With the average smartphone now costing a hefty £430, it’s no wonder that people get a little precious about their devices. While being able to carrying an entire computer around in your pocket is really exciting, the problem is that, when it breaks, your wallet really feels it.
If you’ve saved all year to buy the new iPhone, for example, it’s going to hurt if you drop it and crack the screen or accidentally send it on a spin cycle in your jeans. The good news, however, is that, even after an accident, you can give your smartphone the best chance of survival.
This guide to becoming a smartphone paramedic will help you patch up breaks, cracks, and other faults until you can get it to a repair shop.
Scenario – You’ve Dropped It in the Toilet
This is a surprisingly common issue. If you ask any of the smartphone repairs shops in Essex about iPhone malfunctions, they’ll tell you that toilet drops are an epidemic. The good news is that liquid damage of any kind is usually fixable if you get the device to an expert right away.
What you need to do is remove as much liquid as possible. You can even use a hoover to do this, but don’t use a hairdryer, because it pushes the liquid further inside. Put the phone in an airtight bag filled with dry rice, as this absorbs moisture. Then, take it to a repair shop.