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You have just dropped your cell phone in water. Don’t panic, your phone might still have a chance. Here are some tips you can use that could possibly save your water-drenched phone. First off, don’t try and charge your phone. Don’t even try and turn in on. Remove the battery and the SIM card on your phone. Most phones have an indicator underneath the battery to show if the phone has been liquid damaged, usually a piece of litmus paper that turns pink or red.
What you want to do is to get all of the water out of your phone. Don’t try opening the phone up unless you know what you are doing. Most warranties are voided any time a phone is opened. The best way to get all the water out of the phone is to wrap your phone (sans battery) in paper towel and put it in a sealed plastic container full of dry rice. Let it sit there for 2-3 days. The rice will absorb all of the moisture out of the phone. This is considered the safest way to dry the phone.
Another technique used is to soak the phone in denatured alcohol. This technique is a little riskier, however, if you have dropped your phone in salt water, it could be a lot more effective. Take the battery and the SIM card out of the phone. Make sure the alcohol is at least 95%. Methanol is the best choice of alcohol, as some other brands may be corrosive and melt the wiring. After briefly soaking the phone, let it sit to dry for about 2-3 days.
One technique to avoid is trying to use a hair dryer to heat the phone. If it is heated for too long it could melt the wiring and seriously damage your phone. Although it has occasionally worked for removing the liquid, the risk is far too high.
If the phone still will not turn on, consult your phone company and talk to their client care. Most companies do not cover liquid damage under their warranties, and if you send it away for repair, you will find it just comes back unrepaired and you are left in the same place you’ve started in.
If you are in the middle of a contract, try and negotiate with client care to see if you are eligible to resign for a new phone. If they are not able to give you an offer, you can usually find refurbished phones at a decent price. If you recently purchased a new phone, store your old phone in your closet somewhere, just in case something happens to your new phone.
The best way to avoid liquid damage is prevention. Buy a case for your phone. If you know you are going to be using it around water, some stores offer waterproof cases. Keep your phone away from swimming pools or kitchen sinks. Take these suggestions to heart, and your phone will stay nice and dry for a long time.
