It’s a nightmare scenario that most of us dread—your phone slips out of your hand and plunges into a pool, sink, or worse, the toilet. Water and electronics don’t mix, and water damage is one of the most common reasons phones break down. But before you panic, there are steps you can take to potentially save your device.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do when your phone falls in water and why professional repair services, like those at iFix Memphis, are crucial in saving your device.
Step 1: Remove the Phone from Water Immediately
Time is of the essence. As soon as your phone hits the water, retrieve it as quickly as possible. The longer it stays submerged, the greater the risk of internal damage. Even a few extra seconds in water can make a significant difference.
Step 2: Turn It Off and Don’t Try to Turn It Back On
The instinct to check if your phone still works can be strong, but resist the temptation. Turning on a water-damaged phone can cause short circuits that may lead to irreparable damage. Instead, power down the phone if it’s still on, and do not press any buttons or shake the device, as this can spread the water internally.
Step 3: Remove the Case, SIM Card, and Accessories
Take off any protective case and remove the SIM card, memory card, and any other accessories attached to your phone. Removing the SIM card is crucial because water can damage it, and it holds important information, such as your contacts. If your phone has a removable battery, take that out as well.
Step 4: Dry the Phone with a Towel
Use a soft towel or cloth to gently pat your phone dry. Focus on the exterior and avoid excessive shaking or movement. Do not use a hair dryer or apply heat to the phone, as this can cause further damage. You want to absorb as much surface moisture as possible before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Skip the Rice and Head to iFix Memphis
You’ve probably heard the old “put it in rice” trick, but this is a myth. While rice may absorb some external moisture, it won’t fix the internal water damage, and it certainly won’t address corrosion or lingering water inside the device. Instead, your best bet is to take your phone to a professional repair shop like iFix Memphis as soon as possible.
At iFix Memphis, our technicians have the specialized tools and expertise to handle water-damaged phones. We can safely open your device, remove excess moisture, clean components, and address any damage to internal circuits. The faster you get your phone to us, the better chance we have of saving it.
Step 6: Let the Professionals Handle It
Once your phone is at iFix Memphis, our team will perform a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage. We’ll thoroughly dry the internal components, clean any corrosion, and determine if any parts need replacing, such as the battery or screen. Our goal is to save as much of the original device as possible and get your phone working like new again.
Why Professional Repair Services Matter
Water damage is tricky and often involves more than just drying out your phone. Without proper cleaning, corrosion can set in, which may cause further damage down the line. That’s why professional repair services like those at iFix Memphis are crucial for saving your device. Our skilled technicians can perform deep repairs that DIY methods simply can’t match.
Conclusion
When your phone falls in water, quick action is key to minimizing damage. While it’s tempting to rely on home remedies like rice, professional help from iFix Memphis is the best way to ensure your phone is properly dried and repaired. If your phone takes an unexpected dip, follow these steps and bring it to one of our locations—we’ll do our best to save it!