If you dropped your iPhone in the sink or pool, you probably panicked immediately. Saving a wet phone isn't always possible, but there are some tips that can help you. With a bit of luck you will be able to dry it and start using it again without problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Know What to Do Immediately
Step 1. Take your cell phone out of the water
It will seem like an obvious step, but as soon as it falls into the water, you may panic. Calm down and get it out as fast as possible.
Step 2. Unplug it
If your cell phone was charging, unplug it as soon as possible. Be careful when you do this, so you will avoid being electrocuted.
Remember not to pinch your fingers to where the phone connects to the charger. Hold the phone with one hand and disconnect the charger by grabbing the cable several inches below. Usually the cable should not be pulled, as otherwise it will end up fraying, but in this case you must do it to avoid being electrocuted
Step 3. Turn off your phone
In theory, you should take out the battery first. Since you can't do this fast with an iPhone, the first move is to turn it off right away.
Step 4. Remove the sim card
You will need a paper clip or a special tool.
- Locate the sim card compartment on the iPhone. It is usually located along the right side of the phone. You will notice a small opening.
- Insert the paper clip or tool into the hole. You will then be able to check the compartment of the sim card. For now, leave it completely out.
Step 5. Dry it with a towel
Run a towel over the device to dry the outside as quickly as possible.
You can also slide the towel over the openings to help water escape
Part 2 of 2: Further Steps
Step 1. Remove the water from the holes
Try shaking your phone to get rid of it. You can also remove it with a spray can of compressed air. In any case, you absolutely must not send it back to the inside of the phone, so be careful.
To use the canister, arrange the dispenser so that the current of air blows along the hole, not towards the inside. Push the nozzle in the right direction and the water should gush out on the other side
Step 2. Use a desiccant
Some use the classic rice method to dry the phone, but it's not the most effective solution. Instant rice is preferable, but be careful not to let it get into the openings. The best solution is silica gel; this substance is contained in the bags found in the packaging of many electronic items, and it absorbs water more effectively than rice. You can try to look for sachets at home or buy them in a specialized store; you'll need enough to surround your cell phone. Finally, there is the desiccant bag solution, specifically designed for this purpose. You can find it online or in electronics stores.
- If you can't find enough silica gel sachets, you can try crystallized cat litter, which is basically the same thing.
- Some tests show that it would be better to leave the phone outside instead of trying to soak it in a desiccant.
Step 3. Immerse the phone
If you use rice, protect your phone by wrapping it in a paper towel before soaking it in the bowl. As for the silica gel sachets, surround it with whatever you have available. If you are using a desiccant bag, put your cell phone in it and close it tightly.
Step 4. Let it dry for at least two days
You need to make sure the internal parts are dry, otherwise a short circuit can occur upon power up.
Step 5. Put the sim card back in its place
Insert it back into your mobile. Make sure you do it right.
Step 6. Try turning it on
Once it is completely dry, you can try turning your phone back on. With a bit of luck, it will work fine and you can keep using it.
Advice
- If you can, order a kit to dry your phone in anticipation of such a situation, and keep it handy - you never know.
- Try using a waterproof case to protect your phone from these types of situations.
Warnings
- Do not use a hairdryer or other heat sources to try to dry the phone. High temperatures can damage it even more.
- While phones dry better when opened, you risk voiding their warranty with this method. Also, if you don't know what to do, opening your phone can damage it even more. However, in most cases water will still void the warranty, so this issue won't be a primary concern.
- While water can get your phone working, it can cause permanent damage, especially to the battery. It may break after a few months or overheat.
