How to Fix a Water-Damaged Phone in 7 Steps

Repairing a water-damaged phone requires quick and careful action. Taking immediate steps when your phone gets wet can significantly reduce the extent of the damage. Here, Phonefix give you seven simple steps to help you repair your water-damaged phone.

Step 1: Turn off your phone immediately
When water enters your phone, the risk of short circuits increases significantly. Therefore, the most important first step is to turn off your phone as quickly as possible. If your phone is still on, turn it off immediately to reduce further circuit damage. If the phone is already off, avoid trying to turn it on to prevent further damage.

Step 2: Remove the SIM card and memory card
Once the phone is off, the next step is to remove the SIM card and memory card. This is to prevent water from entering the card slots and further damaging the memory card or SIM card. If the SIM card slot is soaked in water, it may cause the card to malfunction or even affect the phone's signal reception. Use a SIM card ejector tool to remove the SIM card and memory card and place them in a dry place. Do not try to force them out to avoid damaging the card slot or the cards.

Step 3: Dry the phone surface
At this point, you should gently wipe the surface of your phone with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, especially the casing and ports. Try to remove any visible water from the phone's surface to prevent water from continuing to penetrate the phone's interior. When wiping, avoid wiping the screen or other sensitive areas forcefully to prevent damage to the screen or touch functionality.

Step 4: Disassemble the phone casing
This step requires a Professional phone repair toolkit. Use a screwdriver to disassemble the phone casing, carefully removing each screw. Some phones may require a pry tool to open the casing, so make sure to use the appropriate tools to avoid damaging the phone's exterior. During disassembly, note the location of each screw and the disassembly order to ensure that you can reassemble the phone smoothly later. Handle the internal components of the phone carefully during disassembly to avoid unnecessary damage.

Step 5: Clean up internal moisture
At this point, the phone's internal components are exposed, and you need to use appropriate tools to help remove the internal moisture. It is recommended to use a low-temperature hairdryer, set to a low speed and held at an appropriate distance, to gently dry the inside of the phone. If you don't have a hairdryer, you can place your phone in a desiccant (such as a silica gel packet) to help absorb the moisture inside the phone. It's generally recommended to leave the phone in the desiccant for 24-48 hours to ensure all the moisture evaporates.
Note: Do not use a high-temperature hairdryer, as high temperatures can damage the phone's battery or other important components.

Step 6: Check and Replace Damaged Parts
After disassembly, you can check the phone internal components for any obvious signs of damage. Common damaged parts include the screen, battery, and motherboard. If any parts are found to be damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Use a screwdriver to remove the damaged parts and carefully install the new replacement parts. For the battery, water ingress can cause problems such as inability to charge or swelling. If the battery is damaged, it's best to replace it with a new one. If the screen is damaged, it should also be replaced promptly to restore the phone's normal use.

Step 7: Reassemble and Test the Phone
After completing the internal cleaning and parts replacement, you can begin reassembling the phone. First, reassemble all the components in order and secure the casing with screws. During assembly, ensure that all components are properly installed and that no parts are missing. After assembly, restart the phone and test its basic functions, including screen display, touch function, volume control, and charging port. If all functions are working correctly, then the water-damaged phone has been successfully repaired.

The repair process for a water-damaged phone requires quick and careful handling. By promptly turning off the phone, removing the SIM card, disassembling the casing to clean the interior, and finally checking and replacing damaged parts, you can increase the success rate of phone recovery. If you encounter difficulties during the process or are unsure whether you can repair it yourself, it is recommended to seek help from a professional technician to ensure the safety and functionality of your phone. Through these seven steps, you can maximize your chances of saving your water-damaged phone and restoring its normal use.