Ultimate Guide to Protect Your Phone From Water Damage: Don’t Panic, Just Follow These Steps

Today, IP ratings have become synonyms with smartphones across various segments. In the mid-range, brands tend to opt for the basic resistance to splashes, while more premium handset lean towards more an IP67/68 rating, which allows you to submerge a phone in water up to a certain extent.

But smartphone warranties don't tend to cover water damage, irrespective of the IP rating. So what happens when your smartphone is submerged in water or you're caught in a surprise downpour? Water and electronics are never a good mix, but luckily, we have some steps you can take to try and save your phone.

Act Quickly! The Quicker you Act, the Better the Chance of Saving your Phone

1. Turn it off: Don't waste time trying to dry it while it's on. Power down your phone entirely as electricity and water can lead to a nasty short circuit, causing permanent damage.
2. Remove the Case: A case can trap water next to your phone. Take it off and dry it with a towel or an absorbent cloth.
3. Take Out What You Can: If your phone has a removable battery and SIM card/SD card, take them out and dry them separately.
4. Do not Press any keys: If you press any keys or buttons, it is most likely that the water can seep into your phone through those buttons.

Dry it Out!

• Dry your phone: Skip the hair dryer because hot air can damage the internal components. Put your phone in a rice bag to let it absorb all the water. If possible, prop your phone upright with the ports facing down to allow any trapped water to drain out naturally.
• Wait and See: After a day or two of drying, try turning your phone back on. If it doesn't work, or you see any signs of damage, it's best to take it to a professional for repair.

Seeking Professional Help

If your phone doesn't come back to life after the whole drying process, then seeking professional help will be your best option. Professional phone repair technicians have specialised tools and techniques to diagnose and potentially repair water damage. The sooner you take your phone to a professional, the better chance they have of salvaging it.

Beyond Repair: What Now?

If the unfortunate news arrives that your phone is beyond repair, it's time to consider your options. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Warranty Check: If your phone is under warranty, water damage might be covered, depending on the specific terms, although the chances of this are quite rear. But check your warranty details and head to an official service center to be safe.
• Data Recovery: In the rare case that your phone is irreparable, you can still salvage your data (photos, contacts, etc.). Some data recovery services might be able to salvage it from the phone's internal storage, depending on the severity of the damage.

Preventing Future Disasters

While water damage can happen to anyone, here are some ways to minimise the risk:

• Invest in a Waterproof Case: Consider getting a waterproof case for your phone, especially if you're prone to accidents or spend a lot of time around water.
• Be Mindful Around Liquids: Develop a habit of keeping your phone away from potential water sources, like sinks, taps, etc.

With a Holi just around the corner, it might be wise to carry your phone in a zip lock bag or a waterproof pouch. To conclude, acting quickly and following these steps can help revive your water-damaged phone.