Introduction
It’s a nightmare scenario for any smartphone owner – dropping your phone in water. Whether it’s a puddle, the sink, or the toilet, getting your phone wet can cause a lot of damage. Water damage is not covered by most warranties and can result in costly repairs or even a new phone. However, don’t panic! In this article, we will provide you with six methods to dry your phone out and potentially save it from water damage.
Rice Bowl Method
The rice bowl method is a popular way to dry out your phone. Rice is a natural desiccant that can absorb moisture from the air, making it a great option for drying out wet electronics.
Step 1: Turn off your phone immediately after you remove it from the water. Shake out any excess water, then remove the battery (if it’s removable) and any other accessories.
Step 2: Place your phone in a bowl of dry, uncooked rice. Make sure your phone is completely covered and submerged in the rice.
Step 3: Leave your phone in the rice for at least 24 hours. Do not turn on your phone during this time.
Precautions: Avoid using instant rice or flavored rice, and make sure the rice is dry. Also, avoid using a hair-dryer or any other heating device to speed up the drying process. This can cause further damage to your phone.
Success rate: The rice method has a success rate of about 75%. However, it may not work if your phone was submerged in salt water or for phones with severe water damage.
Vacuum Method
This method uses a vacuum cleaner to remove water from your phone.
Materials needed: Vacuum cleaner with a removable hose, thin cloth, and a rubber band.
Step 1: Turn off your phone and remove the battery (if it’s removable). Wipe down the exterior of the phone with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Cover one end of the vacuum hose with a thin cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
Step 3: Place the covered end of the hose against your phone’s charging port. Make sure it makes a tight seal.
Step 4: Turn on the vacuum cleaner and let it run for 10-15 minutes, gently moving the hose around to cover all the openings.
Precautions: Avoid using a full-sized vacuum cleaner, as the suction may be too strong and cause damage. Also, do not stick the hose into the phone’s openings, as this can push the water further inside.
Success rate: The vacuum method has a success rate of about 90% when used correctly. However, it may not work for phones with severe water damage.
Silica Gel Method
Silica gel packets are small packets that contain silica gel crystals. They are often used to absorb excess moisture in products and packages.
Step 1: Turn off your phone, remove the battery (if it’s removable), and wipe down the exterior of the phone with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Place your phone in a sealable plastic bag with several silica gel packets.
Step 3: Seal the bag and leave your phone in it for at least 24 hours.
Precautions: Be careful not to damage the silica gel packets, as they can break open and spill the contents onto your phone.
Success rate: The silica gel method has a success rate of about 85%. However, it may not work for phones with severe water damage.
Alcohol Method
Isopropyl alcohol can be used to displace water and help dry out your phone. It can also clean any potential residue left behind after the water has evaporated.
Step 1: Turn off your phone and remove the battery (if it’s removable).
Step 2: Fill a bowl with isopropyl alcohol and place your phone in it. Make sure it is completely submerged.
Step 3: Leave your phone in the bowl of alcohol for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4: Remove your phone from the alcohol and let it air-dry for several hours.
Precautions: Use only 99% isopropyl alcohol. Do not use rubbing alcohol or any other type of alcohol, as they may contain harmful additives and leave a residue.
Success rate: The alcohol method has a success rate of about 80%. However, it may not work for phones with severe water damage.
Hair-Dryer Method
A hair-dryer can be used to help dry out your phone. It blows warm air over the surface of the phone, helping water to evaporate.
Step 1: Turn off your phone and remove any accessories, including the battery (if it’s removable).
Step 2: Set your hair-dryer to low heat and low speed.
Step 3: Hold the hair-dryer about 6 inches away from your phone and blow the warm air onto the phone for several minutes.
Step 4: Wipe down the exterior of the phone with a dry cloth and let it air-dry for several hours before turning it on.
Precautions: Avoid using high heat or a high speed setting. Also, be careful not to get the hair-dryer too close to your phone or hold it in one spot for too long, as this can cause damage.
Success rate: The hair-dryer method has a success rate of about 60%. However, it may not work for phones with severe water damage.
Sun-Drying Method
Sun-drying is a natural way to dry out your phone. The heat from the sun and the dry air can help evaporate water.
Step 1: Turn off your phone, remove the battery (if it’s removable), and wipe down the exterior of the phone with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Place your phone in direct sunlight or a warm, dry place. A windowsill or a warm car dashboard are good options.
Step 3: Let your phone air-dry for at least several hours, or until it is completely dry.
Precautions: Avoid placing your phone in direct sunlight for too long or in a hot car, as extreme heat can cause further damage to your phone.
Success rate: The sun-drying method has a success rate of about 70%. However, it may not work for phones with severe water damage.
Desiccant Packs
Desiccant packs contain silica gel or clay beads that absorb moisture from the air. They can be used to dry out wet electronics.
Step 1: Turn off your phone, remove the battery (if it’s removable), and wipe down the exterior of the phone with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Place your phone in a sealable plastic bag with several desiccant packs.
Step 3: Seal the bag and leave your phone in it for at least 24 hours.
Precautions: Avoid damaging the desiccant packs, as they can spill and cause a mess. Also, do not expose your phone to any moisture during this time.
Success rate: The desiccant pack method has a success rate of about 80%. However, it may not work for phones with severe water damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several methods you can try to dry out your wet phone. However, the success rate of these methods can vary depending on the extent of the water damage. If one method does not work, try another. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to prevent water damage in the first place. We hope this article has been helpful in solving your phone water damage issue.
