How to fix a water damaged phone

The world suddenly freezes when you see your dropped phone in water.

Water damage to your phone can happen in all kinds of ways from a clumsy drop into the bath, to a pool you just know nothing good will come out of the next few seconds.

There are plenty of ways to save your smartphone from oblivion. With the help of the following tips, we aim to increase the probability of your phone making it through such disaster.

1. Make sure it’s off

Even if it seems fine… it is important to shut it off just in case. If the phone is still on, shut it down or take the battery out if you can. Don’t push any other buttons or keys as this may lead to further internal damage.

2. Disassemble everything you can

Remove everything that is user-removable. If your back cover is removable, take it off. Similarly, try to remove the battery (if you can), SIM card and SD card.

3. Dry off any excess water

Try to get rid of all the excess water found in the exterior of your phone. Don’t be tempted to rub your phone vigorously to get rid of any liquid. Instead, dab excess water with a kitchen towel. Gently dry everything out without moving things around too much.

4. Dry it out

A very common practice is to put the phone in a sealable bag full of rice and let it rest there for about 24 - 48 hours. Rice soaks up water making the phone’s environment drier and hence helping dry out the device. There are other alternatives such as: silica gel packs, you often find in shoes or electronics boxes or you could buy a water rescue kit.

Read our Top 5 Smartphone Battery Saving Tips

5. The moment of truth

After a couple of days, give your phone a go. Plug the phone in and try to turn it on. If it works, you have succeeded however, stay on the lookout for any odd behavior. Also, test all the components. Make a call to see if the microphone and earphone work, test the speaker, etc.

If it doesn’t turn on, then you need to get down to your local phone shop. If you have insurance as part of your contract, your network may be able to provide you with a new device, although be aware you may need to pay excess charges.