What to do if Your Phone Falls Inside Water

Recent insights suggest the common advice of using rice to salvage a water-soaked phone is not as effective as once believed. Instead, investing in a waterproof or water-resistant phone case stands out as the primary defense mechanism against potential water damage.

Experts highlight that placing a phone in rice, a popular DIY technique thought to absorb moisture, may not efficiently reach all parts of the device, potentially prolonging the drying process for days. Furthermore, the starch and dust from rice could exacerbate issues by infiltrating the phone’s ports.

Outlined steps offer a more effective approach:

1. Procure a waterproof or water-resistant phone case to prevent water damage.
2. Swiftly power down the phone.
3. Remove the phone case, battery (if accessible), SIM card, and microSD card.
4. Employ a clean cloth or paper towel to gently pat the phone dry, focusing on crevices and openings without rubbing.
5. Refrain from using sunlight for drying; opt for a cool, dry area.
6. Utilize a cotton swab to carefully clean charging ports and other exposed areas.
7. Substitute rice with silica gel packets, often enclosed with new products, for drying purposes.
8. Place the phone in a sealed plastic bag filled with silica gel packets for 24-48 hours.
9. After allowing sufficient drying time, attempt to power on and charge the phone fully. If unsuccessful initially, recharge and retry.

Experts recommend seeking professional assistance if these DIY methods fail to revive the phone. Consulting a phone repairer or technician can potentially salvage the device from irreparable water damage.

These updated techniques aim to provide a more reliable means of safeguarding phones against water-related mishaps, emphasizing prevention and proper handling as key strategies in maintaining device longevity.