I Dropped My Mobile Phone in Water – Here’s What to Do

09 Aug I Dropped My Mobile Phone in Water – Here’s What to Do

Oops! I Dropped My Mobile Phone in Water – Here’s What to Do

Introduction: We’ve all been there – that heart-stopping moment when your beloved mobile phone takes an unexpected dive into a pool, sink, or any water source. The toilet is the most common. This blog will tell you what to do if you have dropped your mobile phone in water. Fear not! While water damage can be quite a nuisance, acting swiftly and following the right steps can significantly increase your chances of saving your device. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the immediate actions to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

1. Retrieve the Phone Quickly: The first thing you need to do is retrieve your phone from the water as quickly as possible. The longer it stays submerged, the greater the chance of water seeping into critical components. Be cautious and don’t panic – a steady hand will help prevent unnecessary mishaps.
2. Power Off Immediately: If your phone is still on, power it off immediately. Press and hold the power button until the device shuts down. This helps reduce the risk of short circuits that can occur when water comes into contact with active electronics.
3. Remove External Accessories and SIM Card: Take off any external accessories, such as cases and screen protectors. Additionally, remove the SIM card and any memory cards. These removable components can be salvaged even if the phone itself is beyond repair.
4. Dry the Surface: Gently pat the phone dry using a clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure to get into all the crevices, ports, and buttons. Avoid excessive rubbing, as this can push water deeper into the device.
5. Do Not Use Heat Sources: Contrary to popular belief, using a hairdryer, oven, or microwave to dry your phone can cause more harm than good. Excessive heat can damage internal components and worsen the water damage. Stick to natural drying methods.
6. Rice Is Not the Best Solution: While the rice method is commonly suggested, it’s not the most effective solution. Silica gel packets or dedicated moisture-absorbing products work better for drawing out moisture. Place your phone in a container filled with these packets and seal it tightly for 24-48 hours.
7. Avoid Shaking the Phone: Shaking your phone might seem like a good way to dislodge water droplets, but it can actually drive moisture further into delicate areas. Instead, gently tap the phone against your palm with the charging port facing downward to encourage water to drain out.
8. Seek Professional Help: If your phone shows no signs of life or exhibits unusual behaviour after the drying period, it’s time to consult a professional technician like Repair Not Replace. Even if it is okay, the impurities in the water can build up if they are not cleaned off and cause corrosion which will then cause a short circuit, this can happen straight away or take longer, so if you have an expensive phone you should consider a water damage service.  Trying to power on a water-damaged phone can lead to irreversible damage, so it’s best to let a trained expert assess the situation. Call us on 0800 047 2047. Do not charge your device, putting power through it can cause more damage.

Conclusion: Accidentally dropping your mobile phone in water can be a stressful experience, but there’s hope for recovery if you act promptly and follow the right steps. Remember, the key is to act quickly, power off your device, remove external components, and employ proper drying techniques. While success isn’t guaranteed, taking these measures can greatly improve your chances of saving your precious gadget from the jaws of water damage.