Whether you're at a restaurant or by the pool, your phone can get wet no matter how careful you are. Thankfully, that doesn’t always mean it needs to be replaced. Even if it’s unresponsive, there are at-home cellphone repair tips that might get your phone back up and running.
Do:
Turn it off.
Depending on how wet your phone is, it may not turn off. If it’s still on, make sure the power isn’t running at all. This includes removing the battery. iPhones® have specialty batteries that you won’t be able to remove. If you have one, use the power button to turn it off. If possible, remove your SIM card.
Use dry rice or silica gel packets.
While it sounds like an urban myth, rice is an effective cellphone repair method. Submerge it in a bowl of uncooked rice for 24 to 48 hours. It will soak up the moisture that’s still inside your phone. Be sure to cover the phone’s ports, so rice doesn’t get lodged inside.
Silica gel packets are sometimes more effective. They’re drying agents used to absorb moisture from leather products and some foods. For your cellphone repair needs, the silica gel packets prevent condensation. They can be purchased online, at local hardware stores, and big-box retailers. Place your phone and a few silica packets in an air-tight bag or container. After 72 hours, try turning the phone back on again.
Don't:
Disassemble it.
Dissembling your phone will void the warranty. There’s also the chance that you can make the damage worse if you aren’t careful. There are trained cellphone repair experts who can open the phone if necessary.
Charge it.
Electricity can fry the tracks of the phone’s circuit boards, making cellphone repairs impossible. That’s why it’s recommended you turn the phone off immediately. Charging your phone—even when it’s off—can produce enough of a current to short it out.
Use heat to dry it.
You should dry your phone with a towel after getting it wet. Never use direct heat, like microwaves or flames. Heat can potentially melt the phone’s circuit boards. Hair dryers shouldn’t be used either. The air will either blow the water deeper into the phone or cause condensation from within, further damaging it.
For your tech issues, including tablet, computer, and cellphone repair, reach out to Experimax North Tampa. Whether you want to buy, sell, upgrade, or repair your Apple® products, their experts back all their services with a 90-day guarantee. Experimax is based in Tampa, FL, but also serves the Greater Carrollwood and Northdale areas. Call (813) 280-2620 for location information. To learn more about their premium certified pre-owned Apple products and their financing options, visit their website.