How to Fix Cell Phone Buttons When They Get Wet

A wet cell phone is a user's worst nightmare

Wet cell phones can create panic in any user, even when just the buttons get wet. But you don't have to rush out and buy a new phone if you act quickly and exercise a little patience.

Things You'll Need

• Small flat head screwdriver
• Paper towels
• Bowl
• White rice, not instant
• Vacuum
• Clean towel

Instructions

1. Power off your phone right away. Unscrew the small screw on the back of your phone and remove the back cover. Take out the battery and dry it off with a towel. Lay it on a clean, dry towel to air dry. If you have a SIM card in your phone, remove this as well, dry it and lay it out to air dry.

2. 

   Towel dry before air drying.

   Remove the key pad or cell phone buttons, if possible. This usually comes off in one piece. Dry it off and lay on the towel to air dry. Shake all excess water out of your phone. Dry it off with a towel.

3. Take a paper towel and try to gently dry inside the crevices of the phone. Remove as much liquid as possible with paper towels.

4. 

   Rise soaks up the liquid.

   Pour dry rice into a bowl and submerge the phone, minus the battery, key pad and SIM card into the rice. Leave the phone in the rice for a few hours. The rice will draw out and absorb the liquid from inside the phone.

5. Remove your cell phone from the rice and vacuum off to remove any rice granules and any leftover moisture. Let the phone continue to air dry for a few more hours.

6. 

   Have your phone charger handy.

   Replace the battery in your phone and power it on. If your cell phone turns on then it's back in working condition. If it doesn't turn on, take out the battery and plug your phone into the charger. Turn it on again. If it works this way you'll know the phone is OK but the battery needs to be replaced. When your phone is working properly, put the SIM card back in, the key pad back on and screw the back cover securely into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a cell phone holder with a belt clip to keep your phone secure when you're not using it.

• Do not use a blow dryer to dry your phone as this can cause damage.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How To Dry Your Cell Phone
• Ex-Designs: How To Save a Wet Cell Phone

Resources

• Digital Trends: How To Save A Wet Cell Phone