Did your cell phone fall into the water? Learn tips from experts to save the phone

Did you drop your cell phone in the water and do not know what to do to recover the device? It is common to find on the Internet a few tips like putting your smartphone in the rice or drying the waste with a hair dryer. But do they work? Is it possible to fix the phone at home without having to take it to the technical assistance?

To help you with this problem, TechTudo went after experts and separated some tips on what to do or not do when the phone falls into the water. The tips are also valid for anyone who has a waterproof smartphone.

Video brings tips on what to do when your cell phone falls in the water

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What can happen to a cell phone that falls into the water?

Contact with water may cause oxidation to the components of your smartphone, causing the device to even stop working, if not corrected in a timely manner. Despite this, removal of the oxidation is a process that can be done relatively easily in some technical assistance.

The component, however, which usually has more defects in contact with water is the internal plate. Electronics professor Aridio Schiappacassa, from CEFET-RJ, points out that, contrary to what most people think, the screen is not the most risky item. "People often think that the screen is going to damage first, but it's usually the internal circuitry, and the user usually does not have access to them to fix, " he explains.

Internal components tend to be most affected in contact with water

However, contact with water may also cause some spots on the smartphone display. This problem, however, can be repaired in technical assistance. The biggest concern that the user should have when leaving the cell phone in the water is with the internal components, which are the most important parts of the device. The defect of some of these parts is also reflected in the price of a possible repair.

According to Felipe Marchese, president of the technical assistance network Conserta Smart, the repair work of a cell by oxidation can cost between $ 150 and $ 250. However, it is worth remembering that the exchange of a main board, is more expensive and in that case the repair may not be worth it. In addition, it is important to also note that the longer the user takes to take the appliance to the service center, the lesser the repair possibilities.

What to do with a cell phone that fell into the water?

Experts are unanimous about what not to do soon after the cell phone falls into the water: try to turn the device on. Sometimes the user is anxious to know if he has lost something and ends up calling the cell phone soon. However, the best thing to do is to disassemble the smartphone as much as possible. This includes removing the chips, microSD card and especially the battery if your device allows.

Aridio Schiappacassa points out that the battery can cause damage if it remains on the phone. "Its own electrical emission can cause corrosion in the electrical circuits of the device and, once corroded, it does not have anything else to be done."

After removing the phone from the water, dismantle and dry the device with a cloth

After removing all components, you should dry them one by one with a towel or cloth and lightly tap the water to drain. Marchese says that the best attitude is to take the smartphone to make the necessary repairs: "The water rusty the device and the person can not fix it at home. The technical assistance will open the cell phone and do the deoxidation. "

Does putting the cell phone in rice work?

One of the most common indications of what to do when the cell phone falls into the water is to place the smartphone inside a pot of raw rice. And this tip can be very effective: according to experts, rice absorbs water that accumulates in the cell phone and helps remove moisture. Ideally take a pot full of rice and leave the phone completely covered for at least a day.

Leave the phone in a pot of rice so the product draws moisture

Silica gel is also an option to absorb excess water. However, it takes a lot of silica to cover up the cell phone. As rice is something easier to access, since everyone is usually at home, it may be the best option at the time of suffocation.

Although these products may help, they may not be as efficient as they run the risk of getting some water residue in the device, which may generate oxidation in the future.

Can I dry with a dryer or vacuum cleaner?

On the Internet, it is also common to find suggestion of using a dryer or vacuum cleaner when the cell phone falls into the water. The first one is indicated to evaporate the water, while the second one can suck the residues that have remained in the smartphone. However, these actions are poorly recommended and require extra care.

Felipe Marchese points out that if the dryer is used too hot, it can end up causing desoldering and "taking off internal components of the smartphone". On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner can damage buttons and connectors if you "suck" with too much force. "Depending on the power, the vacuum cleaner may end up sucking some button or connector on the phone."

Avoid using a dryer or vacuum cleaner to remove the water accumulated in the cell phone.

Can I put it to dry in the sun?

There are even those who choose to put the cell phone to dry in the sun. This tip is the least recommended as there is no evidence that the sun will actually dry out all the water. In fact, it can make matters worse. According to the professor of electronics, "the heat of the sun can end up damaging various parts of the cell, which can not be recovered later."

If the user can not do any of the recommended actions above, especially putting the cell phone in the rice, you can even leave the smartphone in an airy place with little incidence of sun. This, however, does not guarantee that the unit will operate normally afterwards.

Kit for recovery of electronics

Another alternative in these cases is to resort to electronic recovery kits, such as AF Tech-Rescue. The product, which arrived in Brazil in 2014, promises to recover not only smartphones, like any electronic that came into accidental contact with water. The kit consists of a sealed plastic package and an agent able to remove moisture from the phone. For effects, the device must remain in the bag for 48 hours. AF Tech-Rescue has an average price of $ 20 on online stores.

Tech-Rescue Kit can save smartphones that have come in contact with water

Can water-resistant cell phone be completely submerged?

Even those who own a waterproof phone are not exempt from these types of disorders. According to Felipe, many owners of "waterproof" phones arrive with their smartphones in technical assistance due to problems with water. This is because people end up exposing their devices purposefully to certain situations for which devices are not ready, such as diving on the beach or swimming pool.

Even water resistant cell phones, which are usually IP67 or 68 certified, should not be submerged. This feature ensures protection only against accidental contact with the liquid.

Beware of water vapor

Another care that must be taken is with the exposure of the smartphone to water vapor. Many people have the custom of taking the phone to the bathroom at bath time, but they do not know that this can also be harmful. Felipe comments that in some cases, the telephone arrives at the technical assistance with problems of oxidation, even without it has fallen in the water. This is because "water vapor also causes oxidation of the appliance over time." So, the best thing to do is to avoid taking the phone to the bathroom.

Water vapor in the bathroom can also be harmful to the smartphone

Is screened cell phone more vulnerable to contact with water?

The answer to that question is yes. If your smartphone has cracks or other defects on the screen, care should be taken to reduce the amount of water that may be present on the device. According to Professor Aridio, water enters through cracked glass and can contaminate the display more quickly. In addition, only the fact that the panel is damaged already leaves the device more exposed and susceptible to problems.

Conclusion: how to recover a device that has fallen into the water?

Therefore, prevention is the best way to prevent cell damage due to contact with water. However, if this has already happened, the best thing to do is to remove the chip, microSD and battery, if possible, and dry the device with a towel. Then the ideal is to take you into a technical assistance. If this is not possible, keep the phone in a pot with rice for at least one day to absorb the water.

If you are too clumsy or spend too much time near the water, leaving your cell phone at risk, it is worth considering a waterproof smartphone on your next purchase. Although the phone has this feature, care should be taken with it.

Another tip is to get a waterproof hood to keep your cell phone safe, especially in situations where it gets more exposed, such as on the beach or near the pool. Here are some options in this list.

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