What should I do if my phone fell in some water and won’t turn on?

I faced a similar issue once, and here’s how I managed it:

1. Initial Reaction: I made sure not to panic and approached the situation with caution. I refrained from pressing any buttons or plugging the phone in right after it fell into the water.
2. Power Down: I powered down the phone immediately to prevent any short circuits.
3. Drying Tactics: I wiped off the excess water using a lint-free cloth.
4. Rice Method: I placed the phone in a container filled with uncooked rice to absorb the moisture and left it there for three days.
5. Patience: Having patience was crucial. I didn’t try to turn it on too soon to avoid exacerbating the damage.

For a patient and thorough approach, here’s what you can do:

1. Resist the Urge: Don’t turn on or plug in the phone immediately after water exposure.
2. Detach Components: If possible, gently disassemble your phone by removing the SIM card, battery, and any other accessible parts.
3. Gentle Shake: Without shaking it vigorously, try to allow excess water to drip out.
4. Avoid Hairdryers: Do not use a hairdryer as direct heat can damage your phone further.
5. Apply Rice or Silica: Place the phone in a sealed bag with silica gel packs or rice and leave it for a couple of days.
6. Post-Drying Check: After 48-72 hours, verify if your phone is completely dry before attempting to power it on.
7. Subtle Testing: Press the buttons gently to see if there’s any response after ensuring dryness. If there is still no response, consider professional technical support to assess the phone’s PCB.

Here’s a pragmatic approach for dealing with your water-damaged phone:

1. Stop Using Immediately: Immediately stop using the phone after it falls into the water to minimize further damage.
2. Dry Externally: Wipe off the excess water using a soft cloth right away.
3. Vacuum Bag Method: Place the phone in a vacuum-sealed bag to draw out moisture more efficiently.
4. Repair Shop Visit: If you’re not comfortable opening the phone yourself, take it to a repair shop promptly. Professionals can carefully open the device, clean it, and verify there is no lasting damage.
5. Data Backup: Once you manage to revive the phone, make sure to backup your important data immediately to prevent potential loss from future issues.

First, remember not to panic. Here are some steps you can try to fix your phone:

1. Immediate Action: Avoid pressing any buttons or trying to turn it on instantly to prevent causing a short circuit.
2. Dry it Out: Shake off any excess water gently and place your phone in a bowl of uncooked rice or silica gel packets for at least 48 hours. These materials are excellent for absorbing moisture.
3. Careful Inspection: After the drying period, inspect your phone thoroughly for any remaining wet spots. If you have a removable battery, take it out and look for any signs of corrosion or damage.
4. Test: Once you are confident it’s dry, try turning it on. If it works, monitor it closely for any unusual behavior that might indicate internal damage.

In such situations, a more detailed approach might be required:

• Disassembly: If you’re comfortable with it, research and follow guides on safely opening your phone model. Disassembling the device can help you reach any trapped moisture.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Clean the internal components using 99% isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. This helps to displace the water and clean off any residues.
• Professional Help: If taking apart your phone isn’t something you’re comfortable with, consulting a technician is a good idea. They can properly assess and clean the internal components to help restore functionality.