Smartphone Alcohol Bath: Safe Or Not?

There are various schools of thought on whether or not it is safe to submerge a smartphone in alcohol. Some people claim that submerging a smartphone in high-concentration isopropyl alcohol can help to fix water damage and prevent corrosion. Others argue that it can damage the screen and other components, and that it is better to use distilled water or take the phone to a repair shop to be professionally cleaned and dried. It is important to note that submerging a phone in any liquid will likely void the warranty, and that there is a risk of further damaging the phone.

Is it safe to submerge a smartphone in alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol can remove water damage

While it is possible to use isopropyl alcohol to fix water damage on smartphones, it is not guaranteed to work. Isopropyl alcohol can remove water from a phone's internal components by displacing it, and it evaporates faster than water. However, it cannot repair physical or electrical damage, and it may damage the glue that holds components together.

To use isopropyl alcohol to fix water damage, remove the battery and all other removable parts from the phone. Then, use a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol to clean the logic board and other components. It is important to clean thoroughly, as isopropyl alcohol cannot repair damaged components, only remove water. After cleaning, the components should be allowed to dry completely.

Some sources recommend submerging the entire phone in isopropyl alcohol to remove water from internal components. However, this is risky as isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and may damage the phone. If you choose to submerge your phone, use a container that is large enough to fully submerge the phone, and soak the phone for 15 minutes. Then, gently shake the phone under the alcohol and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process for about an hour, or until the alcohol looks dirty. Then, remove the phone from the alcohol and let it dry.

It is important to note that submerging a phone in isopropyl alcohol is not a guaranteed fix and may cause further damage. It is always best to take your phone to a professional repair shop to assess and repair any water damage.

It may not work if your phone has a cracked screen

While some sources suggest that submerging a smartphone in alcohol can fix water damage and bring the device back to life, it is important to exercise caution, especially if your phone has a cracked screen.

A cracked screen significantly increases the risks associated with exposing your phone to alcohol. The alcohol can get between the layers of the screen, causing potential damage even if the screen is not broken. Therefore, if your phone has a cracked screen, it is advisable to avoid using any cleaning products on the glass to prevent further complications that may lead to an LCD screen replacement.

If your phone has been exposed to salt water, it is crucial to address the issue promptly as salt can be detrimental to your device. While alcohol can help dissolve and remove salt, it may not be the best option with a cracked screen. Instead, consider using distilled water to flush out the salt, as it is more effective at dissolving and carrying away salts than alcohol.

In the case of a cracked screen, the recommended course of action is to disassemble your phone, clean the individual components, and allow them to dry thoroughly. This process involves carefully removing all removable parts, such as the back plate, battery, memory card, and SIM card. Use a soft brush, such as a small toothbrush or an artist's paintbrush, and a high concentration of isopropyl alcohol (95% or higher) to clean the logic board and other internal components. However, avoid using alcohol on the display.

After cleaning, ensure that your phone is completely dry before reassembling it. You can place it in a warm oven (180-200° Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes to accelerate the evaporation process. Once your phone is dry, replace the battery, as this is crucial for the phone's functionality. Finally, reassemble your device and troubleshoot for any residual damage.

It's best to remove the battery first

While some people have reported success in reviving their smartphones by submerging them in isopropyl alcohol, this method is not without risks. It is important to note that isopropyl alcohol is a solvent and can affect the adhesives or glues used in smartphones.

If you are considering submerging your smartphone in alcohol, it is highly recommended that you remove the battery first. Here's why:

Firstly, alcohol can cause the battery to short-circuit if it is not removed before submerging. This could render your phone completely dead and beyond repair. By removing the battery, you eliminate the risk of short-circuiting and increase the chances of successfully reviving your phone.

Secondly, isopropyl alcohol is a volatile substance. When it evaporates, it can leave residue or cause corrosion on metal components, including the battery connectors. Removing the battery allows for a more thorough cleaning and lowers the chances of corrosion or damage to the battery.

Additionally, submerging a smartphone in alcohol should always be a last resort. Before considering this method, it is advisable to try other recommended approaches, such as carefully disassembling the phone, drying it, and cleaning individual components with a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol. This ensures that the alcohol does not come into direct contact with the battery, reducing potential risks.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that distilled water can also be used to clean smartphones, especially if the phone has been exposed to salt or sugary substances. While water is not conductive, it can carry and dissolve these substances away, reducing their damaging effects.

In conclusion, while submerging a smartphone in alcohol may be a potential solution in certain situations, it is crucial to prioritize the removal of the battery to mitigate potential risks of damage to this component.

It might damage the glue holding your phone together

While some sources suggest that submerging a smartphone in alcohol can fix water damage and bring the device back to life, others caution against this method. One of the reasons for this is that alcohol might damage the glue holding your phone together.

Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent, and while it hasn't shown adverse effects on the adhesives or glues used in modern smartphones, it might cause the glue to degrade. This can be as detrimental to a phone's functionality as water damage.

To avoid damaging the glue in your phone, it is recommended to disassemble the phone and clean it with 99% isopropyl alcohol, using a soft brush for the logic board and other components. It is important to clean the phone thoroughly and repeat the process multiple times, replacing the alcohol each time.

Additionally, it is crucial to remove all removable parts from the phone before submerging it in alcohol. These parts can include the back plate, battery, external memory card, and SIM card. However, disassembling the phone may not be feasible for all users, especially without proper knowledge and tools.

In conclusion, while some people have successfully revived their water-damaged phones by submerging them in alcohol, it is not a guaranteed fix and may potentially damage the adhesives in the phone. It is essential to consider the risks and the possibility of further damaging the phone before attempting this method.

It's a last resort to save a water-damaged phone

It is generally advised against submerging a smartphone in alcohol, as it can be costly and dangerous. However, if your phone has been damaged by water, especially chlorinated or salt water, it might be worth trying this as a last resort.

Firstly, you should be aware that submerging your phone in alcohol will void its warranty. If your phone is still under warranty, you may want to consider a repair shop instead. If your phone is no longer under warranty, and you want to try this method, there are a few steps you should take.

Firstly, remove all the removable parts from your phone. This may include the back plate, battery, SIM card, and memory card. Next, submerge the phone in 99% isopropyl alcohol, ensuring that it is completely covered. Leave it in the alcohol for around an hour. After this, remove the phone from the alcohol and leave it to dry. You can place it near a window or a fan to speed up the drying process.

It is important to note that this method may not work if your phone has already sustained physical or electrical damage from the water. If your phone does turn on, you should regularly check it for signs of corrosion. If your phone does not turn on, it may be too late, and you may need to replace parts or purchase a new phone.

While submerging a phone in alcohol can be a successful last resort for some, it is not a guaranteed fix.

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