Smartphones getting wet due to an accident are common occurrences nowadays but few people know what is the right way to dry the phones after they get wet.
There is a lot of advice on the internet, some of which is contradictory. Apple recently added itself to the debate when it issued a warning warning against placing iPhones in rice paddies.
Following are the steps you can follow to dry wet phones effectively:
1) Dry the exterior with a towel or clean cloth. Remove the SIM card and holder and if possible remove the back cover and battery of the phone and dry it. Also switch off the phone. However, iPhones can’t be opened, so Apple recommends gently hitting your hand with the charging and headphone ports facing down to allow water to drain out.
2) Samsung recommends using a cotton bud to remove moisture from the headphone jack and charging port while Apple is against it.
3) If the phone has been dropped in a liquid other than water, such as cold drink, seawater or chlorinated water, Samsung recommends soaking the phone in clean water for a few minutes to remove any contamination or Clean up the salts.
4) Google says to keep the device at room temperature to dry it.
Another great option for drying the phone is silica gel, a drying agent that absorbs a lot of moisture. Silica gel usually comes in packets. It would also come with products like meat, seafood or shoes to keep them dry.
You can also buy it online. It works best for drying phones when placed in an airtight container with the phone.
#dry #phone #falling #water
**Interview with Tech Expert Jane Doe on Drying Wet Smartphones**
**Editor:** Today, we have Jane Doe, a tech expert and smartphone repair specialist, to discuss the best methods for drying wet phones effectively. Jane, with the prevalence of smartphone accidents involving water, what are some common misconceptions people have about drying their devices?
**Jane Doe:** One of the biggest misconceptions is that placing a phone in a bowl of rice is effective. Recently, Apple has cautioned against this practice, emphasizing that it doesn’t truly address the moisture issue and can even cause damage to the phone. Instead, they recommend gently tapping your device to help dislodge any water, which is a far more effective technique.
**Editor:** That makes sense. With so many different opinions online, how can someone determine the best method for drying their phone?
**Jane Doe:** It’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. For instance, Samsung recommends using a cotton bud to gently remove moisture from ports, while Apple advises against that. Ultimately, it’s important to focus on drying the exterior and utilizing safe drying agents like silica gel, rather than relying on popular but debunked methods.
**Editor:** Silica gel does seem like a more reliable option. Is there a particular method you believe is best for all smartphones regardless of the brand?
**Jane Doe:** The foundational steps are universal: turn off the device, dry the exterior, and remove any removable parts like the SIM card and battery. Keeping the phone at room temperature to allow it to dry is also generally effective across all devices. However, the method of dealing with contamination differs, especially with water that isn’t plain—like seawater or sugary drinks—where rinsing is advised.
**Editor:** Given these varying recommendations, do you think it would be beneficial for tech companies to standardize their advice on this issue, or should users continue to follow brand-specific guidelines?
**Jane Doe:** That’s an intriguing question! On one hand, standardized advice could simplify things for consumers and reduce confusion. On the other hand, the specific technology and construction of different smartphone models can influence the best practices. What do you think? Should tech companies pool their knowledge for a universal approach, or do their unique guidelines better serve user needs?
