What should I do if my water damaged phone turned off and on again?

What should I do if my water damaged phone turned off and on again?
I’m having a major issue with my phone. It got water damaged recently and now it keeps turning off and on again. I was hoping the problem would be temporary, but it seems to persist. Each time it turns on, it only stays on for a short period before shutting off once more. I’ve tried to dry it out as best as I could, but it seems like the issue is deeper than just a bit of moisture. It’s really frustrating because I rely on my phone for important calls and messages, and now it’s unusable. I haven’t been able to figure out why this is happening or if there’s anything else I should be doing to address this problem. Could it be possible that something inside the phone is damaged? Is there any chance that it might resolve on its own, or do I need to take immediate action? I’m feeling quite lost and stressed about what to do next.
4 Answers

From my experience, a phone turning off and on after water damage likely means internal components might be short-circuited or corroded. Try these steps:
- Turn Off and Disassemble: Power down the phone and remove the battery, SIM card, and any other removable parts.
- Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol: Gently clean the interior parts, especially the connectors, with isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% purity), which displaces water without damaging circuits.
- Dry Thoroughly: Using a desiccant like silica gel is more effective than rice. Place your phone in a sealed bag with these packets for 48 to 72 hours.
- Professional Help: If problems persist, go to a professional technician. They can open up the device, use specialized tools to clean it, and check for any damaged components that might need replacing.
By following these steps, you increase the chances of saving your phone, yet expert help ensures thorough repairs.

If your phone has been water damaged and it’s turning off and on again, I recommend starting with these steps:
- Turn Off Your Phone Immediately: If your phone is still on, you need to power it down to prevent short circuits.
- Remove the SIM Card and Battery: This helps to dry out the components effectively. Not all phones have removable batteries, but if yours does, do this step.
- Dry the Surface: Use a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to dry the outer parts of your phone thoroughly.
- Put Your Phone in a Bag of Uncooked Rice: Rice can effectively absorb moisture. Seal it in a bag or a container for at least 24 to 48 hours.
- Silica Gel Packets: If you have silica gel packets, they are better at drying out your phone than rice.
- Do Not Use a Hair Dryer: High heat can damage the phone more. Instead, use a fan if you want to accelerate the drying process.
If your phone still turns on and off after these steps, it’s crucial to take it to a professional repair service.

I’ve had a similar issue with my phone and here’s what I did that might help you too:
- Immediate Shutdown: First, shut down your phone right away to avoid further damage.
- Remove External Parts: Take out the battery, SIM card, and memory card if possible.
- Drying Time: Place your phone in an airtight container with uncooked rice or silica gel packets. Wait for at least 48 hours, sometimes even longer depending on the severity of the water damage.
- Service Center Visit: If your phone continues to have issues, I suggest visiting a service center. They can inspect the interior components and identify if there is further damage that is beyond simple drying.
Sometimes, attempts to save a water-damaged phone can be fruitless, and professional help becomes necessary.

Here’s what I’d recommend based on a similar experience I had:
- Shut Off Your Device: Immediately power it down to prevent further damage.
- Remove All Detachable Parts: If possible, take out the SIM card, memory card, and battery.
- Dry the Phone: First, use a lint-free cloth to dry all visible water outside the phone.
- Quick Absorption: Place your phone in a bag of uncooked rice or silica gel for at least 24 to 48 hours to absorb any remaining water.
- Check Functionality: After drying, try turning on your phone. If it still turns off and on repeatedly, further scrutiny on internal damage is needed.
When in doubt, find a reliable technician to diagnose the issue more accurately. Delaying can worsen the damage and possibly make it non-repairable.