We cannot imagine our daily life without a smartphone. These tiny devices are no longer used for calling and texting. These essential elements are used for business, travel, education, and other purposes. However, these tiny devices may go out of order despite their convenience and usability due to little contact with water or other liquids. Unless you handle the issue before it gets out of hand, there is little chance to extract your phone data or recover your devices after the water damage.
Recently, a growing number of manufacturers started developing water-resistant smartphones. However, even such devices could have some damage when they come into contact with water. If you split a drink on your phone or get caught up in the rain, you should know the following steps to check if your smartphone has water damage.
Check for moisture under the display
If visible moisture is under the screen, do not attempt to turn the phone on. Leave it to dry in a safe location with good air circulation, such as a dry and open area, for at least 24-48 hours. It is important not to use heat sources, such as a hairdryer or microwave, to dry the phone as this can cause further damage. After the phone has dried, try turning it on and see if it still works. You may need professional help to repair the damage if it does not. If the phone is still on, turn it off immediately, and follow the above steps.
Check the battery
If a device has a removable battery, checking for water damage by removing the battery is one method to check if water has entered the device. The white patch with a red pattern, also known as a water damage indicator, is typically located in the battery compartment or on the battery itself. If the indicator is pink or red, water has entered the device.
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It’s important to note that not all devices have this indicator, and even if the indicator is not triggered, the device may still have water damage.
For devices with in-built batteries, you need to check the device’s manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to check for water damage. Some devices have an indicator light or a specific code that can be checked to identify water damage.
It’s also worth noting that even if the phone appears to be working fine after water damage, long-term damage can still occur, so it’s important to have it professionally checked.
Look for physical signs
One way to check for water damage on your phone is to look for physical signs, such as rust or corrosion on the charging port or speaker grills. Another way is to check for water damage indicators, which are small stickers or tags on different phone parts that will change color if water has come into contact with them.
Check the phone’s software
Another way to check for water damage is to check the phone’s software. Some phones have built-in water damage indicators that can be accessed through the phone’s settings. For example, on an iPhone, you can go to “Settings” > “General” > “About” and look for the “Water Damage Indicator” section.
Finally, turn on your phone to see if it still functions properly. If the phone is not turning on or is experiencing other issues, it may be a sign of water damage.
It’s important to note that if your phone does have water damage, it’s best to take it to a professional for repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Remember that even if there are no visible signs of water damage, it can still cause problems with the phone’s internal components. If you suspect water damage, having the phone inspected by a professional is best.
