The best ways to save the phone after falling into the water

People who own electronic devices often ask themselves: what should I do if my phone gets submerged in water? Many mobile devices don’t react well to liquid contact, and even waterproof cases don’t always guarantee the safety of internal components. However, there are several methods you can try to revive a phone that has fallen into a puddle or toilet bowl.

What to do if the phone fell into the water

Smartphones have the ability to store vast amounts of information and personal data. When a phone is dropped in water, it can cause panic among owners, who may wonder what they should do. Even a service center cannot guarantee complete recovery of the device, as much depends on the nature of the damage.

When a phone falls into water, its functional module (the radio unit) may stop providing stable communication.

The phone operates normally thanks to numerous microchips and controllers. If moisture enters the device, it is important to take the following steps:

• Remove the phone from the water (whether it’s a puddle or container with liquid).
• Take out the battery and SIM card.

If water has entered the phone’s casing, there is a possibility of trying to dry the device.

Remove the phone from the water

After extracting your mobile device from the liquid, it is crucial to power it down. It is highly advised to avoid submerging the phone in water for an extended period, even with the presence of a waterproof case. A matter of seconds is all it takes for the liquid to infiltrate the circuitry. Following the removal of the device from the liquid, immediate shutdown is imperative.

Take out the sim card and battery

Once the phone has been taken out of the water, it is important to promptly remove the battery, microSD card, and sim card. The specific steps may vary depending on the device model.

To quickly remove the nano or micro sim from an iPhone, you will need the appropriate tools and knowledge of where the connector is located.

To remove the SIM card tray from the phone, you can use a special paperclip that is included in the charger box. The process can be completed in several steps:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Remove the phone case.
3. Insert the paperclip into the tray recess and press down.
4. Once you hear a distinct click, remove the tray from the slot.

If a phone like the Samsung A3, LG Optimus, or Sony Xperia S, which has a non-removable battery, gets wet, it will not be possible to easily take out the battery.

Once you have powered down the device, it is important to carefully extract the sim card. If the sim card is not easily accessible, it may be necessary to bring the device to an authorized service center. Some smartphones have sim cards located beneath the battery, so the following steps should be taken in order to access and remove the sim card:

1. Begin by opening the back cover of the device.
2. Gently remove the battery.
3. Locate and carefully extract the sim card.

With the sim card safely removed, you can now proceed to the next step of drying the gadget.

Remove moisture

Start by using a dry cloth or paper towel to clean the screen. If your smartphone does not have a SIM card or battery, turn the touchscreen face up and leave the device in this position for a few hours. Any water that may have gotten under the back cover will naturally drain out.

The phone owner will then need to carefully clean the contacts and SIM card sockets.

It is important not to shake or rotate the submerged phone, as this can cause the liquid to enter hard-to-reach areas of the microchips.

If desired, you can attempt to wipe down the exterior of the phone using alcohol – the ethanol will help speed up the evaporation process of any remaining moisture.

Using a vacuum cleaner

A fan can effectively substitute a vacuum cleaner. In order to dry the device, you can utilize a vacuum cleaner. Once the battery and SIM cards have been removed from the smartphone, gently place the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner near the holes of the earpiece and conversation speaker (but not too close).

Blow air through the parts for a duration of 15-20 minutes. This method is both effective and gentle. If a vacuum cleaner is not available, a fan can be used as a replacement.

Whether it is necessary to put the smartphone in rice

Drying clothes at home can be done using rice groats. Rice is highly absorbent, meaning it can quickly soak up any excess moisture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Take a plastic container and fill it with dry rice.
2. Place your damp clothes inside the container and make sure they are covered by the rice.
3. Seal the container with a lid.
4. Find a warm spot in your home and leave the container there for 12-14 hours.

You can also use foam balls as an alternative to rice groats.

Put the phone on a dry towel

To dry a waterlogged phone, you should place it on a dry towel. It’s important to let the device dry for a few days, while occasionally wiping it with paper towels.

If desired, you can position the smartphone in a towel near a heater or radiator to expedite the drying process.

Let the smartphone rest for a few days

If your phone accidentally gets wet, it is recommended to keep it disassembled for a few days. After 3 days, you can attempt to revive it by pre-drying the device with a fan or vacuum cleaner.

What you should not do with a soaked phone

Please refrain from placing the device in a microwave oven. If your smartphone happens to fall into water and does not turn on after drying, it can only be revived at a service center. The following actions by the owner might be the cause of the malfunction:

1. Agitating. It is particularly dangerous to shake the device if it has come into contact with saltwater or sugary soda. The liquid induces a rapid chemical reaction, causing the chip to bubble almost immediately.
2. Using a hair dryer to dry the device. The capacitors inside the gadget have different temperature thresholds, and a blast of hot air can potentially damage the components.
3. Under no circumstances should you place the device in a microwave oven, even for just a few seconds.
4. It is not advisable for individuals who lack smartphone repair skills to attempt self-disassembly of the device themselves. This carries a high risk of damaging delicate circuits.
5. Do not connect the charger to a gadget that refuses to turn on after being dried. Doing so may cause a short circuit and lead to the burning out of microchips.

Liquid that has entered the device can expedite the oxidation process of its components.

What to do after drying

Samsung Service Center

In case the sensor does not function or the device fails to charge even after drying, it is advisable to bring it to a service center for repair. It is important to note that if liquid has entered the device, it does not qualify for warranty coverage, therefore, free replacement of parts cannot be expected.

During the service, a technician will conduct a thorough diagnostic test. Once the smartphone has been dismantled, the chip will be submerged in a specialized solution that effectively eliminates electrocorrosion.

Following an ultrasonic examination, the expert will identify any malfunctions and proceed with the replacement of moisture-damaged components. To prevent further damage, the board can also be coated with varnish to minimize the ingress of air in the affected areas.

Repair drowned phones

To fix a phone that has been exposed to liquid, you can replace the damaged display, touchscreen, or speaker. After dismantling the device and conducting a visual inspection, the technician has a 50% chance of determining whether the smartphone is repairable or not.

In most cases, gadgets with removable batteries can be restored, even if they have been submerged in water for a few seconds.

However, some service centers may refuse to repair water-damaged phones due to the high cost and time involved. Repairing devices with non-removable batteries is more expensive as it requires special equipment to open the back cover (hardware).

Experts advise against concealing the drowning incident or camouflaging it with an alternative malfunction. The more details the technician has, the greater the chance of successfully reviving the device.

Experts refrain from providing guarantees after the repair as a water-damaged smartphone may abruptly cease functioning, especially its power buttons. It can be quite challenging to extract liquid from such inaccessible areas if it hasn’t naturally evaporated.