Search on the web and you’ll see a lot of guides on how to save smartphones from water damage. While some are truly helpful, we have been encountering some of the silliest solutions ever. Here in this article, we’ve gathered all of these myths online and explain the truth behind each one.
Make sure to read through the end of this post to know what you can actually do to save your wet phone in times of need.
#1 Use a Hairdryer
The truth is that using a hairdryer can just harm your smartphone further than it already is. Due to the strength of air flow, drying it using a blower can push the water deeper in your mobile and may facilitate moving of liquid through the circuits. This will then eventually cause the damage on heat sensitive electronics within your smartphone.
#2 Place it in a Bowl of Rice
This is one of the most common “home remedies” for water-damaged smartphones. Forget about using it on your wet phone cause we’re telling you, it’s bad news. Yes, it may be able to absorb a tiny bit amount of water, but it cannot complete dry it off. Instead, rice dusts can just possibly get in the susceptible parts of your smartphone, damaging it even further.
#3 Use Anything Absorbent
Much like the bowl of rice, not all absorbents can stop your worries. Stuff like oatmeal, chia seeds, and cat litter are not capable of absorbing all the moisture from your water-damaged phone. Rather, it can even add up to the damage as it scratches, dirts, and gets in the most vulnerable parts of your smartphone.
#4 Put it in the Microwave
This one is common sense. Never, ever put your smartphone in the microwave — not even for a few good seconds. This is one of the worst ideas anyone has ever come up with because obviously, it will fry up your gadget and melt the adhesives holding your phone parts altogether.
#5 Stick it in the Freezer
Many believe that putting water-damaged phone is a good way to save a wet phone. According to science, freezing water can reduce the conductivity of water molecules, therefore keeping short circuit from happening. Some even tipped that wrapping it in a towel can prevent frostbite. But the thing here is, once you take out your smartphone from the freezer, it will eventually adjust to normal temperature and the ice inside will melt off. And there you are worrying about the same old problem again. Furthermore, your temperamental LCD screen can possibly break off from the excessive low temperature.
The Best Way to Save Your Water-Damaged Smartphone
To cap off this post, let us give you a quick legitimate guide on how you can actually try to save your phone when faced with a water damage incident.
Step 1: Try your best to pull yourself out of panic.
Step 2: Take your phone out of the water the soonest you can.
Step 3: Turn your smartphone off if it isn’t already.
Step 4: Put your phone in a dry towel and take off all peripherals — case, SIM, memory card, battery, etc.
Step 5: Dry your phone using a soft towel.
Step 6: Unless you are skilled to do this, don’t try to disassemble your smartphone.
Step 7: Bring your phone to your trusted repair shop and have it checked for possible issues.
Guest article written by: Mr. Chu Thuong is the owner of Mobile City – a premier mobile phone repair service provider in Singapore. He has a team of dedicated technicians who are expert in solving water-damaged smartphones and other issues pertaining to your favorite gadgets.