Water damage is a terrifying experience for anyone with a smartphone. Whether it’s a slip into the sink, an accidental splash, or a dive into a pool, our first instinct is usually panic. But what you do next can make all the difference. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding water damage that can actually do more harm than good. Let’s break down these misconceptions, offer some fresh perspectives, and show you what really works when your phone gets wet.
When your phone gets wet, the temptation to check if it’s still working is almost irresistible. However, this could lead to irreversible damage. Powering on a wet phone risks causing a short circuit, potentially rendering it useless.
What You Should Do: Turn off your phone as soon as possible and avoid pressing any buttons. This will reduce the chance of electrical malfunctions. Removing any accessories like chargers, headphones, or SIM cards can further protect your device.
You’ve likely heard the age-old advice to place your phone in rice to soak up moisture. While it sounds logical, rice is far from effective at saving your device. It can’t draw moisture from inside your phone and, in fact, small grains of rice might cause even more damage by getting inside your phone’s crevices.
What Actually Works: A much better option is to use silica gel packets. These small packets, often found in packaging, are designed to absorb moisture much more efficiently than rice. Place your phone in an airtight container with a few silica gel packets and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours.
Many people recommend using a hairdryer or other heat sources to speed up the drying process, but this is a huge mistake. The intense heat can warp or melt delicate internal parts of your phone, such as the battery or screen, and push moisture even deeper into the device.
What to Do Instead: Pat your phone dry gently with a microfiber cloth to remove visible water. For internal moisture, the best solution is air drying in a cool, dry area. If you’re in a hurry, a fan can help, but steer clear of direct heat sources.
Even if your phone isn’t fully submerged, exposure to small amounts of liquid can still cause significant internal damage. Liquid, especially if it’s salty, sugary, or contains minerals, can lead to corrosion over time, even if it seems like just a small spill.
What You Should Do: If your phone has been exposed to any liquid, don’t wait! Dry it off immediately with a microfiber cloth, turn it off, and leave it to dry in a cool, dry environment. It’s crucial not to rinse your phone with water, as doing so could cause further internal damage, especially if the liquid contains chemicals or minerals. The best approach is to act quickly, minimize liquid exposure, and consult a professional repair service if needed.
One common piece of advice is to pour rubbing alcohol on your phone to displace water. While isopropyl alcohol can clean corrosion in some cases, it’s a risky move. Using alcohol can damage seals or adhesive bonds, which could worsen your phone’s condition in the long run.
What You Should Do: Alcohol should only be used sparingly, and only for cleaning specific areas, such as a corroded charging port. If your phone has significant water damage, it’s best to leave the repair to the professionals.
Many modern phones are marketed as “water-resistant,” but don’t be fooled into thinking this means your device is immune to water damage. These phones can handle exposure to water for a short time under controlled conditions, but they’re not built to withstand prolonged submersion or exposure to other types of liquids.
What You Should Do: After any water exposure, especially if it’s saltwater, sugary liquid, or anything sticky, avoid rinsing your phone with fresh water. Instead, dry your phone off immediately with a microfiber cloth to remove any visible moisture. Let it air dry in a cool, dry place. If your phone has been exposed to harsh liquids, seeking professional repair assistance is always the best course of action.
The idea of leaving your phone in direct sunlight to dry might seem like a natural solution, but it can do more harm than good. The heat from the sun can cause your phone to overheat, damaging the battery and internal components, and potentially causing the device to warp.
The Better Approach: Instead of putting your phone in the sun, place it in a cool, shaded area. The phone will dry more safely and efficiently, and you won’t risk exposing it to excessive heat.