If you dropped your phone in the toilet, pool, or other water source, you should act quickly to save the device. Allowing the water to affect the internal components can cause damage and require extensive cellphone repair. Follow these do’s and don’ts to eliminate excess moisture and prevent permanent problems.

Do:

Turn it off.

When a waterlogged phone dies, the moisture likely caused a short in the wiring. You should shut off the phone as quickly as possible. When the power is off, the wiring is safe.

Also, if the phone’s plugged in, unplug it and remove the battery if possible. Take off the case if it has one and wipe down the exterior with a clean towel, ensuring the ports and other openings are dry.

Grab some silica gel packets. 

Search your home for silica gel packets. They’re often found in vitamin bottles, new items like bags or shoes, and dried food containers like beef jerky packages. These small packets are drying agents that will absorb the water when you place them in a sealed bag with the device.

Wait at least 48 hours before checking on the phone’s condition. If you can’t find silica gel packets in your home or at the store, place the device in the bag with another synthetic drying agent, such as DampRid®. 

Don’t:

Put it in rice. 

While you may have been told to place a wet phone in a bowl of rice, the small granules can jam the device’s ports and openings. The rice won’t absorb the water as well as silica gel packets or other synthetic drying agents. 

Use heat.

The heat from a blow dryer can damage the phone’s delicate internal parts. Also, never place the device in an oven, microwave, or other appliance, even if it’s shut off. Don’t use any source of heat to try and evaporate the moisture. The phone should be kept in a dry environment to prevent further damage to the components.

Is your phone still struggling after an accident? Turn to the team at RadioActive. Located in Kalispell, MT, these cellphone repair specialists have more than 60 years of combined experience fixing all kinds of electronics. They’ll thoroughly examine your device and work hard to restore it. To learn more about their services and schedule your cellphone repair, call (406) 257-5999 or visit the team online.