Detailed instructions in case your smartphone falls into water

The consequences of accidentally submerging a smartphone in liquid can vary greatly. In some cases, the device may continue to function normally without turning off, while in other cases, it may completely shut down. Therefore, we will go through the necessary steps to follow if your phone falls into water, a toilet, a sink, the sea, a puddle, snow, or any other liquid. This information is also relevant if your device gets caught in a heavy rainstorm or rain shower.

This manual applies to all models and brands of smartphones, both touch and button-based: iPhone, Alcatel, Asus, Lenovo, Phillips, Prestigio, Sony Xperia, HTC, Samsung, Xiaomi, Umidigi, Leagoo, Dexp, Oppo, Doogie, Huawei, HomTom, and more. It doesn’t matter what operating system your phone has, whether it’s iOs or Android.

First aid

In 90% of cases, the way the owner of a "drowned" device reacts in the first few minutes after retrieving it from the water determines whether the device will continue to function. If the device is promptly resuscitated, every other gadget can still work properly even after encountering an aggressive environment. Therefore, the presence of liquid is not necessarily a death sentence for the device; the key is to swiftly eliminate any moisture from the electronics.

BACKGROUND! The introduction of waterproof capabilities in iPhones started with the 7th model. However, this feature was limited to short-term exposure to water at a depth of up to one meter. With the release of the XS model, Apple provided users with enhanced liquid resistance, allowing the device to be submerged at depths greater than one meter for longer periods of time. Among the current selection of Android-based smartphones, there are several models that offer protection against water damage. These include the Samsung Galaxy S10 8/128GB, Huawei P30 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 128GB, LG G7 ThinQ 64GB, Huawei P30, and Sony Xperia XZ3.

Remove from liquid and disconnect

If a phone is dropped or submerged in liquid and it turns off automatically, it indicates that the short-circuit protection system has been activated. This gives a good chance for the smartphone to dry out and function properly again. However, if the device has been exposed to a harsh environment for a prolonged period of time, particularly in salty sea water, it may be challenging to fully restore its operational state, especially without professional assistance.

If the device does not automatically turn off, the owner should disconnect it manually. It is crucial to remove any components from the phone that could hinder water drainage, such as the case, headphones, and even the screen film.

Maximize disassembly

Nowadays, the majority of smartphones are designed as a single monoblock, which means that the battery cannot be easily removed without taking the device apart. However, there are a few steps you can take to help drain any excess water from your phone.

To start, remove the back cover of your phone and take out any removable components such as the SIM card and memory card, if they are present.

After you have done that, give the phone a good shake to try and dislodge any water droplets that may be trapped inside.

Wipe it well in accessible places

Using lint-free wipes to clean your phone is recommended. Avoid rubbing the parts to prevent any damage and instead, gently blot them.

To clean the speaker, microphone, USB connector, and sensors, use a cotton swab. Don’t forget to pay special attention to the area beneath the physical volume and power buttons.

Drying

Once the components have been exposed to moisture, it is essential to begin the process of drying them. In the event that the device becomes slightly damp, it is imperative to promptly eliminate any droplets on the surface by gently wiping it with a cloth.

Vacuum cleaner

This method of drying is commonly used. Its main benefit is that the vacuum cleaner effectively removes water droplets without pushing them further into the material. To use this household appliance, attach the narrowest nozzle and dry each part for 15-20 minutes.

IMPORTANT NOTE. If the device has been submerged in water for an extended period of time, the drying method may not be effective.

Hair dryer

Using this method for reviving drowned individuals is not recommended as it has the potential to damage the components. The application of a hot air flow can cause small elements and circuits to melt due to the high temperature.

While some individuals opt to use a hair dryer on cold mode, this can actually worsen the situation. This is because the air flow will only push water droplets further into the device, potentially causing the liquid to reach the main modules and cause damage.

Put it in a warm room

Finding a room with the ideal temperature of 30-35 degrees (and not exceeding 50 degrees) can be quite challenging. The device should be placed in a warm location for 12 hours.

In case the incident happens during hot weather, the phone can be placed in direct sunlight. Allowing the smartphone to remain under the sun from morning until evening will help it dry completely. If feasible, it is advisable to search for a room with low humidity levels.

Obtain isopropyl or ethyl alcohol

< p >The immersed object is submerged in alcoholic liquid, although prior to that the power source needs to be detached. Subsequently, the object is submerged in the alcoholic liquid for a duration of 12 hours. The moisture present in the device will evaporate along with the alcoholic liquid, while also having the ability to cleanse the components and circuit boards from salt residue and oxidation.< /p >
< p >CAUTION: It is crucial to refrain from cleaning the object with vodka or cologne. These solutions merely consist of alcohol, and their usage will only exacerbate the situation, potentially facilitating a more rapid corrosion process.< /p >

Silica gel

This material exhibits excellent moisture-absorbing qualities. It would be highly desirable to directly access the surface and employ a drying method.

An alternative to silica gel can be found in the use of sachets, which are commonly inserted into shoe boxes to effectively absorb moisture.

Rice or cat litter

These solutions are not as effective as the previous one. The phone is completely submerged in either rice or cat litter and left in that position for 12 hours, or preferably for 24 hours.

However, this method will only be effective if the liquid has not seeped into the deepest parts of the phone.

Other synthetic absorbents

Currently, there are various websites such as Aliexpress that offer specially-designed absorbent pouches. These pouches operate on the same principle as rice, effectively removing moisture and odors. These products are available at a relatively affordable price, making it convenient to purchase them in advance and use them as needed.

What not to do

There are certain actions that can have devastating consequences for a smartphone when performed by its owner. Allow us to elaborate on some of them.

Try to turn it on within the first twenty-four hours

It is necessary to ensure that the gadget remains completely dry for a minimum of one day, and in some cases, even longer. Thus, it is crucial to refrain from powering on the device within the initial 24-hour period. This precaution is necessary, as there is a risk of a potential short circuit within the device’s circuits and boards, which could render the phone irreparable.

Disassemble into small parts immediately after drowning

As previously stated, if your smartphone gets wet, it is important to take off the phone case, remove the battery, and also take out the SIM card. After this step, it is recommended to put a pause on dismantling the phone and wait for at least a day before proceeding to disassemble it bit by bit.

Freezing the smartphone

Although the choice is met with some controversy, experts continue to advise against its use. The expansion of water during freezing can result in damage to boards and small components, making it particularly risky when drops penetrate narrow crevices.

Possible problems after drying

Sensor stops working

If the iOS or Android interface does not respond to touch, it is highly likely that moisture has caused oxidation of the contacts between the flex cable and the sensor. In such situations, it is recommended to take the phone to a service center, as trying to repair the touchscreen on your own can worsen the situation.

Occasionally, the sensor might function properly, but the display becomes difficult to read due to moisture trapped inside. Light or colored spots, streaks, and traces of condensation may be visible beneath the screen glass.

The speaker fails

The area covered by water is frequently affected by flooding. Afterward, the speaker may start to wheeze and even completely lose sound. However, in many instances, the speaker can be restored to working condition through thorough drying, even at home. If this is not the case, then replacement of the affected part is necessary.

The other party can’t hear you

The microphone is no longer functioning due to a malfunction in the sound-collecting membrane, necessitating the replacement of the entire module.

No network, does not catch Wi-Fi

If all the attempts to "resurrect" a drowned device fail to restore its network connectivity, it is advisable to seek assistance from a repair center, as the damage is likely irreparable.

Phone does not turn on

If the device fails to power on or charge (although it may vibrate or illuminate the LED indicator when the power button is pressed), it is highly probable that water has seeped into the primary radio components of the circuit (motherboard) and modules, resulting in the oxidation of metal contacts. Occasionally, reviving the device entails disassembling it and cleansing the components of corrosive salt residue. In certain instances, the motherboard may need to be replaced; however, the repair cost may equal that of purchasing a brand-new smartphone.

Constantly reboots or glitches

It is a common occurrence to discover that smartphones tend to experience constant reboots and glitches after being submerged or partially immersed in liquid (such as in a bathtub or toilet). This issue is most likely related to a malfunctioning memory module on the main board. To address this problem, it is recommended to thoroughly dry the device once more. If this fails to resolve the issue, it is advisable to seek professional repair assistance from experts in the field.

Shows headphones

If you see the headphones icon, it means that the liquid has entered the 3.5 mm jack and caused a short circuit in all the connections. To resolve this issue, you need to meticulously clean the connector at the bottom using a cloth wrapped around a toothpick.

Repair drowning

The most common reasons for failure in speakers are malfunctioning power buttons and adjustment buttons, as well as oxidized USB connectors. These issues are often caused by contact oxidation.

In rarer cases, the contacts and loops that connect to internal components may be affected. When this happens, it is advisable to seek professional help at a service center.

Conclusion

When the phone falls, drops, or briefly gets submerged in water (such as soup, beer, juice, tea, coffee, etc.), it is crucial not to waste any time. Above, you will find a comprehensive guide on what steps to take and how to proceed. By reacting quickly and following all the recommendations, you significantly increase the chances of salvaging the device.

Let’s review the key points:

1. Immediately remove and disconnect the phone,
2. Disassemble it as much as possible,
3. Thoroughly dry the accessible areas,
4. Allow the phone to dry completely.