What to do if there’s moisture in your smartphone

Moisture is one of your smartphone's biggest enemies and in many cases can destroy it completely. Important factors in the extent of the damage include the type of liquid that entered the phone and whether the phone was switched on when the damage occurred.

Thicker liquids are usually less aggressive and harmful than water. However, in almost all cases, the screen needs to be removed to clear any liquid that has entered the device. But what steps should you follow as soon as your smartphone comes into contact with liquid?

1. The first thing you should do is switch off your phone. This prevents moisture from affecting the active circuits.
2. Next, use absorbent paper or a microfibre cloth to dry the device thoroughly.
3. The third step is to remove, as soon as possible, the SIM card, the memory card and, if possible, the battery too.
4. One DIY solution is to place the device in a container or bag with silica gel beads, like those found in shoe boxes or bags. These gels are effective at absorbing moisture. Leave your phone with the gels for 12-24 hours.

Of course, the most effective way to “save” your phone after dropping it in water or exposing it to moisture is to switch it off immediately, remove the SIM card and accessories, and take it to a specialist technician at TheFixers as soon as possible.