how to repair a cell phone that got wet

[Solution] How to Fix a Wet Cell Phone

1. Promptly remove your phone from the liquid. The quicker you grab it back from the watery jaws of death, the less damage there’s likely to be. ...
2. Turn your phone off. Cut all power from the smartphone to avoid short circuiting.
3. Remove the case and battery.
4. Remove the SIM card.
5. Remove other components if possible.
6. Remove all moisture.

Full Answer

What do you do if your cell phone gets wet?

Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Acting Quickly to Minimize Water Damage

1. Take your phone out of the water as soon as possible. First, if the phone is plugged in while submerged, unplug it!
2. Turn your phone off immediately, even if it seems to be working. Leaving it on can cause it to short-circuit.
3. Remove your phone's protective case and any other accessories. ...
4. Remove the SIM card and battery (if possible). ...

What to do when your cell phone falls in water?

• Do not turn on the phone, as we already mentioned. Electrical components don’t play well with water when operating.
• Don’t plug it in either! For the same reason.
• Don’t press any keys. This can push water further into the phone. ...
• Don’t shake or blow into the device. ...
• Do not apply any heat to the phone. ...
• Don’t move the phone around too much. ...

What happens when a cell phone gets wet?

Things to do when you have a water-damaged Android phone

• If it’s still in the water, take it out right away. ...
• Turn off the phone and remove the battery (if it’s removable). ...
• Take out the microSD card and SIM card from their slots and swish them with alcohol. ...
• If you managed to open the phone, removed the battery, and has access to inside components, put alcohol in them. ...

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How to recover a cell phone dropped in water?

• Read the manual to your phone and/or online articles if you're not sure how to remove the battery.
• This is one of the most important steps to saving your phone. ...
• To find out if the phone is truly water damaged, check the water damage indicator. ...

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Can a phone be repaired after getting wet?

The good news is yes, wet cell phone repair is possible. And yes, iDropped can fix any water damage that happened to your phone. But first, try these methods to stop any further damage to your phone.

How do you fix a phone that got wet?

0:121:24How to Fix a Wet Cell Phone in Minutes not Days - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you take the phone apart. The second step is to take a vacuum with the nozzle. And go overMoreFirst you take the phone apart. The second step is to take a vacuum with the nozzle. And go over every single part of your phone for about three. Minutes.

Is it too late to put my phone in rice?

Give it as long as you can. Ideally you want to give it 48 hours or more, but at least leave it overnight if you can. While some phones won't be revived no matter how long they sit in rice, the longer the better. Before reassembling, check carefully to ensure no grains of rice remain inside the phone.

Can I dry my phone with a hair dryer?

Do not -- we repeat, do not -- use a blow dryer; the heat can damage the phone. If you have a phone or a gadget with a cover that comes off, take it off, and take out the battery, the SIM card, and anything else that can easily be removed. Dry all those things off.

How to dry out a phone?

So how do you dry your phone out? You could just leave the phone on top of the counter or inside a drawer, but some people like giving it a little help. The idea is to put it in an environment that will ease its drying process. Next to a window works great, as the moving air (if the window is open) and sunlight might help a bit. It could also help to put them next to a fan or air conditioning vent.

What happens when you see your phone in water?

The world suddenly freezes when you see your phone dunked in water. Whether it’s in a pool, the sea, or a toilet, you know nothing good will come out of the next few seconds. After all, that’s a high-tech device worth a significant amount of cash, and chances are it will be deemed unusable. Not to mention all your important files might be gone! You may want to learn how to fix a water-damaged phone.

What to do if your phone doesn't work?

Stay on the lookout for any odd behavior, though, at least for a few days. Also, test all the components. Make a call to see if the microphone and earphone work, test the speaker, etc. Now, if the phone doesn’t work, it’s time to accept defeat and take it to a professional and see if it can be salvaged.

How to mess with a phone?

It’s best to try to mess with the phone as little as possible. Don’t shake or blow into the device. This may also push water into deeper areas of the phone. Especially try to avoid blow driers – not only because of the blowing part, but also because of the following point. Do not apply any heat to the phone.

Why is rice good for phones?

Mostly because it is something readily available at most homes. Rice is dry, and hence very good at absorbing humidity in the air, making the phone’s environment drier and helping dry out the device. With that said, if you can make your way to a store there are better alternatives.

Can you take a phone out of the water?

You must dig in there and take that phone out of the water right away. Yes… even if it’s in the toilet! Once the phone is out of the water, make sure it’s off and stays that way. Even if it seems fine… it is important to shut it off just in case. If the phone is still on, just shut it down.

Can you take a phone apart?

Now, if you are an experienced tech specialist of sorts, know the ins and outs of a phone, and don’t mind voiding your warranty, you can go ahead and take the whole phone apart too. It might help with drying up every single piece faster. Just be careful, if you don’t know what you’re doing this could cause more harm than good.

What to do if you don't have a wet phone?

If you don't have a wet phone fix-it kit, the next best solution to prevent smartphone water damage —rice. This has been a tried-and-true method for years, but how exactly do you dry out a wet phone in rice?

How to fix a phone that has water in it?

If it’s still on, turn it off immediately and leave it off. If you can open up your device and remove the battery, do this and dry the inside, too.

How long to wait to use an emergency kit for a wet phone?

After you’re done toweling your phone off, removing the battery, and disinfecting the surface, the best option is to use an emergency kit made specifically for wet phones. These kits use synthetic desiccants to absorb moisture from your cell phone, just like the little packets you find in snack bags or electronics boxes. You simply pop your phone into the bag, seal it up, and wait—usually around 24 hours.

What to do if your phone falls in water?

If your cell phone fell in water, fix it by following these steps: Turn your phone off, if it isn't already. Dry it as much as possible with a towel. Remove the battery (if possible) Bury your wet phone in a container of rice and place it in the sunlight (may take a few days)

How long does it take for a phone to dry in rice?

Minimally, you want to dry your phone in rice for at least 24 hours, but expect this method to take longer. Even in the summer, a wet phone in rice usually takes at least two or three days to fully dry.

How to get moisture out of a phone?

Find a container with a lid and fill it with dry rice. Bury your phone and battery (if separated) completely. Make sure it’s totally covered on every side, then place it in a well-lit area —on a sunny windowsill, underneath a warm and bright lamp, or any other place that will encourage the evaporation process. The dry rice will absorb the moisture out of the impossible-to-reach places of your phone and the sun’s heat will speed up the process.

What happens if you dry out your phone before switching it back on?

If you manage to dry out your phone before switching it back on, then you may find that there is no damage at all or, more likely, that it still works but has gained a few annoying quirks.

How to dry out a phone?

Use a cloth or paper towel to dab your phone dry. Do not rub the phone dry, because it could accidentally push liquid into the phone’s more sensitive parts. If the phone was completely submerged, you might try vacuuming around the phone’s cracks and openings to suck more water out. Resist the urge to bake your phone in the sun.

How to protect phone from water damage?

So what is the best way to protect your phone from water damage before you head off to the beach or pool? Asurion Experts recommend investing in a floating waterproof phone pouch, like those made my MPOW or JOTO. It's also a great idea to take steps to prevent your phone from overheating, as that can cause damage to your device as well. But in case your phone does take the plunge, here are important tips from our experts that you'll need to know.

What to do if your phone spills?

If your phone takes a spill, remove it from the liquid immediately. The longer it stays there, the more liquid will seep into the crack around your screen or into various inlets. Turn the phone off and leave it off. Remove the protective case. If possible, open the back and remove the battery, SIM card, and microSD card.

How to keep your phone from baking in the sun?

Resist the urge to bake your phone in the sun. Keep it in a cool, dry place.

Can you swim with a smart phone?

No matter how smart your phone is, it doesn’t know how to swim. With all the outdoor water activities that go on during the summer, keeping your phone above water can be a tough task. More claims are filed for device water damage between June and August than any other part of the year – in 2019, Asurion saw an 80% increase in liquid-related claims ...

Can rice be used to charge a phone?

However, it may also cause other issues for your phone, such as an introduction of dust and dry starch (a rice byproduct) into your phones cracks and crevices. Rice could also potentially become lodged in your phone's charging port or headphone jack, which can be extremely difficult to dislodge as rice swells when exposed to liquid.

Can you put rice in your phone?

According to Asurion tech experts—who get asked this question frequently—putting your water-exposed device in rice may absorb some moisture. However, it may also cause other issues for your phone, such as an introduction of dust and dry starch (a rice byproduct) into your phones cracks and crevices.

How to fix water damage on phone?

Here’s what to do if your phone is suffering from water damage: 1. Remove your phone from the water source and turn it off right away. Adobe. 2. Try to remove as much water as possible by shaking, blowing or dry-vacuuming the water out. Adobe. 3. Surround it with silica gel.

How to bring a water damaged phone back to life?

The tech site Gazelle tested seven different methods of reviving a water-damaged phone, and they found the best way to bring your phone back to life is using silica gel (the sort you that comes in a little white package in the box with new pair of shoes, for example), which is available in crystal-style cat litter (note: they don’t recommend using regular cat litter because it’s too dusty).

How to get water out of a cat?

Surround it with silica gel. Once you’ve gotten as much water out as possible, place it in a bowl of silica gel/crystal cat litter, using at least four cups and keeping it in a container that’s at least 1-2 quarts (a large mixing bowl, for example). Note: If you don’t have crystal cat litter lying around, using dry instant rice is your best ...

How long to cook rice before turning on phone?

Wait 2-3 days before turning your phone back on. This may be the most challenging step, but remember: Good things come to those who wait!

Can you dry a phone with rice?

Turns out white rice may not be the best drying agent for a wet phone.

How to save a phone from being wet?

Oh no! Your smartphone is soaking wet! Don't panic—if you've dropped your smartphone into the sink, toilet, or any other body of water, you may be able to save it. The most important thing you can do is act fast. Unplug it (if it's plugged in), remove it from the water, and power it down as quickly as possible. Try to remove as much water from it as you can with towels and a vacuum cleaner. Then, put it in a bowl of instant rice or other absorbent material for 48-72 hours before turning it on. With a little luck and fast action, your cellphone may survive its brush with death.

How to tell if a phone is water damaged?

To find out if the phone is truly water damaged, check the water damage indicator . In most cases, the indicator is located in the battery compartment behind the battery, or on the battery itself, depending on the phone model. Normally, it will look like a white square or circle.

What to do if your phone won't work?

Take your cell phone to an authorized dealer if you can’t get it to work. They may be able to fix it.

How long to put phone in rice?

1. Put your phone in a bowl of uncooked instant rice for 48-72 hours. Pour 4 cups (900 g) of rice into a large bowl. Then bury your phone and its disconnected battery in the rice.

What to do if you put your phone in a bag?

If placing the phone into a bag, label it to remind yourself when to take it out.

What happens if your phone doesn't have a SIM card?

Some or all of your valuable contacts (along with other data) are stored on your SIM and SD cards. These cards tend to not get water damage and can be kept for recovery. In many cases, this may be more valuable and worthy of saving than the phone itself.

What does a water damage phone look like?

Normally, it will look like a white square or circle. If this is pink or red, your phone has water damage. On many iPhone models, the water damage indicator is located on the side of the phone (in the SIM card slot) or at the bottom, near the charging port or headphone jack.

How to fix a waterlogged phone?

Fixing a water-logged phone. Firstly, do not put your phone in a container of rice. It’s a myth that rice helps in drying out your phone. Instead, follow these steps: Putting your phone in an airtight container with silica gel may help if it gets wet. Photograph: bbbrrn/Getty Images/iStockphoto. 1.

What happens if you get water in your phone?

One study suggests 25% of smartphone users have damaged their smartphone with water or some other kind of liquid. Liquid penetrating a smartphone can affect the device in several ways. It could lead to: blurry photos, if moisture gets trapped in the camera lens. ruffled audio, or no audio.

How resistant is your phone?

The water resistance of phones is rated by an “ingress protection” code, commonly called an IP rating. Simply, an electrical device’s IP rating refers to its effectiveness against intrusions from solids and liquids.

What does a discoloured strip mean on a Samsung phone?

Photograph: Samsung/Apple. A discoloured strip usually renders your phone ineligible for a standard manufacturer warranty. If you have any of the more recent smartphones from Apple or Samsung, then your device will be able to detect liquid or moisture in its charging port and will warn you with an alert.

How deep can an iPhone 12 be in water?

However, regarding exposure to water, the iPhone 12 has a permissible immersion depth of a maximum of 6m for 30 minutes, whereas the Galaxy 21’s immersion limit is up to 1.5m, also for 30 minutes.

Does Samsung Australia have a warranty?

Samsung Australia subsequently denied warranty claims from customers for damage caused to phones by use in, or exposure to, liquid.

Can you take a phone for a swim?

While IP ratings indicate the water-repellent nature of phones, taking most phones for a swim will land you in deep trouble. The salt content in oceans and swimming pools can corrode your device and cost you a hefty replacement.

How long does it take for a phone to work after getting wet?

This is the most difficult part, but chances are that after going through the stages of panic after getting your phone wet, you have calmed down. If it has been 24 hours, feel free to check if your phone and see if it is working ok. If it has been 23 hours and 59 minutes, sorry, but youll just have to wait that extra minute.

How to dry a phone battery?

If you have the phone disassembled to the point of disconnecting the battery (in the case of non-user-removable battery packs like the iPhone, iPod, etc) I recommend you rinse the board with distilled water and then bathe it in alcohol before setting it aside to dry. since you have the board removed at this point, there's no reason to use the rice method for absorbing the moisture. For phones that have easily accessible and removable battery packs, I would recommend your method.

How to keep iPhone from getting fried?

Some phones just have pop off backs though, which can help a lot in this situation. Removing the battery helps to prevent the phone from being fried, and if you can get it out, the chances of your phone surviving for years ...

Why would a phone short out on a humid day?

I have seen phones that would short out on a humid or rainy day simply because the salts on the board only needed the moisture in the air to become conductive. Plus this will also corrode the board.

How to get water out of phone?

This is another basic step, but it all helps in the end. Just use your shirt or a paper towel or anything that can get rid of the water just on the exterior. Feel free to shake some water out, but do it gently, so as not to damage the phone any more. Also DO NOT USE A HAIRDRYER. This seems like a good idea at first, but heat damages electronics just as much as water does, so unless you want to wreck your phone twice, don't use any sort of heat, and that includes the sun.

Why is it important to take out your phone?

It is important that you take this out so as to make sure that you don't damage it any further, and also so that if your phone doesn't survive, it will at least be easier to set up your new one, being able to have all you contacts synced. Ask Question.

How long can you leave rice in a cell phone?

Any type of rice should work, but I used jasmine rice. Be sure to leave it in the rice for at least 24 hours, maybe longer if you have lots of patience.

How to dry out a wet phone?

A purported fast-track method of drying out a wet phone is to use a hairdryer, or applying heat to the device in other ways. While this would successfully evaporate all the moisture still sitting within the handset, it risks becoming too hot and causing damage to the components.

How to fix a sodden phone?

The most oft-reported fix for a sodden phone is to bury the handset in a bowl of dry rice. Desiccant materials, such as rice, have hygroscopic properties that can attract and absorb moisture. You can also use silica gel packs -- the kind used in shoeboxes -- to greater effect.

How to get your phone out of a drink?

Instead, follow these steps: 1. Firstly, retrieve your handset from the drink straight away. A prolonged plunge will increase the risk of damage. 2.

How long does it take for rice to dry out a phone?

Place your phone in an airtight container and completely cover it with your choice of desiccant. Leave the container for 24-48 hours for the material to draw all the moisture out of your handset.

Does ice stop a phone from short circuiting?

Supposedly, the reduced conductivity of water when close to freezing temperatures will stop your phone from short circuiting when in use. This is definitely not a long-term solution, however, since as soon as the ice begins to thaw, you're left with the same, if not exacerbated, problem.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to fix a phone?

While a professional phone fixer may be able to clear out any corrosion by swabbing the circuitry with rubbing alcohol -- again, don't try this at home, kids -- in many cases, the eventual demise of your phone is only a matter of time. Sorry.

Can you overcharge a phone?

One suggestion is to overcharge the handset so that the build-up of heat is gradual and not excessive, but this carries all the risks you'd expect with running a current through wet circuitry.