1. Take your phone out of the water
The quicker you remove it from the liquid, the less damage will be done.
2. Don’t press any buttons
Switch it off (if it isn’t off yet), but resist the urge to press any other buttons, as the water could flow underneath the keys.
3. Remove the battery and case
Try not to shake and/or tilt your phone too much to prevent water from flowing into other parts of your mobile device. Also remove any other peripherals, like earphones. Place all of these parts on paper towels to dry.
4. Remove the SIM card
Most SIM cards are waterproof, but rather take it out and set it aside to dry.
5. Wipe your phone
Use some paper towels or a clean, soft cloth to get rid off any visible liquid, but be careful not to get any fibres stuck in crevices.
6. Dry your phone using either or these methods:
- Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any liquid. Not too close, though, as this could create static electricity; or
- Place your phone in uncooked rice (or silica gel packs, like the ones used in shoeboxes) in an airtight container. The rice will absorb any moisture.
7. Wait at least 24 hours
Be patient. If it’s still wet after a day, repeat the drying process. And make sure all the other parts – like your SIM card and battery – are dry before putting them back into your phone.
8. Switch it on…
…and hold thumbs! Check that the screen is working – especially if it’s a touch-screen device – and that the phone is not making any strange noises.
9. If it’s not switching on
Take it to an authorised dealer. Be honest about what happened! Check or ask whether your warranty is still valid.
10. What not to do
DON’T USE A HAIR DRYER
Apart from the heat, using a hair dryer will blow the liquid even further into the nooks and crannies of your phone.
DON’T FREEZE YOUR PHONE
Some people suggest wrapping your phone in paper towels and freezing it, but once thawed, this could lead to even worse water damage.
Have you tried any of these methods? Please let us know!
