Dropped Phone in Toilet? Here’s What to Do If Phone Falls in Water

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Try to imagine life without your mobile phone. Scary, isn’t it? Your phone is now your wallet, camera, map for directions and resource for answering a wide variety of questions, including “how to unclog a toilet?” The more we rely on our phone, however, the more likely we are to have it on us at all times, which means we’re more likely to drop it and crack the screen, or worse yet, fumble it into the pool, the sink filled with soapy water or even the toilet.

What to Do When You Drop Your Phone in the Toilet

We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment when our beloved phone takes an unexpected dive. If it happens to land in a toilet, acting quickly can mean the difference between a functioning phone and a costly replacement. Follow these detailed steps to maximize your chances of saving your waterlogged device:

1. Swift Retrieval is Key

The longer your phone remains submerged, the greater the risk of permanent damage. As soon as you realize what’s happened, reach in (yes, we know it’s unpleasant) and retrieve your phone.

2. Power Down Immediately

If your phone is still on, shut it down right away. Using it can cause short-circuits that might render your device irreparable.

3. Dismantle What You Can

• Case: Remove any protective casing, which might trap water against your phone.
• SIM and microSD cards: These are vital for your phone’s functionality and your data storage, respectively. Store them in a dry place.
• Battery: If your phone model allows, remove the battery to reduce the risk of a short-circuit.

4. Gentle Exterior Drying

Gently blot the exterior of the phone with a soft, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing or shaking the phone, which can spread the moisture to undamaged areas.

5. Avoid the Temptation of Heat

Direct heat can cause additional damage. While it might seem like a hairdryer will speed up the drying process, it can actually push water deeper into the phone or damage sensitive components.

6. Silica Gel or Uncooked Rice to the Rescue

These substances are desiccants, meaning they can help draw out moisture.

• Silica Gel: Often found in shoe boxes or packaged goods, these little packets are moisture-wicking champs. Place your phone in a container filled with them.
• Uncooked Rice: A common DIY method, surrounding your phone with uncooked rice can help absorb lingering moisture.

7. Consider a Pro’s Touch

If you’re anxious about potential internal moisture or damage, consider seeking out a professional’s help. They can provide a thorough cleaning and assess internal components.

8. Patience Before Powering Up

Give your phone a minimum of 24-48 hours to dry out thoroughly. Rushing this step could result in turning on a phone that’s still wet inside, leading to a short-circuit.

9. Damage Inspection

Once the drying period is over, inspect your phone closely. Look for condensation under the screen or camera lens, which would indicate internal moisture.

10. Test All Functionalities

When you’re confident the phone is dry, power it on. If it starts, rigorously test all functionalities, including touchscreen responsiveness, camera quality, speaker and microphone performance, and charging capabilities.

11. Immediate Data Backup

Even if your phone seems perfectly fine after its watery mishap, there’s no guarantee it’ll stay that way. Back up your data to ensure you don’t lose important information should issues arise later.

12. Monitor for Lingering Issues

Over the next several days, stay vigilant for any erratic phone behavior, like random restarts, poor battery life, or software glitches.

In conclusion, while dropping your phone in the toilet is certainly distressing, quick and appropriate action can often save the day. However, prevention is the best solution. To protect your device in the future, consider investing in a waterproof case or being extra careful around bodies of water, including your bathroom facilities.