When your phone stops working due to water damage, it is important to remove as little moisture from the device as possible! If you have to take your phone apart, there are some easy ways to do so.
Fortunately, we have all seen how to put phones together at least once in our lives. So, if you are ever needed, you will know what parts go where.
However, before trying to separate any components of the phone, it is best to test for dryness. We can only really check one place on a smartphone-the screen. By testing the screen, we can tell whether the glass has dried out or not.
If it does not light up properly, then the glass is probably still very wet. We cannot risk breaking the glass until it is fully dry, so instead try to push down on the display using a thin, clean object. If the screen comes alive, then the glass is already slightly drier than it was earlier.
Now that you have checked for dry areas, you can begin taking things apart. But remember, avoid pulling out components unless you have done this before or received adequate instruction.
Removing the back cover is another good idea. You can either use a tool designed specifically for doing this, or just pull off the screws. Make sure neither touch the exposed motherboard, as even a small amount of fluid could cause corrosion and failure.
Run a dehumidifier
After you determine that your phone is wet, one of the first things you should do is run a dehumidifier. A small device that works by using heat to dry air will help get rid of excess moisture in the area.
You can use these at night when it’s more relaxed or during the day if you need quick relief while working or doing something else. Many people use them after a bath or shower since water is the number one source for cell phones to pick up extra fluid.
Use a hair dryer
The first thing you should do is use a hairdryer to warm up your phone’s water reservoir. You can either use a hand held device or put it under the sun for several hours to let it heat up fully.
If using a hairdryer, make sure to hold it by its edge so that it does not hit the surface of the phone where moisture could collect. This would cost you time in trying to get rid of the water!
After drying, check out if there are any cracks in the case. If yes, try to push them together or glue them properly to prevent the water from escaping.
This process will work even if the phone has been submerged in water for a long time as most phones have an internal capacitor that helps retain power. It may take some time to completely remove all the excess fluid, but don’t give up! Keep going until you see the water evaporate and the skin slowly dries off.
Removing wet clothes is also helpful since they can leave residues behind.
Use a vacuum
There are several ways to remove water from your phone. The best way depends on what type of water you’re trying to get rid of, how much water there is, and whether or not the device can be replaced.
Using a vacuum is one of the most effective methods for removing moisture. A few companies make portable handheld vacuums that work by sucking up excess liquid as it comes in contact with the device.
These have become very popular because they do an excellent job of extracting even significant amounts of water. Some even have special gadgets that help speed the process along!
There are many brands that offer such products so do some research and see which ones seem trustworthy.
Let it dry naturally
All too often, people will recommend using a vacuum or blow dryer to remove water from your phone. This is great if you have a working device!
Using a vacuum can actually do more harm than good since some models use air as an electrical source. Using a hair dryer may also cause damage to the phone’s components.
Instead of trying to suck out all the moisture, try letting nature take its course. The surface tension in the water will pull it away as soon as it comes into contact with something solid.
Running your phone under a stream of tepid to warm water will help get rid of most of the moisture. Letting it sit for a few minutes will allow it to be completely dried off.
Removing the water before it has a chance to set down will only make it stickier.
Use a desiccant
There are several products that can be used to remove water from your phone. One of the most common types is a gel or powder packet containing an absorbent material, such as silica or Kia Ora Clarity Activated Charcoal (KOCAC).
You simply pour some of these packets onto your device and leave it for a few hours or even overnight – when you take it out, it should show no sign of moisture.
The packets we mentioned above are not expensive, either! They usually cost around 10 cents each. Although they say they will work in an hour, we have never waited more than two-three hours for results.
Don’t use a humidifier
While using a dryer is your best bet, there are some situations where having water can help remove moisture from your phone.
One of these times is when you drop your phone and it gets wet. Because phones have small components made of plastic or glass that can retain liquid, being very close to an overflowing body fluid source may be a way to quickly damage your device.
However, if you do decide to soak your phone in water, make sure to only do so for a short amount of time! Leaving it too long could cause additional problems like corrosion which would cost more money to fix later.
Corrosion also happens when atoms of metal react with other chemicals, creating a coating layer that protects the surface no longer functioning as effectively.
Buy a waterproof case
Since your phone already has an opening, it is easy for moisture to enter. If you cannot live without that one app that you have never switched off, then do not use a very expensive phone as your main device.
Instead buy a cheap smartphone with no fancy features but which is also water resistant. You can also add extra cases to achieve even more protection.
These are usually designed to connect to each other or the original case so that all of the openings are covered up.
Use a hair-wipe
There are many ways to remove water from your phone. Using a good quality hairdryer will work most of the time!
A great way to quickly dry off is using a microfiber cloth or towel. These are very soft and absorb more liquid than normal towels. They also lye better, which helps restore the surface texture of the device.
Another option is using an alcohol-based wipe to clean the handset. This can be done immediately after washing, and will usually do the trick.
