What is what to do when your phone falls in water and won't turn on?

Okay, here's information on what to do when your phone falls in water and won't turn on, in markdown format with linked URLs:

My Phone Fell in Water and Won't Turn On! What Do I Do?

It's a dreaded situation, but there are steps you can take to try and salvage your phone. Don't panic! Quick action is crucial.

1. Immediately Retrieve the Phone: The longer it's submerged, the worse the damage.

2. Power It Down (If It's Not Already): If the phone is on and acting strangely, immediately try to power it off. Holding the power button is usually the way to go. If it's already off, leave it off! Do not attempt to turn it on to "see if it works." This could cause a short circuit and fry the phone.

3. Remove the Battery (If Possible): On older phones with removable batteries, take the battery out. This cuts the power supply and can prevent further damage. For phones with non-removable batteries, skip this step and move on.

4. Remove SIM Card and Memory Card: Open the SIM card and memory card trays and remove the cards. Water can get trapped in these areas. Dry the cards with a soft cloth and set them aside.

5. Dry the Phone:

   • Gently shake the phone to remove any excess water.
   • Use a clean, absorbent towel or cloth to dry the exterior of the phone thoroughly. Pay attention to ports, buttons, and speaker grills.
   • Consider using a vacuum cleaner (on a low setting) to gently suck water out of ports. Don't hold the vacuum too close, and avoid static electricity!

6. Desiccant Options: The goal is to absorb any remaining moisture inside the phone.

   • Uncooked Rice: This is a classic method. Completely submerge the phone in a bag or container of uncooked rice for at least 24-72 hours. While popular, its effectiveness is debated.
   • Silica Gel Packets: These are much more effective than rice. If you have silica gel packets (those little packets that come with electronics or shoes), place the phone and several packets in a sealed container.
   • Commercial Phone Drying Kits: These kits contain specialized desiccants and are often the most effective option.

7. Patience is Key: Resist the urge to turn the phone on prematurely. Even if it seems dry, internal components may still be damp. Give it at least 24-72 hours in the desiccant.

8. Try Turning It On: After the drying period, try turning the phone on. If it turns on, great! Back up your data immediately. Keep a close eye on it for any unusual behavior.

9. If It Still Doesn't Turn On:

   • Try Charging It: Let it sit on the charger for a while (at least 30 minutes) before attempting to turn it on.
   • Seek Professional Help: If the phone still doesn't work, take it to a qualified phone repair technician. They can open the phone, clean the internal components, and diagnose any damage. It may require component replacement, which is best left to professionals.

Important Considerations:

• Avoid Using a Hair Dryer: The heat can damage the phone's internal components.
• Don't Put the Phone in the Oven or Microwave: This is extremely dangerous and will likely destroy the phone.
• Saltwater is Worse: Saltwater is more corrosive than freshwater. If your phone was submerged in saltwater, rinse it very gently with freshwater before drying it. This helps to remove the salt.

Here are some linked subjects:

• Water Damage Repair: Water%20Damage%20Repair
• Desiccant Materials: Desiccant%20Materials
• Phone Repair Technician: Phone%20Repair%20Technician
• Data Backup: Data%20Backup
• Short Circuit: Short%20Circuit