How to Fix a Cell Phone if it Got Wet

Few things are as bad as that sinking feeling you get when you realize that your cell phone was still in your pocket when you ran into the lake. Or ran it through the laundry. Or dropped it in the toilet (ewwww). Cell phones are costly to replace and you probably want to know how to fix your cell phone if it gets wet. It requires a lot of patience, and doesn't always work...but you may be able to salvage the phone after all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• wet cell phone
• paper towels
• rice (optional)
• oven (optional)

1. Take it out of the water as soon as possible. Seems basic, but it needs to be mentioned.
2. Remove the battery. Electricity and water are a bad combination. Your phone has a better chance of being saved the faster you can get the battery out.
3. Remove your SIM card. This holds a lot of important information. If you do have to replace the phone, it's best if you still have your data.
4. Dry the phone as much as possible using paper towels.
5. Allow the phone to fully dry. This can take up to 3 days. Some people like to help it along by placing the phone in a bowl of uncooked rice or putting the phone in the oven (You don't have to turn the oven on, it will still help to dry it). Others try keeping it in the car or on the TV, anyplace that's warm.
6. Put the battery back in and test it. Check to see if the display screen looks foggy. If it does, it's not dry yet. Test later.
7. Hopefully your cell phone works and you're all set!

Tips & Warnings

• DO NOT heat the battery.