If you are ever faced with the dreaded situation of panicking over possible iPhone water damage, there are some things you can do, as well as some things you should not do, before taking it in for service. Knowing the right and wrong way to handle the device after it has come into contact with water will help mitigate the damage, making the success rate of repairing it much higher.
What Not to Do with a Liquid-Damaged Device
But first, it’s necessary to know exactly what kind of liquid your device has incurred damage from. While any kind of liquid can damage electronics, some liquids are more detrimental than others.
Being able to identify how severe the damage is helps whoever is repairing it know what they’re getting into. Furthermore, it helps them know whether or not a repair is even warranted, or if a new iPhone may just be a better option right off the bat.
In most cases, mild liquid contact may be able to be repaired. But if your iPhone was soaking in a glass of Coke, you’re probably going to be better off purchasing a new iPhone in the end.
Once you have identified the liquid that has caused the damage to the iPhone, here are some actions you should avoid taking:
1. Do not use rice.
Somewhere along the line, someone came up with the theory that if you put your phone in rice it will fix everything. Wrong! This is actually one of the worse things you can do. While the logic of pulling water or liquid out of the device sounds like a good plan, it actually isn’t.
Once the device completely dries out, corrosion sets in. You want to avoid this at all costs. It causes more damage from time to time. But it’s also not fun to pick out of small areas. Most reputable repair shops will tell you to place the still wet device into a plastic bag and bring it in as is.
2. Do not use a hairdryer.
Never, ever, under any circumstance take a hair dryer or a heat gun to a water damaged iPhone. Much like rice, you’re going to cause corrosion to set in faster and could potentially damage your device further.
To remove liquid, attempt to shake it out from any entry points or hold it upside down. If your phone still has liquid in it, just bring it into the repair shop. But whatever you do—don’t be tempted to pull out the hair dryer.
3. Do not use a charger.
Some people are inclined to throw the damaged iPhone on a charger immediately after it sustains water damage. This typically happens if the screen blacks out or the device dies. Lithium-ion batteries and liquid don’t play nice together.
Most places that fix water damage will replace the battery just as a precaution on all water damaged device. It’s a good practice you should follow if your phone has come in contact with a liquid.
On top of causing issues with the battery, using a charger can also short-circuit the logic board. Leaving the device completely turned off for a period of time is best practice. Do that until you can get professional assistance with the repair.
North Georgia Cell Phone Repair has the tools and experience to handle your water-damaged iPhone needs. Depending on the extent of the damage, technicians can generally finish repairs while you wait! Let the experts handle your iPhone water damage by calling 770-569-2002 to get a free estimate. We can fix that phone!
