Do you have any experience with dropping your phone in a pool? Or what if you spilled water on it by accident? The moment you receive a new phone, this may happen to you as well. Don’t worry, as it happens to all of us from time to time.
In today’s world, most smartphones are waterproof, and maybe yours is as well. But unfortunately, it does not mean that they are impervious to water damage. The charging port of any device is susceptible to water damage. This is especially true if the device is wet.
The majority of smartphones are equipped with a liquid detection alert. In this manner, even if you do not know how water enters the charging port, you will be able to see the flashing alarms. There are a number of ways to get water out of your charging port that can be found on the internet. Unless they are aware of the consequences, they may cause more harm than good.
In this article, we will discuss how you can safely remove the water from your charging port.
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Is it Safe to Charge Your Phone While it’s Wet?
Charging your phone while it is still wet can result in unintended consequences. Both the pins and the charging cable inside the chagrin point can be damaged. It is possible that the conception port and the iPhone accessories will cease to function as a result of these factors.
The worst-case scenario is that you may experience electric shock while charging a wet device. Thus, charging a phone while it is still wet is not a good idea at all. It is important to check the IP rating of your wet phone if you have already attempted to charge it.
IP Ratings of Android and iPhones: The IP rating or “Ingress Protection” measures the device’s resistance to water and dust. An IP number consists of two digits, like IP68, IP66, or IPX8.
There are six digits representing dust protection, ranging from 0 to 6. On a scale from 0 to 8, the second digit represents water protection. Having an IP rating of 68 means your phone is completely dust and moisture-resistant. iPhone 13 and Samsung S22 series are both IP68-rated.
Using a cordless charger, you can keep using your phone if it got a little wet. Make sure the port is dry before plugging in the charger.
First Aids to Prevent Water-Damage
Have you dropped your phone in a swimming pool? Or did water find its way into the charging port by some means?
The first thing you need to know is to not panic because there are ways to save your phone from water damage.
Here are the steps you should take:
- Quickly turn off your phone
- Remove all accessories. Included in this are the charger, the earphones, and the phone case.
- Ensure that your phone is upright to avoid further water damage.
How to Get Water Out of Charging Port? Android/iPhone Users
The first thing we would like to point out is that we strongly recommend that you do not click on the “Emergency Override” button. Take a deep breath, and do not panic. To remove excess water from your phone, gently tap it.
Be sure to wear gloves when handling electric cables. It is also important not to insert any sharp object into the charging port since this can cause the connection to be lost.
As we move forward with the solutions:
Remove Moisture
The very first thing you should do is try to eliminate any moisture from the charging port surface. While you can use a towel, a soft cotton cloth will soak up the water more quickly.
Gently rub the cloth inwards to absorb as much moisture as possible. Do not be harsh with the port, as this may cause the port to be damaged or cause more water to enter the port. Let your phone dry on its own for about half an hour.
Let it Evaporate
The most effective method of drying your phone is to allow the moisture to evaporate naturally. In most cases, the trapped moisture inside the port will evaporate on its own within a few hours. It is important that you keep your device upright and in a well-ventilated location.
Use a Wireless Charger
It is recommended that you use a wireless charger if your phone cannot be charged with a charging cable despite using the above-mentioned methods. Before plugging in your phone, make sure it is dry.
Contact Customer Service
In the event that none of the above methods is effective, and you are certain that the charging port has been damaged, you may contact customer service. Those who are using Android devices may access their support page by visiting their official website. The best way to obtain immediate assistance is to visit a local walk-in service center.
If you own an iPhone, please visit their website and go to the Apple Support section. If you have attempted the above fixes without success, you can take your phone to a local service center.
Other Methods: Myth or Does It Really Work?
In order to rescue a water-damaged phone, there are many quick-fix instructions available. The following quick-drying methods might be tempting when you are in a hurry, but most of them are not effective and can do more harm than good to your device.
There are a number of popular myths that do more harm than good, so let’s dispel some of them.
Dry in The Sun
There is a common belief that drying your phone in the sun is a good solution. But did you know that prolonged exposure to the sun can actually cause permanent damage to the skin?
Due to high temperatures, your phone’s internal components can be severely damaged. In this case, the battery may overheat, and the miniature circuit may become distorted, causing permanent damage to its internal components.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the screen, crack it, and cause pixelation, which will ultimately render the touch screen unresponsive.
Dry Rice
Another way to quickly dry your phone is to place it inside a jar filled with rice grains. This method is one of the oldest and most widely accepted methods of removing water from wet devices.
As popular as the trick may sound, it can actually cause more damage to your smartphone. Even though rice is capable of absorbing moisture, it can also leave fine dust particles inside the USB port, which can cause further problems. It is recommended that you keep silica gel packs beside you instead.
Cotton Swab
Pushing a cotton swab inside the port is also not a good idea. Anything that is pushed inside is a very bad idea. The use of a cotton swab will either cause the water to go deeper inside or it will cause the connection points of the port to loosen up.
Paper Towel
Putting a paper towel into a wet port will also cause the paper towel to become wet, which may result in the paper towel becoming stuck. If there are tiny paper particles in the charging port, it will be more difficult to remove them. Therefore, this solution is not recommended.
Vacuum
It is common for people to advise you to use a vacuum hose to remove the water. A vacuum hose might help you remove some water, but the tremendous amount of air pressure could damage your phone’s internal components. Furthermore, a vacuum hose cannot remove any liquid dirt from the charging port.
Hair Dryer
You should also refrain from using a blow dryer. Air blowing into the port may actually cause the water to crepe further inside, which causes more harm than good.
The screen, battery, and seals of the device are sensitive to heat. By blowing hot air directly into the port, these components can be damaged. There are some parts of the phone that are heat resistant, but it is best to avoid using hair dryers in order to protect the delicate components inside.
While it is tempting to use the hair dryer in a cool setting, this is also not a good idea. Due to fact that compressed air can become moist as the cool air condenses, creating small droplets of water.
Letting Your Phone Sit
When your phone is still wet, you should not leave it sitting for an extended period of time, as this will lead to another issue called corrosion. This is a slow process that causes damage to electronic devices and their internal components. Depending on the environmental conditions, the change may take up to a few weeks, and corrosion might build up during this time.
Shaking the Phone
Swinging or shaking your phone will not accomplish any good. By doing so, only encourages the water to penetrate further inside, making it even more difficult to dry off. As a result, there will be more damage, and the cleaning process will take longer.
Toothpick
As mentioned above, objects with sharp edges should not be inserted inside. The toothpick should not even be wrapped in cotton. By doing this, you may lose the connections in the charging port, which may lead to further damage.
Conclusion
There are some of you who ask, what if my phone is water-resistant? It is important to note that water-resistant smartphones are not waterproof. There is still the possibility that the metal parts inside the device can corrode and cause the device to malfunction.
Charging should never be performed while the port is dry, as the electric flow can cause corrosion to the metal pins inside the port. Leaving the port completely dry should prevent any lasting damage caused by water or other liquids.
Be careful not to bombard your charging port with hot air nor to poke it with sharp objects, including cotton swabs or paper towels. It is recommended that you soak up the moisture in the fabric, hold it upright for 3-4 hours, and then wait for the moisture to evaporate naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can water damage your charging port?
Yes, water can cause damage to your charging port and the electrical components within. If water enters the charging port, it can lead to a short circuit, which can result in damage to your phone's charging port as well as other parts.
What should you do if you drop your phone in water and it won't charge?
Ensure that your phone is completely dry before trying to charge it after dropping it in water. To absorb the moisture, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest setting or store it in a bag of uncooked rice. If your phone still does not charge, it may be necessary to have it repaired by a professional.
Can you use a cotton swab to clean the charging port?
The charging port can be cleaned using a cotton swab, but you should be careful not to push any debris into the port. Instead, use the swab to gently wipe the inside of the port, taking care not to exert too much pressure.
Can you use alcohol to clean the charging port?
Alcohol can be used to clean the charging port, but be careful not to use too much as it may damage the electrical components. For cleaning the port, use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
How can you prevent water damage to your charging port?
In order to prevent damage to the charging port of your phone, it is recommended that you use a protective case that covers the port or use a waterproof phone case. Additionally, you should avoid exposing your phone to water whenever possible when using it near water.
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