A dropped pint, a splatter from the kitchen faucet, an awkward drop in the toilet- there are numerous ways that your smartphone could sustain water damage. Although the premium flagship phones come with waterproof coating and IP rating, most midrange and budget phones don’t have it. That is why it becomes important to know the fix. In this write-up, we will discuss how to fix a water damaged phone in 3 different ways. 

How to Fix a Water Damaged Phone?

1. Rice Method

If you want to know how to fix a water damaged phone, the rice method is one of the most commonly used methods to try. Here are the steps:

• Remove the phone from the water immediately if it has been submerged or had water spilled on it. Quick action is key to giving your phone the best chance of survival.
• Remove any protective cases, covers, or screen protectors since water could be trapped underneath these accessories. Also, make sure to take out the SIM card tray. 
• Do not try to turn on your phone or charge it. Attempting to power on a wet phone could cause an electrical short and permanent damage. 
• Use a microfiber cloth, towel, or facial tissue to gently dab or wipe away any residual moisture from the phone’s exterior surfaces and ports. Be very gentle as pushing water into ports can be damaging.  
• Fill a sealable plastic bag, Tupperware container, or bowl with white uncooked rice. Make sure there is enough rice to fully surround and submerge the phone. 
• Bury your phone in the rice so that it is completely covered. The rice will slowly absorb any moisture trapped inside your phone. 
• Seal the container tightly and let your phone sit for at least 48 hours. Check it periodically and give it longer if moisture is still visible.
• When ready to use again, reconnect the battery if you removed it and attempt to power on your phone. 

2. Vacuum Drying Method

If immediate action is not taken, moisture can evaporate inside a phone’s cavities causing long-term corrosion. If you are wondering how to fix a water damaged phone using vacuum dry, follow the steps mentioned below – 

• Allow the phone to air dry with ports facing down for at least 8 hours after water exposure.
• Obtain a vacuum pump capable of achieving negative pressure and an airtight bag or storage box that can fit your phone. 
• Place the phone inside the bag or box and tightly seal it, except for a small open corner.
• Insert the vacuum pump nozzle into the open corner. Turn on the pump and allow it to run for 30-60 minutes, carefully watching phone inside. This will suck air and moisture out.
• After sucking out all possible moisture, turn off the vacuum and seal the bag completely. Allow the phone to sit undisturbed for at least 72 hours. 
• Follow steps 7-8 from the rice method before attempting to turn the phone back on after vacuum drying.

3. Alcohol or Isopropyl solution method 

The alcohol or Isopropyl solution method is the best option for those who want to know how to fix a water damaged phone quickly. 

• Immediately remove your phone from the water if it has been submerged or had liquid spilled on it. Quickly power it off and take off any protective cases. 
• Use a microfiber cloth to gently soak up excess moisture from the phone’s exterior and ports. Be very gentle so as not to push water further inside.
• Prepare a solution of at least 90% isopropyl alcohol and water. This can help displace residual water in hard to reach areas. 
• Dip soft cotton swabs, toothbrushes, or paint brushes into the alcohol solution. Gently scrub exterior seams, microphone ports, speaker holes and charging ports to clean out water and corrosion buildup. Let solution sit briefly before wiping.
• Use an eye dropper to directly apply a few alcohol drops into any ports or holes. Tilt phone gently to let solution run out along with debris or trapped moisture.  
• Allow the phone to dry thoroughly before attempting to power back on, minimum 24 hours. Position the phone to let the solution fully evaporate.
• When fully dried, reconnect the battery if removed and attempt to turn the phone on. Charging port may need extra cleaning if the phone won’t charge. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my phone after getting it wet?

A: Do not attempt to turn on or charge a wet phone! Using it before properly drying can short circuit components and make damage permanent. 

Q: Does putting a phone in rice actually work? 

A: Yes, but you must know how to fix a water damaged phone with rice. 

Q: What percentage of isopropyl alcohol should I use to clean water damage? 

A: 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol mixed with distilled water works best to dissolve residue and evaporate quickly without corrosion. 

Q: Is it safe to put my phone on charge after water damage?

A: Only if the phone has had time to thoroughly dry out first. Attempting to charge before can cause electric shorts and damage battery.

Q: How can I tell if my phone is too damaged by water to be fixed?

A: If you see corrosion, phone doesn’t power on even after proper drying, or notice fried internal components, it is likely beyond DIY repair.  

Q: What phone water damage repairs can professionals do?

A: Pros can replace damaged ports, boards, screens, microphones and other components as well as properly clean corrosion. Cost varies significantly.

Q: Is phone water damage covered by warranty?

A: Liquid damage voids most phone warranties unless you purchased additional coverage. Carefully read policy details for any exceptions.

Conclusion

Knowing how to fix a water damaged phone allows you to save an expensive device from permanent damage. Quick drying techniques help mitigate moisture corrosion and preserve proper functioning. It also allows bypassing costly professional repair services. With many people accidentally spilling drinks or dropping phones in sinks or toilets, useful DIY phone salvage skills help minimise unfortunate accidents’ inconveniences, expenses, and waste.