How to Fix a Water Damaged Android & Rescue Data [Step-by-Step Guide]

"My phone was possibly water damaged and could be dead, and I was wondering if there was anything else I could do?"

- From Reddit

Accidentally dropping your Android phone in water, whether it's a puddle, toilet, pool, or even a washing machine, can be a panic-inducing moment. Water damage is one of the most common smartphone disasters, but the good news is that prompt and correct action can significantly increase your chances of saving the device. Moreover, even if the phone seems unresponsive, there are ways to retrieve your precious data, like photos, contacts, and messages.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step methods to fix a water-damaged Android and rescue your data, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

Part 1. How to Fix a Water Damaged Android [6 Steps]

The key to fixing a water-damaged Android is to act fast and avoid any actions that could worsen the damage (like turning it on or using heat). Follow these 6 sequential steps to give your phone the best chance of recovery:

Step 1. Power Off at Once

The first and most crucial step when your Android phone is exposed to water is to turn it off as quickly as possible. Water can cause short circuits inside the phone if the power is left on, so shutting down the device prevents further damage to internal components. If the phone is still running, press and hold the "power" button to force it to turn off.

Step 2. Remove Strip Accessories

Once the phone is off, the next step is to remove any accessories like the case, SD card, and SIM card. These items can trap moisture and may get damaged if left in the phone. Taking them out helps in the drying process and prevents further damage. Keep the SIM card and SD card safe and dry, as they can be reused once the phone is repaired.

Step 3. Dry the Exterior Gently

After removing all accessories, it's time to dry the exterior of the phone. Use a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towels to gently blot and wipe the phone, removing any visible water. Avoid rubbing or pressing too hard, as this could push water further into the device. Pay special attention to areas like the charging port, headphone jack, and buttons, as they are prone to trapping water.

Step 4. Place Phone in a Sealed Container with Silica Gel Packets

Next, place the phone in a sealed container, like a plastic bag or an airtight box, along with silica gel packets. Silica gel is a great moisture-absorbing agent that helps to draw out any remaining water trapped inside the phone. If you don't have silica gel, you can also use uncooked rice, but silica gel is generally more effective. Seal the container tightly and let the phone sit for at least 24 - 48 hours to dry out completely.

Step 5. Just Let the Phone Dry a Day or Two

The key here is patience. Even if your phone seems dry on the outside, there could still be water inside, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Allow your phone to dry for at least 24 hours - 48 hours if possible. During this time, don't try to power it on, as doing so could cause a short circuit. The longer you let the phone sit, the better the chances of removing all moisture.

Step 6. Take the Device to a Technician

If your phone still doesn't power on or functions abnormally after following the above steps, it may require professional repair. A technician can open the phone, inspect the internal components, and perform a thorough cleaning or replacement of damaged parts. If you're not comfortable with this process or don't have experience, it's always best to have a professional handle the repair.

Part 2. How to Rescue Data from a Water Damaged Android Phone

If your Android phone accidentally gets into the water, what you worry about most is how to save important files and data on your phone. Do not worry. You can try a professional Android data recovery tool called Broken Android Data Extraction to recover photos, videos, songs, text messages, contacts, or other major data directly from water damaged Android phone easily. It is easy to use and extremely powerful. It supports recovering data from a broken Android phone, an Android phone with a touch screen that can't be used, etc.

Please download the free trial version of Broken Android Data Extraction from the buttons below, and then follow the steps to recover data from your wet and water damaged Android phone.

Free Download for PC

FAQs of Water Damaged Android Phone

1. How long can a phone survive in water?

The longer your phone stays in water, the greater the risk of permanent damage. Even if your phone is submerged for just a few seconds, it can cause internal damage. That's why it's crucial to act fast and turn off the device as soon as possible to prevent further harm.

2. Can rice fix water damage?

While many people recommend placing a water-damaged phone in rice to absorb moisture, this method is not the most effective. While rice may help in some cases, it's better to use silica gel packets, which are specifically designed to absorb moisture more efficiently and reduce the risk of further damage.

3. Can I use a hairdryer to dry my phone?

It's not recommended to use a hairdryer to dry out a water-damaged phone. The heat from the dryer can push water further into the device and potentially cause more damage. Instead, allow your phone to air dry or use a drying agent like silica gel to safely remove the moisture.

Sum Up

The steps above outline what you should do if your Android phone gets water-damaged. We've also covered how to quickly and safely recover important data from a water-damaged phone. To make the process even easier, Broken Android Data Extraction is a great tool to help you recover photos, videos, messages, and more directly from your damaged device. We hope this information helps you save your device and valuable files. Do you have any other tips for dealing with water-damaged smartphones? Feel free to share them in the comments.

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