Our phones accompany us everywhere – in the bathroom, on a coffee break and even to the toilet. But what should you do if your phone gets wet? You can deliver effective first aid by following these six golden rules.
1. Act quickly
A lot of mobile phones are designed to withstand brief contact with water. However, you still need to act quickly to minimise any damage. If you have spilt coffee, cola or juice over your phone, wipe it first with a soft, damp cloth.
2. Unplug the phone
If your phone falls into water whilst charging, unplug it from the wall immediately without touching either the water or the cable. This is to protect you from a dangerous electric shock and prevent the battery from short-circuiting.
3. Switch off the phone
As soon as your phone is out of the water, switch it off. This is to prevent any further damage from water ingress. Some phones will switch off automatically if moisture gets inside the housing.
4. Remove the case
Remove the phone case and dry the outside of the phone with a soft cloth. Slowly move the phone back and forth, but do not shake it! Rapid movement may make the water go even deeper inside the housing.
5. Remove the battery and SIM card
If possible, remove the battery and SIM card. Place all the parts on an absorbent cloth and leave for around 48 hours to air-dry. Heat, hair dryers and the like do more harm than good.
6. Seek professional help
It is a good idea to have your phone checked by a specialist before switching it back on to be on the safe side. You can take your Swisscom device to a Swisscom Shop to be repaired.
How to prevent water damage
Mobile phone accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Practical gadgets such as PopSockets give you a better grip on your phone. Invest in a waterproof case to protect your precious device from major damage. And take out Swisscom Easy Protection insurance, which also covers water damage.
