No matter how intelligent your phone is, it cannot swim. During outdoor water activities or rain, your adorable Smartphone might get wet. Sometimes phones fall into water accidentally while you are staying indoors. So, what is the best approach to prevent water damage to your phone? Experts advise purchasing a floating, waterproof phone case. But not all budget and mid-range phones offer such features. So what to do when your phone falls into the water? Here are some vital suggestions.
How Can a Phone Get Damaged After Falling into Water?
When water enters the ports, jacks, and speakers of a mobile device, it becomes its kryptonite. After entering, the fluid flows into the circuits. The outcome? The water, which functions as a conductor, transmits a current that overloads the phone’s circuit board with energy.
This is exacerbated by some behaviours, such as letting the phone dry on its own. Due to the minerals in the water, letting water sit in the phone causes corrosion of its circuits, coils, and resistors.
This one also confuses people since the harm is not often immediately obvious. Occasionally, it may take a bit longer for water to reach sensitive components. Because of this, a phone may be dropped in the water without suffering any obvious damage. The next day, though, those unfortunate folks will be unable to switch on their phones.
The other factor to consider is the water supply. If you put your phone in a puddle or the toilet, it will survive, but if you dump it in the ocean, you can say goodbye to it. Saltwater is very corrosive and will harm the components of a phone far more quickly than freshwater. Therefore, use caution while snapping selfies on your boat.
Tips to Fix a Water-Damaged Smartphone
Be proactive
You may wish to get a waterproof phone with a high IP rating to ensure that it can withstand a plunge. However, not all of us will have access to water-resistant smartphones. If your phone cannot take liquids and you know you will be putting it at risk on your next beach vacation, it may be worthwhile to invest in a waterproof phone bag.
Turn It Off As Soon As Possible
It is difficult to respond swiftly after such a catastrophic occurrence, but you must! The longer your gadget is submerged, the less likely it is to survive. You must immediately excavate the area and get the phone from the water. Yes, even if it’s in the restroom!
Upon removing the phone from the water, ensure that it remains off. Even if everything seems OK, it is essential to turn it off just in case. If the phone is still active, just turn it off.
Turning off the smartphone prevents water from reaching and damaging vital phone components while electronics are operating. Water that reaches operational components is more likely to inflict irreparable harm.
water damaged phone fixing
Phone fell into water (Representational Image: Collected)
Pull out the SIM, battery, and SD
The key is to expose everything to greater airflow by placing it in the open. The iPhone merely allows you to remove the SIM card, but for all other models, you must also remove the back panel. Those phones that bear replaceable batteries should be removed immediately. Remove the SD card and any other detachable items.
Dry out the Exterior
First, remove any excess water from the outside of your phone. Use a towel or paper towel to absorb as much water drops or moisture as possible. Just remain careful not to fiddle with the phone excessively. Without much movement, carefully dry everything out. This water may potentially enter the phone, which is bad news.
Dry out The Components
Now that you have eliminated the surface water, it’s time to address the liquid within your phone. Note that whatever your strategy, you should not attempt to speed up the process by applying extreme heat. You will further harm your phone if you leave it on top of the radiator for hours or if you use a hairdryer or fan heater to pass hot air through it.
Don’t Touch it for Some Times
This is a contentious topic. Some individuals propose turning off your phone for at least two days. Their reasoning is that, if the phone is exposed to dampness, it may short circuit. However, according to some experts, leaving it alone may not improve it much.
Timing to Dry Out the Phone
Leaving the phone alone for a period of time is the most difficult step at this point. You are aware that waiting is difficult but essential. If you have another phone or can borrow one, ensure that the SIM card is totally dry before inserting it into a functional device. Otherwise, use smoke signals, public telephones, and other antiquated methods.
The objective is to place it in an atmosphere that will facilitate its drying. Next to a window is ideal since the circulating air and sunshine may be beneficial. Additionally, placing them adjacent to a fan or air conditioning vent might be beneficial.
Preventative care
There are various precautions you can take to protect your phone against water damage, whether lounging by a pool or on a beach. You can insert the phone in a waterproof bag when it is left near water. While you are staying indoors, put the phone in a dry place far from the water sink, or window.
If possible try to buy a water-resistant phone. It will reduce the risk of damage even if the phone falls into water.
Conclusion
So far, we have suggested several measures to fix a water damaged phone. For all of these ways to work, the desiccant must be contained in an airtight container so that it can only absorb moisture from your phone and not from the surrounding air. Additionally, enough desiccant must be present to absorb all the water.
There is a strong chance your phone will survive a tumble if you follow these guidelines. However, if your phone still doesn’t work, you can send it for servicing or get a waterproof phone.
Source: United News of Bangladesh