Water is the worst enemy for any electronics you have. How many times this situation occurred: you and your gadget went out to rest by the swimming pool... It slips out right into water. But no need to panic and cry, your device can and will be saved. Here is a little “How To” on how to live up your drowned phone.
1. Turn it off IMMEDIATELY
It is very important that you cut the power as soon as possible. The longer your device stays online the more chances for moisture to make a short circuit thus dealing unrecoverable damage to your mate.
2. Remove the battery (not for iPhone)
To be absolutely sure that no electricity is running, remove the battery and dry it off with a blow dryer set on low. This will prevent corroding and save your battery’s life. If you are an iPhone owner, well, just move on to step 3 and pray that your battery lives.
3. Put your phone into raw rice
Nope, it’s not a joke. Rice really is a good absorbing material. It works the same as those silica packets that come in electronics and shoe boxes. These will work too as well, but in larger quantities. What you’ll have to do is fill a bowl with one or two cups of uncooked rice and bury your phone into it. Then completely cover the bowl with something, seal it and wait for two - three days. You will need hell-of-a patience to survive these days but unfortunately you don’t have another choice.
4. Blow dry the LCD (if needed)
At the end of two - three days period the rice should absorb all the moisture inside your phone. But there may be some water left in the difficult to reach places. If this happens, you will notice a black area on your screen. Don’t worry; it can be fixed with a blow dryer. Use it on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t use high heat, because it can greatly damage your phone. Be careful while using the blow dryer.
That’s all folks. After much effort and patience your device should work. Of course it may not work the way it was. And also, there is a small sticker inside every smartphone that changes color in case of water exposure. Your warranty will be voided. Some corrosion may also occur. Best of luck and next time, be more careful.
