|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Computer Support For Individuals And Small Business |
|
|
|
|
12/18/11 |
|
|
What To Do About A Wet Cell Phone |
|
|
One of the great fears of cell phone users is dropping the phone in water or otherwise getting it soaked. Water damage is almost never covered by warranty. It is important to note cellphones have internal moisture sensors that indicate the phone has been in water.
|
|
|
What do you do? In the frenzy of trying to find a solution, certain things which might come to mind should be avoided as they could damage the phone further or even be dangerous. So, first, let’s start with a list of the things that you shouldn’t do. |
|
|
DON'T:
|
|
|
- Turn it on
- Use a hair dryer on it (too much heat and may blow water further into nooks and crannies)
- Set it in direct sunlight – sunlight can be too hot
- Try to dry it in the oven – this could be dangerous
- Use a microwave to try to dry your phone
|
|
|
DO:
|
|
|
- Remove the phone from the water as quickly as possible. As noted above, don’t turn it on.
- Remove the battery.
- Remove the SIM card, if applicable.
- Remove the case, covers, connectors, and anything else attached to the phone
- If the phone was in salt water, rinse it gently with fresh water to remove the salt water (salt can be corrosive).
- Use a towel (preferably a cloth towel, as opposed to a paper towel which can leave residue) to gently wipe off visible moisture from the phone, battery, etc.
- Bury the phone in uncooked rice in a Tupperware or other air tight container, and put the top on the container to seal it leaving it for a day or more. This sucks the moisture out of it.
- After 24 hours re-insert the battery and try turning on the phone. If this doesn’t work, remove the battery, connect it to the charger and try again. If it turns on you need a new battery.
- If this doesn’t work, take it to an authorized dealer. Tell them what happened. They might be able to revive it.
|
|
|
The above steps provide a quick, basic guide for bringing a wet phone back to life. For those so inclined the phone can be disassembled to attempt to remove excess moisture. As a preventative measure, a waterproof case is available for some phones, though they may be bulky. If 24/7 phone service is essential, consider buying a cheap phone for emergency use in case your main phone becomes disabled. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|