Can a Wet Cell Phone be Saved?

This becomes a very important question in the seconds after you dropped your phone in water. The answer is, sometimes. Cell phones, just as many other electronic devices do not take well to water. But what you do in the minutes after your phone is exposed to water can make the difference in its survival.

Here is  some advice that may save your phone.

Step 1

Remove it from the water as soon as possible and power it off; this can make a huge difference in whether your phone will ever work again. Warning: If your phone is connected to a charger and plugged in DO NOT reach in and take it out of the water.

Step 2

Dry the exterior of your phone off and then take it apart and remove the battery. Take out your SIM card and any memory cards as well as disconnect it from any peripherals such as headphones. Dry all components with a dry, soft cloth. Remove as much moisture as possible. Try not to tilt or move the phone much as this can move moisture around in inaccessible areas causing further damage.

Step 3

DO NOT use a blow dryer on your phone, even on the cooler settings. Not only can the heat cause further damage by melting components, but the forced air can push water further into the phone and the condensation caused by the heat can also compound your troubles.

Step 4

Skip the bag of rice. Rice doesn’t pull moisture out of the inside of a phone any better than open air does, and it can leave starch dust and tiny grains in the charging port and speaker openings. Apple specifically recommends against it. Instead, keep the phone powered off and off the charger while it dries somewhere cool and dry.

Step 5

Leave the phone on a clean, dry paper towel for several hours. Check it every couple of hours to see if it is still dry.

Step 6

Once you are SURE that there is no sign of moisture replace the battery and put it back together. Now after doing a quick dance for the phone gods try powering it up. If it works you are probably good to go. If it still isn’t working check to see if the battery is bad by removing the battery and plugging the charger in. If it works using that method you may just need a new battery.

Before you toss your phone out it is well worth the effort it takes to bring it into our shop  and let them take a look at it. Their experienced technicians can determine if the phone can be repaired, and even if it seems fine, a professional cleaning can catch corrosion before it causes problems days or weeks later. As experts in the field they are the premier stop for cell phone repair in Horsham, PA. Remember, act fast and act smart, and you may avoid replacing an expensive cell phone.