Our smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, connecting us to the world, capturing precious memories, and assisting us in our daily tasks. But what happens when your beloved phone encounters an unfortunate water-related mishap, and the screen turns black when you turn it on? The situation might seem dire, but fear not!
However, there are steps you can take to revive your device. After retrieving the phone from the water, immediately power it off and carefully dry the exterior. Remove any external accessories and proceed with air-drying the phone for at least 48 hours. While the rice or silica gel method can help, it’s not a guaranteed solution. If the screen remains black, perform a soft reset and check for physical screen damage. Booting the phone in safe mode can help identify software-related issues. If all attempts fail, the best option is to seek professional phone repair from the manufacturer or a reputable service. With patience and the right approach, there is hope to salvage your water-damaged phone and restore it to full functionality.
Steps to Fix Water-Damaged Phone, That Turns On But Screen Is Black
In this blog, we will explore the steps to fix a water-damaged phone that turns on but has a black screen. Remember, acting quickly and carefully is crucial, so let’s dive in!
Step 1: Retrieve Your Phone From the Water
The very first step is to retrieve your phone from the water source immediately. The longer the device stays submerged, the more damage it may incur. The first step is to act quickly and remove the phone from the water source, powering it off if necessary. The exterior of the phone should be gently wiped with a cloth or towel to remove excess water. Moisture from the interior can then be absorbed using a desiccant like silica gel packets or the rice method.
Step 2: Power Off The Phone
If your phone is still on or seems to be functioning despite the black screen, power it off immediately. Press and hold the power button until the device shuts down. This will help prevent any electrical shorts and further damage.
Step 3: Dry The Exterior
Gently dry the exterior of the phone using a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure to remove any visible water droplets from the surface. Avoid using a hair dryer or heat source, as this can cause internal damage. Instead, opt for a natural drying process.
Step 4: Remove External Accessories
Remove any external accessories such as phone cases, memory cards, and SIM cards. These items can trap moisture and prolong the drying process.
Step 5: Patience & Air-Drying
Now comes the crucial part – drying out the phone internally. The best method is air-drying. Place the phone in a dry and warm location with good airflow. A common technique is to place the phone on a clean cloth near a window with sunlight, but avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for too long, as excessive heat can also damage the phone. Alternatively, you can use a silica gel packet or uncooked rice to help absorb moisture. Although rice is not as effective as silica gel, it can still assist in the drying process.
Step 6: Wait At Least 48 Hours
Patience is vital when dealing with water damage. Allow the phone to sit in the drying location for at least 48 hours. This time frame allows for optimal drying, increasing the chances of a successful revival.
Step 7: Test The Phone
After the 48-hour drying period, it’s time to test your phone. Reinsert the battery (if removable) and power on the device. If the screen remains black, don’t panic; it might still be salvageable. Proceed to the next steps.
Step 8: Try The Rice/Silica Gel Method (Optional)
If the screen is still black after drying, you can try the rice or silica gel method one more time, as there might still be moisture present inside the device. However, if you’ve already attempted this method before, it’s best to move on to the next steps.
Step 9: Soft Reset
Sometimes, water damage can cause the phone’s software to become unresponsive. In such cases, performing a soft reset might solve the issue. For most smartphones, this involves pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds until the device restarts.
Step 10: Charge The Phone
Connect your phone to its charger and observe if any charging indicators appear on the screen. If they do, it indicates that the phone’s hardware might be functioning correctly, but there could be an issue with the display.
Step 11: Check For Screen Damage
Inspect the screen closely for any visible cracks, damage, or discoloration. If the screen is physically damaged, it might need to be replaced. In this case, you should contact a professional repair service or the manufacturer for assistance.
Step 12: Boot In Safe Mode
If the phone turns on, but the screen remains black, it’s worth trying to boot the device in safe mode. Safe mode starts the phone with only essential applications and can help determine if a third-party app is causing the issue. The process for entering safe mode varies between different phone models, so consult the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
Step 13: Professional Repair
If all the previous steps fail to revive your phone, it’s time to seek professional water damage repair services. Contact your phone’s manufacturer or the best iPhone repair shop in the city. They have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and fix issues and also provide you with tips to protect your phone from water damage.
Final Thoughts
Conclusively, a water-damaged phone with a black screen is a common issue that can potentially be fixed. Additionally, it can be a harrowing experience, but it’s not the end of the road. By acting quickly and following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of fixing a water-damaged phone with a black screen. Remember, success may vary depending on the severity of the damage, so don’t be disheartened if your phone doesn’t spring back to life. In any case, always practice caution around water and consider investing in a waterproof phone case for added protection in the future.
