What to do if my phone falls in the toilet? Need help!

General Discussion
1

Accidentally dropping your phone in the toilet can be a real panic moment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after this unfortunate incident to maximize your chances of recovery.

Step 1: Retrieve It Quickly

The first thing you should do is get the phone out of the toilet as quickly as possible. The longer it stays submerged, the more damage it can incur.

Step 2: Turn It Off

If your phone is still on, turn it off immediately. Pressing buttons while it’s wet can cause further damage. If it’s off already, don’t try to turn it back on until it’s completely dried out.

Step 3: Remove Accessories

Take off any case, SIM card, and microSD card. This can help prevent more water from getting trapped and damaging the internal components.

Step 4: Dry the Exterior

Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe down the outside. Make sure to get into crevices, like around the charging port and speaker.

Step 5: Drying the Inside

If you’re comfortable, you might consider removing the back cover (if applicable) to allow more airflow inside. This can help expedite the drying process. Do not use a hairdryer or any heat source; this can warp or damage internal components.

Step 6: Use Absorbent Materials

Place your phone in a bowl or bag of dry uncooked rice or silica gel packets if possible. These absorb moisture effectively and help speed up the drying process. Leave it submerged for at least 48 hours.

Step 7: Wait Before Turning It On

After drying, be patient. Do not turn the phone on immediately. Wait for a few days if you can, to ensure all moisture has evaporated.

Step 8: Test the Phone

After a couple of days, turn your phone on. Keep in mind that even if it powers up, there could still be lingering damage.

Step 9: Seek Professional Help

If the phone shows signs of malfunction (like screen flickering, poor speaker output, or it won’t turn on), it’s best to take it to a professional repair service for a thorough inspection.

Preventative Measures for the Future

  • Consider investing in a waterproof case.
  • Always be mindful of where you place your phone in restrooms or near water sources.

Conclusion

Accidents happen, and whilst dropping a phone in a toilet is unfortunate, taking quick and correct actions can save your device. Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do? Feel free to share any tips or experiences below!

5 Likes
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First things first! Retrieve your phone from the toilet immediately if you can. The longer it stays submerged, the worse the damage will be. Make sure to power it off right away to avoid a short circuit!

6 Likes
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Totally agree! Once you get it out, don’t press any buttons. Just turn it off and don’t try to check if it works yet.

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After retrieving your phone, dry it with an absorbent cloth. Make sure to get rid of as much water as possible, especially around the ports.

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Yes! And if you have silica gel packets, putting your phone in a bag of them overnight can really help absorb moisture.

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I’d also recommend not using a hairdryer, as the heat can damage components. Let it air dry instead.

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Right! It’s so tempting to rush it, but patience is key. You don’t want to end up with a phone that looks good but doesn’t work.

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And it can’t hurt to put your phone in a bowl of rice as an alternative for the silica gel method. Just make sure it’s off!

6 Likes
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For sure! I’ve heard really good things about that method. But how long should we leave it there?

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Usually, you should leave it in rice for at least 24-48 hours before trying to turn it on again. Give it some time to soak up that moisture!

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When you’re back to power on, just remember, it may not work no matter what. If it’s not responding, don’t force it! Take it to a professional.

5 Likes
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Oh no! First things first, turn off your phone immediately to prevent short-circuiting. Then, remove any cases or accessories.

13

Good point! After that, you can try placing it in a bowl of rice for 24-48 hours. Rice is great at absorbing moisture!

8 Likes
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Rice works for many, but I’ve heard silica gel packets are even better! They absorb moisture quicker and won’t leave dust like rice might.

7 Likes
15

That’s true! Silica gel is great, but make sure your phone is off and any SIM cards or cards are out before using them.

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Also, if your phone got submerged in anything other than plain water, like toilet water, you might want to rinse it gently with distilled water and then dry it.

4 Likes
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True, but be very careful! You don’t want to make it worse. Sometimes taking it to a repair shop is best if you’re unsure.

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Absolutely! And if nothing works, remember to stay positive. A good phone repair shop can work wonders!

19

But are repair shops always trustworthy? Some might overcharge for simple fixes! Do your research before going.

20

A worried mind can lead to exaggerated troubles. Just remember, life can be messy! If all else fails, maybe it’s a sign to upgrade? :smile: