Can a water damaged smart watch be repaired
Phone wet and wont turn on? Heres what to do with water damage (hint: putting it in rice wont work)
If youve ever gotten your phone wet in the rain, dropped it in water or spilt liquid over it, youre not alone. One study suggests 25% of smartphone users have damaged their smartphone with water or some other kind of liquid.
Liquid penetrating a smartphone can affect the device in several ways. It could lead to:
blurry photos, if moisture gets trapped in the camera lens
ruffled audio, or no audio
liquid droplets under the screen
an inability to charge
the rusting of internal parts, or
a total end to all functionality.
While new phones are advertised as water resistant, this doesnt mean they are waterproof, or totally immune to water. Water resistance just implies the device can handle some exposure to water before substantial damage occurs.
Samsung Australia has long defended itself against claims it misrepresents the water resistance of its smartphones.
In 2019, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took Samsung to the federal court, alleging false and misleading advertisements had led customers to believe their Galaxy phones would be suitable for:
Use in, or exposure to, all types of water (including, for example, oceans and swimming pools).
Samsung Australia subsequently denied warranty claims from customers for damage caused to phones by use in, or exposure to, liquid.
Similarly, last year Apple was fined 10m (A$15.5m) by Italys antitrust authority for misleading claims about the water resistance of its phones, and for not covering liquid damage under warranty, despite these claims.
How resistant is your phone?
The water resistance of phones is rated by an ingress protection code, commonly called an IP rating. Simply, an electrical devices IP rating refers to its effectiveness against intrusions from solids and liquids.
The rating includes two numbers. The first demonstrates protection against solids such as dust, while the second indicates resistance to liquids, specifically water.
A phone that has a rating of IP68 has a solid object protection of 6 (full protection from dust, dirt and sand) and a liquid protection of 8 (protected from immersion in water to a depth of more than one metre).
Although, for the latter, manufacturers are responsible for defining the exact depth and time.
The popular iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S21 phones both have a rating of IP68. However, regarding exposure to water, the iPhone 12 has a permissible immersion depth of a maximum of 6m for 30 minutes, whereas the Galaxy 21s immersion limit is up to 1.5m, also for 30 minutes.
While IP ratings indicate the water-repellent nature of phones, taking most phones for a swim will land you in deep trouble. The salt content in oceans and swimming pools can corrode your device and cost you a hefty replacement.
Moreover, phone manufacturers carry out their IP testing in fresh water and Apple recommends devices not be submerged in liquids of any kind.
Luckily, water-resistant phones are generally able to survive smaller liquid volumes, such as from a glass tipping over.
Checking for liquid damage
Exposure to water is something manufacturers have in mind when designing phones. Most Apple and Samsung phones come with a liquid contact/damage indicator strip located inside the SIM card tray.
This is used to check for liquid damage that may be causing a device to malfunction. An indicator strip that comes in contact with liquid loses its usual colour and becomes discoloured and smudgy.
A discoloured strip usually renders your phone ineligible for a standard manufacturer warranty.
If you have any of the more recent smartphones from Apple or Samsung, then your device will be able to detect liquid or moisture in its charging port and will warn you with an alert. This notification only goes away once the port is dry.
But what should you do if this dreadful pop-up presents itself?
Fixing a water-logged phone
Firstly, do not put your phone in a container of rice. Its a myth that rice helps in drying out your phone. Instead, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the device immediately and dont press any buttons. 2. If your phone is water resistant and youve spilt or submerged it in a liquid other than water, both Apple and Samsung recommend rinsing it off by submerging it in still tap water (but not under a running tap, which could cause damage). 3. Wipe the phone dry with paper towels or a soft cloth. 4. Gently shake the device to remove water from the charging ports, but avoid vigorous shaking as this could further spread the liquid inside. 5. Remove the SIM card. 6. Use a compressed aerosol air duster to blow the water out if you have one. Avoid using a hot blow dryer as the heat can wreck the rubber seals and damage the screen. 7. Dry out the phone (and especially the ports) in front of a fan. 8. Leave your phone in an airtight container full of silica gel packets (those small packets you get inside new shoes and bags), or another drying agent. These help absorb the moisture. 9. Do not charge the phone until you are certain its dry. Charging a device with liquid still inside it, or in the ports, can cause further damage. Apple suggests waiting at least five hours once a phone appears dry before charging it (or until the alert disappears).
If the above steps dont help and youre still stuck with a seemingly dead device, dont try opening the phone yourself. Youre better off taking it to a professional.
Water Damage: What to do if your watch gets wet?
Condensation
Condensation occurs when humid air comes into contact with the cold surface of a watch's crystal, which causes the water vapour present in the air to condense and form droplets on the watch's glass surface. If this occurs, wipe the droplets off with a soft dry cloth.
If your watch is inadequately sealed, moisture can become trapped inside the case, forming droplets that drip down to your watch mechanism, leading to corrosion and rusting of internal components.
Broken seals
Several features make a watch water-resistant. The most important are the silicon or rubber hoops, called gaskets, that sit inside the case, crystal, stem, crown, and pushers to form a waterproof seal around the important mechanisms within.
Watch gaskets are prone to wear and tear, compromising their effectiveness over time. Additionally, they can degrade due to exposure to extreme temperatures and certain chemicals.
If a gasket is broken or damaged, the waterproof seal created by the gasket is compromised, which can allow water to seep in and damage the watch's internal components.
Damaged watch glass
A damaged watch glass can result in water damage if it fails to provide a waterproof seal. Small cracks, scratches or chips in the watch glass can reduce its ability to resist moisture, allowing water to seep in and cause damage to the internal components of your watch. Additionally, condensation can form inside the watch case due to temperature fluctuations, which can cause corrosion and potentially damage the electrical components of a quartz timepiece.
Sweat
Sweating is a natural and healthy response of our body. But sadly, through regular wear, sweat can affect the water-resistance of our watches, leading to water damage.
Sweat is composed of water, salt and other minerals, which over time, can corrode the external and internal parts of your timepiece and cause condensation to form.
To avoid having your timepiece's water resistance compromised or water damage caused by sweat, remember to wipe your watch with a dry cloth after use and remove it before exercising or any activity that causes heavy sweating.
Accidents happen
Whether you forgot to take your watch off before having a shower, one of the kids spilt a drink over it, or maybe you dropped your timepiece and damaged the case, accidents happen at the end of the day.
If you believe that your watch has been exposed to water or if you have somehow compromised its water resistance, we recommend you take your timepiece to a professional watch repair centre for examination to prevent any further damage from occurring, which could cost you more in the long run.
How to Fix Water Damage on Your Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is a revolutionary device, providing notifications, fitness tracking, apps and more right at your wrist. Its an incredibly handy tool that can make life easier in many ways. However, its important to remember that the Apple Watch is a delicate electronic device and needs to be properly cared for to maintain its optimal performance. One of the most important things to keep in mind is water damage repair.
Water damage can occur if the Apple Watch gets wet or submerged in liquid, resulting in significant damage to the devices circuitry. The good news is that thee are some steps you can take to help protect your watch from water damage and to repair any water-related issues that may arise.
The first step is prevention. Make sure you alays follow the care instructions provided by Apple for your specific model of Apple Watch including avoiding submerging it in water or exposing it to extreme temperatures. Also, check for any signs of liquid inside the watch periodically and look out for any visible scratches or discoloration on its surface.
If your watch does becme exposed to water, immediately turn it off and disconnect any charging cords connected to it. Then remove the band and place it in a bowl filled with uncooked rice or silica gel packets as these are known desiccants which absorb moisture from electronic devices. Leave your watch submerged overnight as this will help draw out any remaining moisture from inside the devices internal components.
Once you have done this, you shoud then attempt a hard reset on your watch by pressing and holding down both the side button and Digital Crown until you see an Apple logo appear onscreen (or until you hear two distinct tones for older models). This should clear out any remaining water from inside the speaker cavity of your watch as well as resetting its operating system back to normal settings.
If these steps do not work, then unfortunately your only recourse would be to take it into an Apple Store so they can assess the extent of any water damage and whether repairs are necessary or not. However, even if repairs are required, they should be able to provide them at minimal cost (if covered uder warranty) or with a reasonable fee depending on what type of coverage plan you purchased with your device (such as AppleCare+).
In conclusion, while its impossible to completely prevent all instances of water damage with an electronic device like an Apple Watch; taking some simple precautions such as regularly checking for signs of liquid inside the device or promptly drying off any excess moisture after use can go a long way towards protecting it from costly repairs in case something does happen unexpectedly.
Can Water Damage to an Apple Watch Be Repaired?
Yes, water damage on an Apple Watch can be fixed. However, it is a difficult repair and requires disassembling and cleaning the device with at least 91% isopropyl alcohol. It is important to be careful when disassembling the watch and scrub all parts with a toothbrush. After the cleaning process is complete, you should put the pieces back togethr properly and test to make sure everything is working correctly. With patience and care, water damage on an Apple Watch can be fixed successfully.
Source: bestbuy.com
Fixing an Apple Watch After Water Damage
To fix your Apple Watch after it has been exposed to water, fist press and hold the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch until the display says Unlocked. This will play a series of tones to clear any water that may remain in the speaker. Once this is done, you can use your display as normal. If your Apple Watch has watchOS 8 or earlier, you will need to rotate the Digital Crown instead of pressing it.
Cost of Repairing Apple Devices with Water Damage
Unfortunately, Apple does not cover water damage repair for iPhone undr either the Apple One-Year Warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan. If you choose to replace your device, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $180 depending on the model of your iPhone. However, if you are enrolled in AppleCare+, then the cost to repair any water damage would be limited to a maximum of $79.
Fixing a Water Damaged Apple Watch That Wont Turn On
If your Apple Watch has been water damaged and wont turn on, the first thing to try is a forced restart. To do this, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for around 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. If that doesnt work, you should try charging your watch for at leat 2 hours. Make sure to follow the proper charging instructions here: Check your battery and charge your Apple Watch Apple Support.
If these steps still dont help, you may need to take your watch in to an Apple Store or authorized repair center for further examination. Theyll be able to check if any internal damage has occurred from the water exposure and suggest further steps from there.
Does Putting an Apple Watch in Rice Help with Water Damage?
Putting your Apple Watch in rice can be a viable option for drying out a wet device, however it is not always the most effective. Rice is a natural desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture from its surroundings. Therefore, if you submerge your wet Apple Watch in a bowl of uncooked rice for 3-4 days, it shold help to absorb some of the moisture from the watch. However, this method is not always 100% reliable and there is no guarantee that it will work.
A more reliable option would be to use silica gel packets or specialized electronics drying kits. These products contain desiccants which are specifically designed to draw moisture away from electronics, making them more effective than regular rice at drying out your device. Although these products will cost more than just buying some uncooked rice, they have a higher success rate and may be worth investing in if your Apple Watch is really wet.
Can a Waterlogged Watch Be Repaired?
Yes, a waterlogged watch can be fixed. The best and most reliable way to fix a waterlogged watch is to take it to a professional repair shop. At the repair shop, a technician will take apart the watch completely and carefully dry out all of the moisture from the dial, crystal, movement, and any other inner parts with a lamp heat. Once they have dried it out completely, they will put the watch back together and give it back to you.
Water Resistance of Apple Watch
The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8 and SE (2020/2022) are all water-resistant to up to 50 metres for a maximum of 30 minutes. When swimming or taking part in other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth, it is recommended that you use a waterproof case. Note that Apple Watch cannot be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.
Signs of Water Damage on an Apple Watch
Water damage on Apple Watch can present itself in a few different ways. The most obvious sign is water spots, streaks, or foggy moisture on the display screen. This means that water or other liquid has seeped underneath the screen and though to other internal parts of the watch, creating serious damage. Other signs of water damage include corrosion around the ports and buttons, discoloration of the case or band, and any evidence of moisture inside the watch case itself. If you suspect that your Apple Watch has been exposed to water, its important to act quickly. Shut down your device immediately and contact a professional for repair or replacement.
Is Water Damage Covered by Apple Watch Warranty?
No, standard Apple warranty does not cover water damage to your Apple Watch. If you would like coverage for accidental water damage, you can choose to purchase AppleCare+ whch provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee. Please note that even with this extended coverage, liquid damage is not always repairable and out-of-warranty service may be the only option.
How Long Does It Take for an Apple Watch to Dry Out?
It is important to allow your Apple Watch to completely dry out before using it again. To do this, gently dry the watch with a soft, lint-free cloth, and then shake the watch to force out any remaining liquids. After that, leave the watch to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to use it again. This will ensure that all moisture is completely gone and that you can use your Apple Watch safely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch is a great device for staying connected, tracking fitness goals, and accessing important information quickly. The watch is both stylish and functional, proviing users with an easy way to access notifications, use apps, and pay for purchases. Additionally, the Apple Watch has water-resistant technology that offers protection against accidental liquid spills. Additionally, if water damage does occur on your Apple Watch, it can be repaired with 91% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush or by pressing and holding the Digital Crown until the display says Unlocked. In sum, the Apple Watch is a great device for staying connected in style.
