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Panic. It’s the first emotion you’ll feel if you ever see your BlackBerry immersed in water — or worse, soda or another sugary liquid. If it’s the latter, well, you might be out of luck. I’ll give a suggestion later on, but it’s really for the device-savvy only. For now, let’s stick with the problem at hand.
The first thing to do, obviously, is to get your BlackBerry out of the water as soon as possible. Next, pull the battery and wipe it dry. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place. Then it’s on to your device. I would suggest taking out a dish towel and laying the BlackBerry on it, screen up. After 10 or so minutes, flip it over. This will drain some of the water out of the device. It won’t get it dry, but it’s a start.
What I would recommend is — and you might think I’m nuts:
Yup. Stick that baby in a container of rice. The theory behind it is simple. Rice absorbs moisture. The idea is that this will suck the moisture out of your wet phone, eventually rendering it operable. However, and I cannot state this strongly enough, wait 48 hours before inserting the battery! I’ve jumped the gun before and my device has worked, but this comes as a strong caution from the tech people I know. There’s a chance, albeit small, that you short circuit the thing.
Note, too, that your warranty does not cover water damage. If you try to get a warranty replacement, your BlackBerry will indicate that there has in fact been water damage, and your claim will be denied. Those who have insurance — which should be everyone, considering how expensive BlackBerry devices are — should still be able to file a claim.
If it’s something other than water that drowned your BlackBerry, cleaning it might be a bit trickier. Of course, pull the battery first. Then, you’ll have to clean it with demineralized water. For instructions on how to disassemble your BlackBerry, check out BlackBerry FAQ. That’s for the 8800 series, but they have them up for most BlackBerry models. Warning! Do not do this unless you’re confident of your ability to disassemble, clean, and reassemble your BlackBerry.
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I’ve heard that also pulling the battery and sticking the phone on the freezer for a few hours/days will do the work. Does anyone have done this?
(I’ve never had my bb or any other phone get wet)
The rice is cleaver idea however I’d first take a can of air (typically used for cleaning keyboards and other small electronic items) and spray down your BB first. This will most likely clear away the moisture. However I bought the replacement plan so I’m covered for anything.
“However I bought the replacement plan so I’m covered for anything.”
That’s why they call you Smarts. I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t pay the $5 per month for the insurance.
I dropped my BB in water. I did not do any back-up in the last weeks. Is it possible to recover all the data by putting the memory card in another BB?
Surfing, the only data you could recover in that case is the data on the memory card. But you shouldn’t lose the memory on your BlackBerry if you drop it in water.
Hey Smarts and Joe where do I get a replacement plan? Thanks.
Big Al, it sounds like you’re best off going to the place where you bought the Berry.
i have been searching for help or hours, can anyon answer this?? PLEASE!
I left my phone out side in the gravel (thought i had lost it) but my friend found it the next day and brought it back.
when i got my phone back the background had gone back to the default(zen) background… and about a week late, my radio signal starts shutting off.
no i can’t get my BB to stay on for more than 30 seconds at a time, i have to reconnect it to send a text. GAHHH!!!!
helllpppp please?!?!
or maybe you would like to lend a phone my way??? ha!
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