How to Fix a Water Damaged Phone

We bring our phones with us everywhere we go, including places where a small electronic device may not be safe – namely near water.  No matter how overprotective we are about our precious babies, mistakes are bound to happen; one small slip up and your phone could end up lying at the bottom of a pool, sink, or toilet…  

Water and electronics don’t mix

Water damage can have some deleterious effects on our phones or tablets.  But there may still be hope depending on how long the phone was exposed to water.  That’s why it is critical to remove your phone from the water as quickly as possible.  From here, you can begin the process of saving the phone.  Before we get into that, however, you should know that there are certain things that could worsen the phone’s damage.  If your phone has water damage, under no circumstances should you ever:

• turn it on
• press any buttons or keys
• tap, shake, or bang it
• take it apart (Your device comes with a Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) which, when activated, could void your warranty, and this could be triggered when you open your phone. Only take it apart if you absolutely need to and you have experience)
• blow on/in it
• heat it up (such as with a blow dryer)
• cool it down (such as placing it in the freezer)

Now, onto saving your phone!

1. Turn it off, if it isn’t already.
2. Remove any protective casing, SIM cards, and microSD cards.  If possible, remove the battery
3. Use a cloth or paper towel to dab the phone dry.  Avoid wiping, as this may spread the liquid, causing it to reach other parts of the phone.
4. Bury the phone in a container full of uncooked rice, which will soak up remaining water.  Let dry for a few days, and do not try to turn it on until after it’s been drying for an appropriate amount of time.
5. When your phone is sufficiently dry, remove it from the rice, insert the battery, and turn it on.
6. If your phone doesn’t turn on, charge it.  If it doesn’t charge, the battery or charging port may be damaged.  Try using a different battery, if you have one.
7. If your phone turns on and appears to run smoothly, test out various functions such as speakers and touch screen to make sure they still work.

How to prevent water damage

Obviously, the best way to avoid water damage to any electronic devices is to keep them away from water!  If you’re at the pool, keep your phone in a purse or water resistant bag as far away from the pool as possible.  Splashing happens!  When doing dishes, place your phone on the kitchen table.  And if you find it necessary to bring your phone into the bathroom (which is a very bad idea), put it on a shelf.

Waterproof phone cases are generally a great way to protect your phone from water.  If you go this route, don’t simply pick whatever’s cheapest.  You want the case to actually work, right?  Brands such as Otter Box, Survivor, and Catalyst have a great selection of reliable, good quality waterproof cases.

Water resistant phones are sometimes severely misunderstood by consumers.  When a phone manufacturer advertises its product as water resistant, it only applies to a specific set of conditions, such as the clarity of the water, the depth of the submersion, and the length of time the phone is submerged.  Remember, water resistant DOES NOT equal waterproof.  

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Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News