Water damaged cell phone 7 Steps To Save Your Phone If It Gets Water DamagedIts the most “sinking” feeling. :) When you think you can do three things at once – do the dishes, talk and hold the phone, the inevitable happens. Phone drops – you run to the corner and cry for mommy….

(Please note – this also applies if you drop your phone in the toilet whilst trying to text and pee at the same time. :) Ya, we know about that too.)

I worked in Carphone Warehouse for 6 or 7 years. If there was one thing that drove me crazy was people bringing in phones that were clearly water-damaged and have that puppy look of “I don’t know, it just won’t work”. However, having worked there I did learn quite quickly what to do when this awful tragedy strikes and this has worked on numerous phones for me, whether smart or dumb  phones.

The Steps

Step 1 – Open the whole phone ASAP. Remove the SIM card, Memory Card, Battery and any external covers, slides or extras.

Advanced Step – If you are brave and have the tools, open up every part of the phone and remove keypads, screens etc.

Step 2 – If there is obvious pools of water, try to dab them out or even shake it out.

Step 3 - Wrap each item in a towel

Step 4 - Place in a hot-press. In Ireland, a hot-press is our airing cupboard. I don’t know what other people call it but its the place where all the towels are and the big water cylinder. :)

Step 5 – Leave it here for at least 24 hours but better if left for 48 hours. Obviously the heating system should be on so this room stays warm.

Step 6 - Look over every part and make sure there are no water droplets or moisture spots. Lightly dry off the parts.

Step 7 - Assemble the phone but do not put in the SIM or Memory Card yet. Put in the battery and turn on. Test the phone and see how it is. If all is well then go ahead in put in the cards.

wet cell phone main Full 300x224 7 Steps To Save Your Phone If It Gets Water DamagedIf it doesn’t work following these steps, then by the time you power it up, it’s probably too late and the damage is permanent.

Something else you can try is putting the phone in a bowl of dry rice. The rice will pull out the moisture.

DO NOT use a hairdryer – it will permanently damage the phone.

DO NOT use the microwave.

Disclaimer: This information is purely my experience and I am not liable for any damages whatsoever if you follow this advice.

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