Experts such as Movical.net for example are unanimous on what not to do right after your cell phone falls into the water: try to turn it on. Sometimes, the user is anxious to know if he has lost something and turns on his cell phone right away. However, the best thing to do is disassemble the smartphone as much as possible. This includes removing the chips, microSD card, and especially the battery if your device allows it.
The battery can cause damage if it remains in the phone. “Its electrical emission can cause corrosion in the electrical circuits of the device and, once corroded, there is nothing else to be done.” After removing all the components, you must dry them one by one with a towel or cloth and give them light taps so that the water can drain. Marchese says the best attitude is to take the smartphone to make the necessary repairs: “The water oxidizes the device, and the person cannot fix it at home. The technical assistance will open the cell phone and do the deoxidation”.
Does Putting Your Cell Phone In Rice Work?
One of the most common indications of what to do when your cell phone falls into water is to put your smartphone inside a pot of raw rice. And this tip can be practical: according to experts, rice absorbs the water that accumulates in the cell and helps remove moisture. The ideal is to take a pot full of rice and leave the phone completely covered for at least a day. Silica gel is also an option to absorb excess water. However, it takes a lot of silica to cover up the cell phone. As rice is easier to access, since everyone usually has it at home, it can be the best option when you are in a pinch. Although these products help, they may not be as efficient, as there is a risk of some water residue remaining in the device, which can generate oxidation in the future.
Can I Dry It With A Hairdryer Or Vacuum Cleaner?
It is also common to find suggestions for using a dryer or vacuum cleaner when the cell phone falls into the water on the Internet. The first is indicated to evaporate the water, while the second can suck the residues left in the smartphone. However, these actions are not recommended and require extra care.
If the dryer is used too hot, it can end up causing a desoldering and “detaching internal components of the smartphone.” On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner can damage buttons and connectors if it “sucks” too hard. “Depending on the power, the vacuum cleaner can end up sucking a button or cell phone connector.”
Can I Put It To Dry In The Sun?
Even those who choose to put their cell phones out to dry in the sun. This tip is the least recommended, as there is no evidence that the sun will dry out all the water. It can make the situation worse. According to experts, “the sun’s heat can damage various parts of the cell phone, which cannot recover later.” If the user cannot do any of the actions recommended above, especially putting the cell phone in rice, he can leave the smartphone in an airy place with little sunlight. This, however, does not guarantee that the device will typically work afterward.