Phone Dropped in Water: crucial Steps to Save It

We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment when our phone slips out of our hand and plunges into a pool, sink or even a toilet. It’s a nightmare scenario for any smartphone owner. But don’t despair just yet ! There are crucial steps you can take to rescue your device from a watery grave. Let’s dive in !

Immediate Actions: what to do if Your Phone Falls into Water

Speed is Key

The first thing to remember is the quicker you act, the better. According to expert advice from Ciel Telecom-Le Blog, it’s vital to retrieve your phone from the water as quickly as possible without plugging it back in.

Resist the Urge to Push Buttons

SOS Mobile 16 recommends against pressing any buttons – this could push water further into the device, causing additional damage. Also, resist the urge to shake the device, blow on it or use a hair dryer on it.

Having taken these immediate steps, let’s move on to preventing further damage.

Preventing Damage: switch Off and Disassemble Your Smartphone

Power Down Safely

Brico-Phone Blog‘s advice complements what we’ve learned so far. The first step post-rescue should be shutting down your phone promptly – this can prevent short circuits which might fry your phone’s internal components.

Dismantle Carefully

Taking things apart may seem daunting but Panda Security insists on removing detachable parts like covers, sIM cards and batteries after switching off your phone. This aids in drying out those hidden corners that might retain moisture.

Now we need to think about drying methods.

Drying Solutions: effective Tips and Methods

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

Ciel Telecom-Le Blog suggests using a vacuum cleaner to suck out the water, then heading to the kitchen for the next step.

The Rice Method

This is where Informaticien à Domicile‘s recommendation of placing your phone in raw rice comes into play. The dry grains can help draw out the moisture and reduce oxidation of internal components.

But what should you avoid doing after an immersion ? Let’s take a look.

Avoid Common Mistakes After Immersion

Beware of Blow Drying

The heat from a hairdryer can cause further damage, so despite instinct, it’s advised by SOS Mobile 16 not to try it !

Avoid Agitation

Shaking or slapping your phone may seem like a good way to get rid of water but it could actually force water deeper into your device.

Now we’ve dried our phones, let’s consider how to safely check if they’re working properly.

Checking and Testing: safely Switching Your Phone Back On

Reassemble and Reboot Carefully

Once you are certain that your phone is completely dry—this could be several days later—you can reassemble and test your device as suggested by Brico-Phone Blog.

What happens if there’s still signs of water damage ?

If Damage Persists: repair or Replace ?

Evaluate the Damage

If there are obvious signs of malfunction, it might be time to consider professional repair or replacement.

Finally, we should think about how we can protect our phones from future aquatic accidents.

Protecting Your Phone Against Future Water Accidents

Invest in Waterproof Cases

Prevention is better than cure – using a waterproof case can provide an extra layer of protection for your phone.

Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Phone

Avoid placing your device near sources of water. Simple mindfulness can save you from repeating this ordeal !

To wrap up, rescuing your water-damaged phone involves rapid action, careful disassembly and drying, avoiding common mistakes post-immersion, testing the phone cautiously and considering professional help if damage persists. Lastly, take preventive measures to avoid a repeat performance. Remember: quick action and patience are key to saving your soaked smartphone !