Wrong habits many people make when handling water damaged phones
When you accidentally drop your phone in water, many people have the habit of immediately putting it in a box of rice. But according to experts and Apple itself, this is a mistake that can do more harm than good.
Whether you drop your phone in the pool, bathtub, or sink, it's important to act quickly and properly when it comes into contact with water. The first step is to dry the surface of the device with a clean towel, sleeve, or something absorbent. Immediately after, remove the SIM card and, if possible, the battery and the outer casing.
For the iPhone, which is a non-removable device, Apple recommends that users tap the phone gently against the palm of their hand with the charging port facing down to let the water drain out.
Meanwhile, Samsung recommends using cotton swabs to absorb moisture in connection ports such as headphone jacks and charging ports. However, Apple warns against inserting anything deep into the slots to avoid damaging components.
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Photo: Internet.
If the device is exposed to water containing chemicals, such as seawater, pool water, or sugary soft drinks, Samsung recommends that users immerse the device in clean water for a few minutes, then dry it to reduce the risk of microcircuit corrosion.
All companies agree that you should keep your phone in a well-ventilated, dry place and avoid using high heat to dry it. Google recommends letting the device dry naturally at room temperature.
Rice is not a “savior” when the phone gets wet
The trick of putting your phone in a box of rice to absorb moisture has been around for a long time. However, according to Apple, this is a potentially risky method. In a warning published earlier this year, Apple emphasized: “Do not put your iPhone in a box of rice. Small rice grains and rice dust can get inside and damage the device.”
In fact, rice has only a very limited ability to absorb moisture and cannot reach the moisture inside electronic components. Even more dangerous, dust particles or debris from rice can clog the connection port or cause problems later.
If you need to absorb moisture quickly, silica gel – a desiccant commonly found in shoe or food packaging – is a much better choice than rice. You can buy silica gel in bulk and place your device in an airtight container with the packets for increased moisture absorption.
Either way, the general advice is to be patient. Wait at least a few days before trying to turn your device back on. Samsung even recommends taking it to a service center for inspection, even if it's dry.
Things you should never do when your phone gets wet
In the event of a water-damaged phone, many people’s first reaction is to look for tips that are widely available online. However, according to technology experts, some of these seemingly “emergency” methods actually do more harm than good to the device.
Do not use hair dryers, compressed air, heaters, clothes dryers or freezers:
Using high heat from a hair dryer or heater can quickly evaporate the water on the surface, but at the same time, it also causes the moisture to penetrate deeper into the microcircuits.
High temperatures can also warp or deform sensitive components or melt the insulating glue in your device. Similarly, using compressed air to “blow dry” can push liquid deeper into ports and circuit boards.
On the other hand, the idea of putting your phone in the freezer to prevent short circuits caused by conductive water is risky when the device is taken out and begins to thaw. The melted water can get into the motherboard components and cause corrosion. Furthermore, the sudden thermal expansion and contraction can easily crack the glass or the soldered joints inside.
Do not turn on the power or charge with the cable while the device is still wet:
This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes. Applying power while the inside of the device is still damp can cause a short circuit, resulting in damage to the processor chip, power IC or motherboard. In many cases, the damage may be irreparable.
If you really need to use your device in an emergency, wireless charging is a less risky option, as it doesn't require a direct connection through the charging port, which is often the most likely to retain moisture.
However, it is imperative that the device is completely dry both on the outside and the inside. Even if water is no longer dripping, moisture can still exist in small crevices that are invisible to the user.
The phone's water resistance is only relative.
Nowadays, many phones are equipped with IP68 water resistance, which means the device can withstand being submerged in water at a certain depth (from 1.5 to 6 meters depending on the model) for 30 minutes.
That doesn't mean you can be complacent, though. According to Apple and Google, water resistance isn't permanent and will degrade over time, especially after drops, repairs, or normal wear and tear.
In short, when your phone gets wet, stay calm, dry it carefully, avoid heat, and wait long enough before turning it on. And most importantly, don’t confuse “water resistance” with “water immunity”, because complacency can cost you your phone.
