How to Repair a Water-Damaged Samsung Phone?

Water damage is one of the most challenging issues for Samsung phones. However, prompt action minimizes the impact of damage. To repair a water-damaged Samsung phone, switch it off, remove all external accessories, and dry its surface. For drying, silica gel packets in an airtight container should be used for 24–48 hours away from heat sources. Then, switch it on and test the functionality. Seek professional assistance at an authorized service center or third-party repair shop if the problem persists.

Table of Contents

Steps to Repair Water-Damaged Samsung Phones

Here’s what you should do to repair your Samsung phone.

Step 1: Immediate Actions to Take After Water Exposure

Turn Off the Phone Immediately

Turn off the phone immediately to minimize the risk of a short circuit.
Take out the battery for devices with removable batteries.

Remove External Accessories

Remove protective cases, the SIM and microSD cards, and unplug cables.
This helps reduce the chance of water becoming trapped and improves airflow.

Dry the Surface

Clean the phone’s exterior carefully with a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel.
Use a soft cloth to carefully clean the ports, buttons, and openings to remove visible moisture.

Step 2: Drying the Phone

Do Not Use Heat Sources

Never use hairdryers, microwaves, or ovens to dry your phone. Excessive heat can damage the internal parts.

Use Silica Gel Packets

You can place your phone in an airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb moisture and leave it for 24–48 hours. If silica gel packets aren’t available, try placing the phone in an airtight container with clean paper towels.

Air Dry in a Ventilated Area

You can also leave your phone in a dry, cool area with good ventilation. Keep the phone under the fan, but avoid direct sunlight.

Avoid Using Rice

You should not place your Samsung phone in raw rice because the rice fragments may settle in the ports and start corroding the parts.

Step 3: Post-Drying Steps

Inspect the Samsung Phone

Before turning the device back on, ensure all parts are dry.

Power On the Device

Once you are sure the phone is dry, switch it on.
Try charging your phone if it doesn’t turn on.

Test Functionality

Inspect that the touchscreen, buttons, cameras, speakers, and charging port are working properly.
You might need to visit a phone repair expert if these components malfunction.

Step 4: Seek Professional Assistance

Seek professional help if you cannot resolve problems or understand your phone’s state.

Authorized Service Centers: Go to the Samsung Electronics Service Center for diagnosis and repair.
Third-Party Repair Shops: These repair shops offer expert services for water-damaged Samsung phones. The technicians provide quick diagnostics, effective drying techniques, and component replacements to restore functionality at competitive prices.

Authorized Service Centers offer guaranteed expertise but may charge more, while third-party repair shops provide competitive pricing but may lack Samsung certification.

Signs Your Samsung Phone is Water-damaged

Identifying signs of water damage in your Samsung phone ensures you take the right action. Key indicators include:

Liquid Detection Indicator (LDI) Activation: Inside the SIM or SD card tray, the LDI changes from white or white with pink/purple to solid pink, purple, or red upon moisture exposure.
Charging Issues: Inability to charge or the appearance of a water drop icon indicating moisture detection in the charging port.
Display Anomalies: Unresponsive touchscreen, erratic behavior, or visual distortions like lines or discoloration.
Port Corrosion or Discoloration: Visible rust or discoloration in ports, such as the charging port or headphone jack, indicating liquid exposure.
Overheating: The device gets hot, usually when it is being charged. The water inside the device can cause it to overheat.

How to Prevent Water Damage?

Protect your Samsung smartphone from water damage to keep it in good working order longer. This is achieved with the help of some important preventive steps summarized here:

Use a High-Quality Waterproof Case: A hard and strong waterproof case guards your smartphone when engaging with water during activities
Avoid Exposure to Water and Sand: Keep your phone away from beaches, as sand and water might get into it and damage its integrity.
Regularly Inspect Ports: Ensure ports are clean and free of debris.
Avoid Charging When Wet: Never charge your phone when wet or has moisture in the charging port because this might cause electrical damage.
Learn About Your Phone’s IP Rating: Understand what your phone’s Ingress Protection rating says about it. It is a two-digit code that defines your Samsung phone’s water resistance capabilities and limitations.

Conclusion

Repairing a water-damaged Samsung phone is easy; turn off the phone and remove all the external accessories. Then, wipe the surface with a soft cloth without using heat sources and put it in an airtight container with silica gel for 24-48 hours. After that, check the device before turning it on and testing all the functions. If issues persist, seek assistance from authorized service centers or skilled third-party repair shops for expert diagnostics and repairs.