. If not, it is best to seek professional cellphone repair services. The experts can effectively inspect your phone, diagnose the problem and perform the required repairs to make it function perfectly again.
Conclusion
So these are some of the most effective cellphone repair tips to fix water-damaged phones. Rescue it from the water, turn it off immediately, remove the accessories, pat excess water, boost up the drying process with silica gel packets, wait for 24 to 48 hours, and test it. In case it doesn’t work properly, seek professional help.
However, you must select a reputed service provider for the repair process to ensure you get quality repair service at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I leave the phone off after water damage?
It is recommended to leave your phone off for at least 24-48 hours to dry out completely.
- Can a phone survive water damage?
Yes, a phone can survive water damage if you act quickly and follow proper steps. Remember that timing is key when it comes to water damage. Take your phone to a reputed cellphone repair store as soon as possible to minimize damage. Yes, a phone can often survive water damage if promptly and properly dried out.
- How do I start my phone after water damage?
After making sure your phone is dry, try turning it on. If it doesn’t start, charge it and try again. If it still doesn’t work, it is an indication that something is seriously wrong with your phone and it requires professional repair. Once thoroughly dried, cautiously power on your phone to check if it functions properly.
