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It happens to the best of us. You’re holding your phone one second, and the next, it’s taking an unexpected dive into water, whether it’s the sink, pool, or even worse, the toilet. You imagine your precious device fried beyond repair and panic sets in. But don’t worry! There are steps you can take quickly, if you do so, you might still be able to salvage your phone from water damage.
In this blog, we’ll go over what you should (and shouldn’t) do if your phone goes for a swim, and when you should seek professional help. If your efforts don’t work, don’t worry, Quick Phone Repair in Sarasota, Punta Gorda, and Jupiter, Florida, specializes in water-damaged phones and can help get your phone back to full functionality.
Here’s what to do if you drop your phone in water
The most important moments are the first moments after your phone gets wet. Your phone may survive if you act quickly and avoid common mistakes, but if you don’t, it may be permanently damaged.
1. Take It Out of the Water Immediately
Water seeping into your phone’s internal components is more likely the longer your phone is submerged, which may seem obvious. If your phone falls in water, grab it as fast as you can—every second counts.
2. Power It Off
You don’t mix water and electricity. If your phone is still on, turn it off immediately to prevent short-circuiting. If it’s already off, don’t turn it back on to see if it works because that will only make it worse.
3. Remove Accessories
Take off any phone cases, screen protectors, or accessories. These can hold water and prevent it from drying properly. If your phone has a removable battery, SIM card, or memory card, remove those as well to minimize the damage.
4. Dry the Exterior
Use a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel to gently dry the outside of your phone. Be extra careful with the charging port, headphone jack, and speaker grills. Do not shake or blow into the phone, as this will push water further in.
What NOT to Do
As with any situation, one must also consider what shouldn’t be done when their phone has fallen victim to the watery abyss.
1. Don’t Use Heat
Never try to use a hairdryer or keep your phone near a heater. Excessive heat can warp and destroy internal components.
2. Don’t Shake the Phone
Shaking the phone might seem like a good idea to remove water, but it’s counterproductive as it can drive water deeper into the device.
3. Don’t Plug It In
Even if your phone looks and feels dry, plugging it into a charger could cause a short circuit if there’s still water inside.
4. Don’t Ignore the Problem
Water damage can cause corrosion over time, even if your phone appears to be working perfectly after the incident. If you’re unsure whether your phone is fully dry, it’s better to consult a specialist.
Water Damage Remedies You Can Try at Home
If you’re not near a repair shop and want to try drying your phone at home, here are a few methods to consider:
1. The Rice Method
The classic advice to put your phone in a bag of rice is widely known but not as effective as people think. While rice can absorb moisture, it often doesn’t reach areas where water might be trapped.
Steps:
- Place your phone in a container of uncooked rice.
- Leave it for at least 24-48 hours.
- Check periodically to ensure no rice particles get lodged in the charging port or headphone jack.
Although this method can work occasionally, it’s not very reliable. A better option is to visit Quick Phone Repair for professional drying and cleaning.
2. Silica Gel Packets
Using silica gel packets—the small pouches found in new shoes or electronics—is more effective than rice. Silica gel absorbs moisture efficiently and is less likely to cause residue or blockages.
Steps:
- Place your phone in an airtight container with several silica gel packets.
- Leave it for 24-48 hours.
3. Air Drying
If you don’t have rice or silica gel, you can place the phone on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Stand it upright so water can drain out of the ports. However, this method is time-consuming and may not effectively remove moisture from hard-to-reach areas.
When to Visit Quick Phone Repair
While these DIY techniques can sometimes work, water damage isn’t always apparent or fixable at home. Water inside the phone can lead to corrosion over time, causing long-term performance problems. That’s why it’s essential to seek professional help to ensure your phone is fully dry and functioning properly.
At Quick Phone Repair, their technicians specialize in water-damaged phones. Here’s what makes them the go-to choice:
- Expert Diagnostics: They’ll open your phone to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action.
- Thorough Cleaning: Using professional tools, they’ll clean internal components to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Affordable Repairs: Repairs are often quick and cost-effective. Quick Phone Repair provides budget-friendly solutions.
- Fast Turnaround Times: No one wants to be without their phone for long. Their efficient team ensures you get your device back quickly.
- Convenient Locations: With stores in Sarasota, Punta Gorda, and Jupiter, you’re never far from assistance.
Symptoms Your Phone Needs to See a Technician
Even if your phone seems to work fine after drying, hidden issues may arise. Here are some signs it’s time to visit Quick Phone Repair:
- Unresponsive Buttons or Screen: Water can affect the touch screen and physical buttons.
- Distorted Audio: Water in the speaker or microphone can lead to muffled or distorted sound.
- Charging Issues: A wet or corroded charging port may cause problems with charging your phone.
- Battery Problems: Water can cause the battery to drain quickly or overheat.
- Random Shutdowns: If your phone powers off unexpectedly, it could indicate lingering water damage.
Quick Phone Repair Is Here to Help
If your phone has been exposed to water, don’t take any chances. Even if it appears to function normally, hidden water damage can cause problems later. The team at Quick Phone Repair in Sarasota, Punta Gorda, and Jupiter, Florida, has the expertise to thoroughly assess and repair water-damaged phones.
Whether it’s drying out your device or replacing damaged components, their fast, affordable, and efficient service will get your phone back to optimal performance in no time.
Don’t hesitate—visit Quick Phone Repair today and let their specialists save your phone from water damage!
