How to Recover Your Mobile Phone After Water Damage

How to Recover Your Mobile Phone After Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for a mobile phone malfunction. If your phone gets wet, the first thing you should know is that it's not the end of the world. There are plenty of steps you can take to increase the chances of getting your phone back to working order. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of dealing with water damage to mobile phones, from initial steps to professional help.

Steps to Take When Your Phone Gets Wet

Immediately after your phone gets wet, your first instinct might be to press buttons or charge the phone. Don't do that! Here's what you should do instead:

Avoid turning it on: Pressing any buttons could cause further damage, especially if the phone is already compromised. Remove the SIM and memory cards: Take out these components to prevent them from getting damaged as well. Dry it out: Place the phone in uncooked rice or silica gel for a few days. These materials can absorb moisture and help restore your phone. Seek professional help: If your phone still doesn't turn on after the drying process, consult a repair service specializing in water damage. They might be able to recover your data and repairs.

Real-life Experiences With Water Damage

Many people have come up with creative ways to help their phones recover from water damage. Here are a couple of examples:

A Creative Solution: My stepson dropped his phone in a creek when he got upset about wrecking his car. He heated up a pound of rice and microwaved it to dry out the phone. He placed the rice and phone in a cotton sock and let it sit for two days. Once he put the battery back in, the phone worked for another two years. This shows that with the right steps and patience, it's possible to recover from water damage.

Using Heat to Dry a Phone: One person successfully baked their phone in a warm oven set at about 100°C. However, they noticed a yellowish tint on the screen afterward. While this method can be effective, it's important to heat the phone carefully to avoid damaging it. Experiment first without the phone to ensure the temperature is suitable.

Professional Help and Repair Services

No matter how many DIY methods you try, sometimes professional help is the best option. Here are some key points to consider when seeking professional assistance:

Do not try to charge the phone: This can cause additional internal damage. Charge the phone only after it has been professionally inspected and the risk of short-circuiting has been mitigated. Inspect the device: A professional will inspect the device for corrosion and other internal damage. Sometimes, it might be cheaper to purchase a new phone rather than repairing an older one. Understand the likelihood of success: In many cases, the damage is beyond repair due to internal corrosion. Repairs may not guarantee a fully functioning phone, and further repairs might be necessary in the future.

If your phone has suffered water damage, it's best to take it to a professional service center. The concierge at the service center can guide you through the process and help you decide whether the costs of repair are worth the effort.