Cell Phone Water Damage: Can It Be Fixed?

Waterproof cell phones and smartphones are a hot topic right now. As the cost of smartphones continues to rise, it is important to protect and keep your phone in good condition. Though it sounds simple, avoiding phone damage can be a challenge. About 30% of iPhones suffer from some form of damage over the course of a year, and about 25% of smartphone owners report that damage happened to their phone because of a child using it.

While phone cases are a good start to help protect the investment of your cell phone, many phone cases don’t protect against water damage. If you are looking for a phone fix because your phone has water damage, here are a few tips, although it may be best to just bring it to a professional so further damage doesn’t occur.

Water Damaged Phone Repair Tips

Repairing water damage on your own can be risky and potentially cause further damage. Water damage could short circuit your speakers, or it could fry your entire motherboard. It isn’t quite the same as a simple iPhone battery replacement.

With that being said, you assume full risk when attempting to repair water damage by yourself. Here is what you shouldn’t do when attempting water damaged phone repair at home:

  • Do not turn the phone back on. Electricity and water don’t mix well.
  • Do not plug it in. Plugging in the phone — even if it is off — will add electricity to the mix.
  • Do not press any keys or buttons. This can lodge water further into the phone.
  • Do not blow into the device or shake it. Shaking the phone or blowing into it can push water deeper into the phone. Try to move the phone as little as possible.
  • Do not heat up the phone. While heat may evaporate water, it can also further damage your phone.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to get your phone back into working condition. Even if you decide to take your phone into a shop for water damaged phone repair, some of these items can be good to do beforehand:

  • Paper Towel Dry: Take a paper towel and hand dry the exterior of the phone as much as possible. Again, no need to be too vigorous here, just get all of the water off the surface.
  • Use a Vacuum: You can try to use a vacuum to suck water off the phone and, if possible, from inside of it. This method isn’t the most effective for water damaged phone repair, though it can help slightly.
  • Time and Rice: Water will evaporate over time. Just as pool toys eventually dry off when exposed to air, water in your phone will mostly evaporate over time. Putting your phone in a zip lock bag of rice may help speed up this process. Because rice is so dry, it tends to pull humidity out of the air. Putting rice and a water damaged phone in a zip lock back creates a controlled environment where the only humidity is coming from your phone.

After a couple of days you can try to turn your phone back on. However, bringing your phone in to be repaired professionally can be a safer way to handle a phone with water damage. It can also better guarantee that your phone will work again.

Traveling? Here’s How to Keep Your Cell Phone Safe

There are few events more exciting than traveling to a new location. Along with your luggage, itinerary, and plane ticket, however, you need to ensure that your cell phone is well-protected during your time away from home. After all, your phone is your tether to your friends and family back home. You might also use your phone for navigation, to look up local tips and tricks, and for calling for help in the event of an emergency.

If you’re planning on traveling somewhere new, ensure your phone — and all the information inside — stays safe with these tips.

Use a VPN

When you travel to a new town, you’ll likely want to use the local Wi-Fi available at a nearby coffee shop instead of splurging on an abroad plan. But you shouldn’t use public Wi-Fi without protection, especially if you’re traveling abroad.

This is because it opens your phone up to the potential of a cyber attack. When anyone uses public Wi-Fi, information is shared across open channels. This means that just about anyone can access your important information. Whenever you want to use Wi-Fi, opt for a VPN.

VPN stands for virtual private network. This handy tool encrypts your data and hides it from potential threats.

Buy a hardy case

Everyone uses their phones as a camera. While you’re constantly jostling your phone from your pocket to your hands to your backpack, a sudden clumsy moment could lead to some nasty repercussions if your phone falls to the ground.

It’s estimated that Americans broke more than 50 million smartphone screens back in 2017 and spent around $3.4 billion on cell phone repair. With the help of a strong, waterproof case, you can prepare for anything your vacation throws at you.

Never keep it in your back pocket

Keeping your phone in your back pocket leaves it open for would-be thieves to grab and run. Even if you’re wearing a long jacket, pick-pockets have developed a solid strategy for catching a frazzled tourist when they’re off-guard.

Storing your phone in your back pocket also makes it easier to fall out when you’re sitting or engaging in fun activities. This puts your phone at risk of getting lost, but it also opens the door for breaking and shattering. One false move and you could be looking at water damage, a cracked screen, or worse. Avoid the chance for cell phone repair by keeping it in a bag or closed pocket.

Are you in need of cell phone repair? Whether your phone has water damage, a cracked screen, or needs an iPhone battery replacement, rely on the cell phone repair company you can trust: Phoenix Phone Fix.

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