How to Save Your Water-Damaged Smartphone
Accidentally dropping your smartphone in water is a panic-inducing event, but quick action can sometimes save your device from permanent damage. Water damage is a common problem for smartphone owners, with a study by SquareTrade indicating that 65% of smartphones will experience some form of water damage during their lifespan. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to address a water-damaged phone, with tips on both rescue and prevention.
Immediate Steps to Save Your Water-Damaged Phone
The moment you realize your phone has encountered water, every second counts:
- Get your smartphone out of the water ASAP
- Turn off the device immediately to prevent short circuits that can cause further damage.
- If your phone has a removable battery take it out to reduce the risk of electrical damage.
- Use a soft, absorbent towel to gently pat your phone dry. Be thorough but gentle to avoid pushing water deeper into the phone.
- Don’t use a hairdryer, microwave, or any other heat source to dry the phone. Excessive heat can damage internal components beyond repair.
- Place the phone in silica gel packets or in a dry place in front of a fan
- Leave your phone in a dry, well-ventilated area until you can get help. It’s best not to turn it on until a professional can clean it and salvage the data, as this can permanently damage the phone.
What Not to Do
Some common mistakes can worsen the situation:
- Don’t Power On: Resist the urge to check if the phone still works, as this can cause unrepairable damage such as shorting components and chips on the motherboard (logic board).
- Avoid Pressing Buttons: This can push water further inside the phone.
- Skip the Heat: Don’t use any form of heat to dry out the phone.
Is Your Smartphone Water Resistant or Waterproof?
It can be easy to hear “water-resistant” and think the device you’re getting is “waterproof”. However, these terms represent very different levels of protection.
Water-resistant smartphones are typically assigned an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates their resistance to solids (like dust) and liquids. A smartphone with an IPX7 rating can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. Water resistance is achieved through seals and gaskets, but wear and tear or damage to the phone’s structure can break down this resistance over time.
The term “waterproof” suggests that a device can be completely submerged in water for extended periods without any water penetrating and causing damage. However, in the consumer electronics market, truly waterproof smartphones are rare.
Most devices marketed as waterproof are actually highly water-resistant, with higher IP ratings like IPX8. They can be submerged deeper and for longer periods than IPX7-rated devices.
Check the specific IP rating of your smartphone. It’ll help you determine how likely it is that your phone has been damaged by getting wet.
Preventive Measures for Future Protection
Finding a professional to fix your phone after water damage is key if you want the best possible outcome for your phone. In the future, consider these tips to avoid being back in this situation again:
- Waterproof Cases: Invest in a good quality waterproof case for your phone. While many phones are water-resistant, that won’t do much good if the phone is submerged in water for any length of time.
- Regular Backups: Make sure to back up your data regularly. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll at least still have access to your important files and photos.
- Insurance: Get insurance that covers water damage. It offers some peace of mind to have financial protection against accidents.
Why Opt for Samsung Galaxy Screen Repair NYC After Water Damage?
Professionals can often recover crucial data like contacts, photos, and messages, even if they can’t save the phone. However, there’s a much better chance of your phone functioning normally after a dip if you bring it to a professional.
Water can seep into intricate parts of your phone that you can’t reach just by patting it dry and leaving it in a bag of rice or silica. Professionals use specialized tools to open the phone and clean every part of it, which is important since residual moisture can leave behind minerals and cause corrosion over time, which can deteriorate the phone’s internal circuits.
Professionals can replace damaged parts. Even if you think you’re up to the task of thoroughly drying your phone, DIY repairs or letting the phone dry on its own can void warranties.
Why Choose Samsung Galaxy Screen Repair NYC?
Samsung Galaxy Screen Repair NYC uses OEM quality glass and parts for all repairs so your phone not only works but looks as good as new. A solid warranty gives some peace of mind that the repairs are durable and reliable.
Samsung Galaxy Screen Repair NYC offers the best in technical prowess, quick turnaround times, and high-quality parts that meet or exceed your smartphone’s original specifications. The team of certified technicians is equipped with the latest tools and training, with experience with all Samsung Galaxy models.
