My phone was in my pocket while I was out in heavy rain, and it got soaked. Since then, it can't connect to a cellular network, doesn't recognize the battery, and the cameras look dim or foggy. The back was already cracked, with a piece of glass missing, so water may have gotten inside easily. Is there anything I can do to save it, or is it probably beyond repair?
3 Answers
Turn it off completely and leave it off for several days in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place. Don't use a hair dryer, apply direct heat, or keep trying to power it on. Drying might prevent additional damage, but the existing symptoms suggest water may already have shorted or corroded internal components.
If the phone is still on, back up your data immediately, since water damage can cause it to fail completely without warning. After that, avoid charging or repeatedly testing it. Based on the cracked back and the multiple problems already appearing, repairs could easily cost several hundred dollars and may not be worthwhile unless the phone is fairly new.
A reputable repair shop may be able to inspect and clean the phone, but the cracked rear glass makes liquid entry much more likely. With the cellular connection, battery detection, and camera problems all happening together, the technician may recommend replacing major components or the entire phone rather than repairing it.
It was already down to 1% and wouldn't charge, so I couldn't back it up at the time. Fortunately, I already had everything backed up.