Imagine this scenario: you accidentally drop your beloved smartphone into a pool, sink, or even worse, the toilet. Panic sets in as you frantically fish it out, dripping with water. In that moment, you realize the importance of knowing the best way to dry a wet smartphone.
Why is it crucial to dry a wet phone?
Water and electronics are not a match made in heaven. When water seeps into the delicate components of your smartphone, it can cause irreversible damage, rendering your device useless. The moisture can corrode the circuitry, leading to malfunctions, data loss, or even permanent failure. Therefore, it is essential to act swiftly and effectively to dry your wet phone.
Many phones are made to be somewhat waterproof and this will definitely protect your phone from fresh water, but no matter how waterproof they are dropping your phone in chlorine or salt water is bad news and you will want to get it dry ASAP.
Steps to take if your phone gets submerged in water:
- Retrieve your phone immediately: The longer your phone remains submerged, the higher the risk of damage. So, act quickly and retrieve your phone from the water as soon as possible.
- Power off your phone: Press and hold the power button until the device shuts down. This will help prevent any short circuits that may occur due to the presence of water.
- If your phone was submerged in salt water or chlorine water, rinse it off in the sink or with some other fresh water.
- Remove any accessories and SIM card: Take off the phone case, remove the SIM card, and any other removable accessories. This will allow air to circulate more freely and speed up the drying process.
- Gently pat dry with a soft cloth: Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently dab away any visible moisture on the exterior of the phone. Be careful not to rub or apply excessive pressure, as this may push water further into the device.
The best methods to dry a wet smartphone:
- Rice method (not recommended): One of the most popular methods is to place the wet phone in a container filled with uncooked rice. This has been the internet’s go to solution the last few years, but recently this method has been discouraged by manufacturers because the actual results are not that good and because you potentially could get small rice pieces stuck in your phone and cause even more damage to it. So, contrary to popular opinion, you should stay clear of this method.
- Silica gel packets: If you have access to silica gel packets (commonly found in shoeboxes or packaging), place them along with your phone in an airtight container. Silica gel is highly effective at absorbing moisture and can expedite the drying process. Leave the phone in the container for 24 to 48 hours. Start collecting these packets and make sure to keep them in an airtight container.
- Air drying: Find a dry and well-ventilated area, preferably with low humidity. Place your phone on a clean, absorbent surface, such as a towel or paper towel. Allow the phone to air dry naturally for at least 24 to 48 hours. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or ovens, as excessive heat can damage the internal components of your phone.
What NOT to do when drying a wet smartphone:
- Do not use heat: As mentioned earlier, applying heat to your wet phone can cause more harm than good. Excessive heat can warp or melt the internal components, leading to permanent damage.
- Do not shake or blow on the phone: While it may be tempting to shake or blow on your phone to remove excess water, this can actually push water deeper into the device, causing further damage.
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner: Although it may seem like a logical solution to suck out the moisture, the suction power of a vacuum cleaner can potentially damage the delicate internal components of your phone.
- Do not use rice: As discussed earlier, this method could cause more damage and is not as effective as previously thought.
Remember, these methods are not guaranteed to revive your wet phone, but they offer the best chances of success. If your phone still refuses to turn on after attempting these drying methods, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer for further advice.
