Smartphones Are Essential in Modern Life, and Losing One Is a Headache—What Should You Do If Your Phone Falls in Water?

 

▲Smartphones are essential for modern life (Photo credit: ⓒGetty Images Bank)

Modern life has become so dependent on smartphones that getting through the day without one can be inconvenient. As more people use mobile phones, various problems can arise, including loss, damage, depleted batteries, and water exposure. 

Among these, accidentally dropping a phone in water is a common problem. Most recently released smartphones are water-resistant and can still be used without major problems after falling in water, but even water resistance cannot completely prevent all liquid damage. 

If a phone has a damaged area that has weakened its water resistance, or if it has no water resistance at all, it will stop working immediately. So what should you do if your smartphone falls in water, and what should you never do?

Tips for When Your Smartphone Falls in Water

 

1. Do Not Turn On the Phone

When a smartphone falls in water and will not turn on, most people panic and try switching it on, but this is dangerous. Turning a water-damaged smartphone back on could cause a short circuit and burn out its components. If your smartphone falls in water, remove the moisture and take it to a service center for repair as quickly as possible. If the phone has a removable battery, turn it off, remove the battery, and have it inspected at a service center.

2. Do Not Dry It with a Hair Dryer or Hot-Air Blower

Some people use a hair dryer or hot-air blower to dry a phone that has fallen in water, but this is also dangerous. The heat could burn the phone's components. Instead of drying a wet smartphone with a hair dryer or hot-air blower, remove only the surface moisture and take it to a service center promptly.

What If Your Smartphone Gets Wet with or Falls into Seawater or Soda?

There are some cases in which a water-damaged smartphone should be rinsed with water—specifically, when it has been exposed not to ordinary water but to seawater or soda. 

During summer vacations, many people head to the beach to escape the heat. While absorbed in having fun, they may accidentally drop their smartphone into the sea. Waterproof pouches are available these days, but without one, the situation can be difficult.

In this case, lightly rinse the smartphone under running tap water. Salt from seawater or carbonation from soda could corrode the phone.