>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, have you ever dropped your phone in a puddle of water or spilled a drink on it? Water damage is a common issue that smartphone owners face. If your phone has been exposed to water, you may find that it has water inside the speaker or charging port. In this article, we will discuss 20 methods to remove water from your phone and prevent further damage.
1. Turn off your phone
The first step you should take is turning off your phone immediately. This will help prevent any electrical power from flowing through your device and causing further damage. If your phone’s battery is removable, take it out to prevent any accidental power-on.
How to Turn off your Phone
To turn off an iPhone, press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide the slider to turn off the device.
To turn off an Android device, press and hold the power button until the “power off” option appears. Tap the option to turn off the device.
If your phone doesn’t turn off, don’t panic. You can skip this step and proceed to remove the water.
2. Remove the SIM Card and Memory Card
Next, remove the SIM card and memory card from your phone. This will prevent any water from corroding the contacts and damaging them.
How to Remove the SIM Card and Memory Card
To remove the SIM card from an iPhone, use a SIM card removal tool or a paperclip to eject the tray. Take out the SIM card from the tray.
To remove the SIM card from an Android device, locate the SIM card slot and use a SIM card removal tool or a paperclip to eject the tray. Take out the SIM card from the tray.
To remove the memory card, locate the memory card slot and use a SIM card removal tool or a paperclip to eject the tray. Take out the memory card from the tray.
3. Dry your Phone with a Soft Cloth
Take a soft cloth or paper towel and gently wipe your phone to remove any excess water. Make sure to avoid pressing too hard on the device, as this can push water further into it. Pay special attention to the charging port, speaker, and headphone jack.
How to Dry your Phone with a Soft Cloth
Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or water. Make sure the cloth is not dripping wet.
Gently wipe your phone with the cloth to remove any excess water. Avoid pressing too hard on the device.
4. Use a Vacuum Cleaner
If your phone is still wet, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining water. This is a great option if you don’t have any rice or silica gel packets on hand.
How to Use a Vacuum Cleaner
Set your vacuum to the lowest suction setting and hold the nozzle a few centimeters away from your phone.
Use the vacuum to suck out any remaining water from your phone. Make sure to move the nozzle around to get all the water out.
5. Use a Hair Dryer
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a hair dryer to remove any water from your phone. This method should only be used on low heat to avoid damaging your phone.
How to Use a Hair Dryer
Set your hair dryer to the lowest heat setting.
Hold the hair dryer a few centimeters away from your phone and slowly move it around to remove any remaining water. Make sure to avoid overheating your phone.
6. Use a Fan
If your phone is still wet, you can use a fan to dry it out. This method may take longer than other methods, but it is a safe option for drying your phone.
How to Use a Fan
Place your phone on a flat surface and position the fan so that it is blowing air directly onto your phone.
Leave your phone to dry for a few hours, or overnight if possible. Make sure not to use your phone during this time.
7. Use Rice
Rice is a common home remedy for drying out a wet phone. It works by absorbing the moisture from the device.
How to Use Rice
Fill a bowl with dry rice.
Place your phone in the bowl, making sure it is completely covered by the rice.
Leave your phone in the rice for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
8. Use Silica Gel Packets
Silica gel packets are small packets that contain silica gel, which is a desiccant that absorbs moisture. These packets can be found in shoe boxes, electronics packaging, and other products.
How to Use Silica Gel Packets
Place your phone in a sealable plastic bag.
Add a few silica gel packets to the bag with your phone.
Seal the bag and leave your phone in it for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
9. Use a Dehumidifier
If you have a dehumidifier, you can use it to help remove water from your phone. This method is great if you live in a humid climate and want to prevent further water damage.
How to Use a Dehumidifier
Place your phone in a sealable plastic bag.
Place the bag in a room with a dehumidifier.
Leave your phone in the bag for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
10. Use Cat Litter
Similar to rice, cat litter can also absorb moisture from your phone. However, make sure to use unscented, non-clumping litter for this method.
How to Use Cat Litter
Fill a bowl with unscented, non-clumping cat litter.
Place your phone in the bowl, making sure it is completely covered by the litter.
Leave your phone in the litter for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
11. Use a Microwave
Using a microwave to dry out your phone is not recommended, as it can damage your device and cause it to overheat.
Why You Should Not Use a Microwave
Microwaves emit electromagnetic radiation, which can interfere with the electronic components in your phone and cause irreparable damage.
Additionally, microwaves can cause metal components in your phone to heat up and create sparks, which can cause a fire.
Never attempt to dry out your phone in a microwave.
12. Use an Oven
Using an oven to dry out your phone is also not recommended, as it can cause your device to overheat and damage the electronic components.
Why You Should Not Use an Oven
Ovens get very hot, and the heat can cause the electronic components in your phone to melt or become damaged.
Additionally, ovens can cause metal components in your phone to heat up and create sparks, which can cause a fire.
Never attempt to dry out your phone in an oven.
13. Use a Dryer
Using a dryer to dry out your phone is also not recommended, as it can cause your device to overheat and damage the electronic components.
Why You Should Not Use a Dryer
Dryers get very hot, and the heat can cause the electronic components in your phone to melt or become damaged.
Additionally, dryers can cause metal components in your phone to heat up and create sparks, which can cause a fire.
Never attempt to dry out your phone in a dryer.
14. Place your Phone in a Bag of Salt
Similar to rice and cat litter, salt can also absorb moisture from your phone. However, make sure to use coarse sea salt for this method.
How to Use Salt
Fill a bowl with coarse sea salt.
Place your phone in the bowl, making sure it is completely covered by the salt.
Leave your phone in the salt for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
15. Use a Blower or Compressed Air
If you have a blower or compressed air canister, you can use them to remove water from your phone.
How to Use a Blower or Compressed Air
Set your blower or compressed air canister to the lowest setting.
Hold your phone in one hand and the blower or canister in the other.
Blow air onto your phone to remove any remaining water. Make sure not to get too close to your phone, as this can damage it.
16. Use a Vacuum Chamber
If you have access to a vacuum chamber, you can use it to remove water from your phone. This method is great for removing water from hard-to-reach areas, such as under chips and around battery connectors.
How to Use a Vacuum Chamber
Place your phone in the vacuum chamber, making sure it is completely sealed.
Turn on the vacuum chamber and let it run for at least 30 minutes, or until all the water has been removed from your phone.
17. Take your Phone to a Professional
If you are not comfortable trying to remove water from your phone, or if you have tried all the methods above and your phone still won’t turn on, it’s time to take it to a professional. A smartphone repair shop or electronics store can help diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
What to Expect at a Smartphone Repair Shop
The technician will inspect your phone for water damage.
They will attempt to remove any water and dry your phone using specialized equipment.
If your phone is irreparable, they will suggest replacing it.
18. Preventing Water Damage to your Phone
Preventing water damage is always better than dealing with it after it happens. Here are some tips for preventing water damage to your phone:
Tips for Preventing Water Damage
- Avoid using your phone in or around water.
- Use a waterproof phone case.
- Avoid placing your phone in your pocket or bag with liquids.
- Avoid leaving your phone in hot or humid environments.
- Avoid dropping your phone.
19. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I leave my phone in rice?
A: You should leave your phone in rice for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
Q: Can I use regular litter instead of non-clumping litter for drying out my phone?
A: No, you should only use unscented, non-clumping litter for this method.
Q: Is it safe to use a hair dryer on my phone?
A: Yes, but make sure to set the hair dryer to the lowest heat setting to avoid damaging your phone.
20. Conclusion
Removing water from your phone can be a tricky process, but by following these methods, you can increase your chances of saving your device. Remember to turn off your phone immediately, remove the SIM card and memory card, and dry your phone with a soft cloth. You can then use a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, fan, rice, silica gel packets, cat litter, or a dehumidifier to remove any remaining water. If all else fails, take your phone to a professional. And don’t forget to take preventative measures to avoid water damage in the future. Happy phone repair!