The First 60 Seconds Are Critical
Dropping your phone in water is a sinking feeling. Whether it’s a toilet, a puddle, a sink, or a pool, seeing your device submerged can be a moment of panic. But the actions you take in the next few minutes are critical. The first 60 seconds after water exposure matter most . Every second of water exposure increases the risk of permanent damage to your device’s internal components . The success rate of water damage recovery drops significantly with each passing hour . Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if this happens.
Step 1: Power Down Immediately
Water and power do not mix. If the device is still on, continuing to use it could cause short circuits and irreversible damage to the motherboard . Power it off immediately, and leave it off until you are certain it is completely dry.
Step 2: Remove It from the Liquid
Retrieve your phone as quickly as possible. The longer it stays submerged, the more liquid will seep into various inlets and cause internal damage .
Step 3: Remove All Detachable Parts
Take off the protective case. If possible, open the back and remove the battery (for older phones), SIM card, and microSD card. This allows for better airflow and prevents trapped moisture from corroding these components .
Step 4: Dry the Exterior
Use a cloth or paper towel to dab your phone dry. Do not rub the phone, as doing so could accidentally push liquid into the phone’s more sensitive parts . Be thorough in drying areas like the headphone jack or charging port, using a cotton swab to absorb water .
Step 5: Resist the Urge to Use Heat
You’ve probably heard the suggestion to use a hairdryer or place the phone in the sun to dry it out. Do not do this. Excessive heat can damage components and the force from a hairdryer can push water deeper into the device . Keep it in a cool, dry place with good air circulation .
What Not to Do: Avoid These Water Damage Myths
Do Not Put Your Phone in Rice:
Rice is a persistent internet myth. While it might absorb some moisture, it also introduces dust and starch into your phone’s cracks and crevices . Rice could also potentially become lodged in your phone’s charging port or headphone jack, swelling when exposed to liquid and becoming extremely difficult to dislodge .
Do Not Use a Hairdryer:
Blow-drying your phone when it’s exposed to water is not recommended. While it might remove some surface moisture, it will do very little to remove the moisture from inside your device, and the heat could do irreparable damage to your phone’s internal components .
Do Not Shake the Phone:
Shaking the phone vigorously can spread water to unaffected areas .
What to Do Instead: Silica Gel and Air Drying
Use Silica Gel Packets:
Instead of rice, try silica gel packets (the ones that often come with new products such as a pair of shoes), as they’ve proven to be much more effective. Fill a plastic zip-top bag with silica gel packets and bury the phone in the bag. Leave your phone in the bag for 24–48 hours .
Air Dry:
Place your phone in a warm, dry area with good air circulation . Position the phone with the ports facing down to help water drain .
The Drying Process: A Timeline
Hours 0-6:
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Keep your phone powered off.
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Remove all accessible moisture with lint-free cloths.
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Place in a container with silica gel packets.
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Position phone upright for optimal drainage .
Hours 6-24:
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Replace desiccant packets if they become saturated.
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Keep the phone in a warm (not hot) environment.
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Avoid checking if the phone works .
Hours 24-48:
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Continue using fresh desiccants.
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Look for signs of condensation under the screen.
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Check for residual moisture in ports .
How to Tell if Your Phone Has Water Damage
There are a few signs that can confirm water damage to your device:
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Visual Presence: Look for the visual presence of water or evaporation (or dried water markings) behind the screen .
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Corrosion Marks: Check for corrosion marks visible at ports .
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Discolored Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI): The LDI is typically located in the headphone jack, battery compartment, or SIM tray slot. If your phone has water damage, the LDI will appear red or maroon .
When to Seek Professional Help
While these steps can save many water-damaged phones, certain situations require immediate professional attention :
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Saltwater Exposure: Saltwater is highly corrosive and requires immediate professional cleaning.
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Visible Corrosion: If you see signs of corrosion on components.
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Phone Was Powered On During Water Exposure: This greatly increases the risk of short circuits.
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Device Won’t Power On After Drying: If your phone doesn’t turn on after a full drying cycle, it’s time to call a professional .
Quick action can save your phone from permanent damage. If you’ve followed these steps and your phone still isn’t working, bring it to Comfort Mobile for professional water damage repair in Saskatoon.