The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is a well-liked smartphone with strong functionality and a stunning appearance. On the other hand, if the phone becomes wet by accident, it can stop working. As the Samsung Note 20 is waterproof, water can still damage internal components. Phonefix will provide you comprehensive instructions on how to fix your water-damaged Samsung Galaxy Note 20 so you can use it normally again.
I. Emergency Measures
If your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 has accidentally gotten wet, here are the immediate emergency measures you should take to avoid further damage.
1. Immediately Power Off to Avoid Short Circuits
Once you discover your phone has gotten wet, immediately power it off. Do not attempt to turn it on or charge it, as the internal circuitry is highly susceptible to short circuits in a wet environment, potentially causing more serious damage. If your phone is still on, press and hold the power button to force it to shut down, preventing further danger from the flow of current.
2. Remove All Accessories
After powering off, immediately remove all Phone accessories from your phone, including the SIM card, memory card, S Pen (if applicable), and phone case. This prevents further moisture from penetrating the device, especially areas prone to water accumulation such as the SIM card slot and ports.
3. Rinse with Water (If Necessary)
If your phone has fallen into salt water, pool water, or other corrosive liquids, you will need to gently rinse it with clean water to remove harmful substances. Liquids like salt water, in particular, can cause more severe corrosion. When rinsing, try to avoid getting water into other ports or openings on the phone.
4. Dry the Exterior of the Phone
Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe the exterior of your phone, removing as much surface moisture as possible. Pay special attention to areas prone to water accumulation, such as the screen and bezel. Do not use rough or hard cloths, as these may scratch the phone's surface.
II. How to Properly Dry Your Device
After ensuring the exterior of your phone is dry, the next step is to allow it to air dry completely. Here are two common and effective drying methods.
1. Use a desiccant to speed up the drying process.
Place your phone in a sealed bag or container and add a generous amount of desiccant packets. Common desiccants are silica gel packets, often found in new shoe boxes or electronics packaging. Silica gel effectively absorbs moisture, accelerating evaporation from inside the phone. It's recommended to leave the phone and desiccant packets for 24-48 hours to ensure the phone is completely dry.
2. Avoid using heat sources (such as a hot air gun).
While some may suggest using a hairdryer to heat the phone to speed up drying, high temperatures can damage internal components such as the screen and battery. Therefore, avoid exposing your phone to high temperatures. Allow the phone to dry naturally, avoiding any heat sources.
3. Avoid using rice.
While the idea of using rice to absorb moisture is widespread, this method is unreliable. Rice has poor moisture absorption and can leave small particles inside the phone's ports, leading to more dirt residue. Using a desiccant packet is far more effective.
III. Try Powering On and Checking for Problems
After waiting 24-48 hours, once the phone is completely dry, you can try powering it on again or connecting it to a charger. If your phone still won't power on, further steps may be necessary.
1. Force Restart Samsung Note 20
If the phone is unresponsive, try a force restart. Press and hold the volume down button and the power button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the Samsung startup logo appears on the screen. If the phone powers on successfully, the water damage issue has been resolved.
2. Check the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI)
While trying to power on, check the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) in the SIM card slot. This is an indicator label that shows whether the phone has been exposed to water. If the LDI turns red, it indicates that the device has been damaged internally by water, and professional repair may be required.
IV. If the Phone Still Won't Power On
If your phone still won't power on, it may indicate more severe water damage, requiring more in-depth repair. Here are some further steps you may need to take:
1. Professional Cleaning
Water-damaged phones may have corrosive deposits inside, especially around the motherboard and battery contacts. At this point, you need to take your phone to a professional repair technician for isopropyl alcohol cleaning. The technician will use isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of 90% or higher to remove corrosion and restore the circuit board to normal operation.
2. Replace Damaged Components
If the phone still won't turn on after cleaning, the damage may have affected critical components such as the battery, screen, or motherboard. In this case, these damaged components need to be replaced. A professional repair technician will disassemble the phone, inspect, and replace the faulty parts.
3. Special Precautions for Saltwater Damage
If the phone has been dropped into saltwater, the repair process will be more complicated. Saltwater is extremely corrosive and will quickly damage the phone's internal components. Even after cleaning, the damage from the saltwater may affect the phone's long-term use, making it impossible to fully restore the device. The probability of successful repair for phones submerged in saltwater is low, and professional inspection is recommended as soon as possible.
Even though the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 is waterproof, it's important to follow the right repair instructions if your phone gets wet and won't switch on. Most water damage problems can be fixed by turning off the phone right once, taking out any accessories, drying it, and hiring a professional cleaner. China Phonefix supports both do-it-yourself and expert repairs by offering premium Samsung repair parts and expert tools. However, it is advised to use China Phonefix's repair supplies to increase repair effectiveness and to get in touch with a professional repair service as soon as possible for severe water damage, such as submersion in salt water.
