Tag: wet phone

  • 6 Important Things to Check Before Buying a Second Hand Mobile Phone (Used Phone)

    6 Important Things to Check Before Buying a Second Hand Mobile Phone (Used Phone)

    Buying a pre-owned smartphone can be a smart financial decision, especially for people who love upgrading often or want good features at a lower cost. A brand-new device may offer a fresh feel, but it is not always necessary when many used phones deliver strong performance at a fraction of the price.

    However, choosing a second hand device requires careful inspection. There are fake models, faulty units, refurbished devices with hidden problems, and phones with damaged parts. Proper checks help you avoid losses and ensure you get a long-lasting device.

    You should also know when it is time for an upgrade to a new smartphone. Whatever be your reasons to opt for a used smartphone, you must remember that purchasing a used or second hand device can be a tricky affair, what with the market flooded with plenty of faulty and fake cell phones.

    This guide covers detailed steps, expert advice, deep inspection tips, and important precautions. With the right knowledge, you can confidently evaluate any used smartphone and decide whether it is worth the price.

    Why Buying a Used Smartphone Can Be a Smart Choice

    Pre-owned smartphones have become popular for several reasons. Many people upgrade every year, leaving behind well-maintained devices. Others prefer older models because they still function well and cost less. Buying a used phone can also help reduce electronic waste, making it a more eco-friendly choice. Before deciding, it helps to know the difference between buying a new phone and a used phone.

    But this choice only works well if you identify a device that has been handled with care. Without inspection, you may end up spending more on repairs than on the phone itself. That is why it is essential to follow careful evaluation steps. While if you are planningto buy a used iPhone, please go through our things to check before buying a used or refurbished iPhone buying guide.

    1. Confirm That the Device Is Not Stolen

    The first and most important step is confirming the phone’s legitimacy. Buying a device that has been stolen can cause serious problems later. The original owner may have reported it to authorities, and the network may block it permanently.

    Ask for the bill

    Request the original purchase invoice from the seller. A genuine bill includes the store name, purchase date, serial number, and buyer details. This helps prove ownership.

    Match the IMEI number

    Use *#06# to display the IMEI. Match the number with the one printed:

    • On the box
    • Inside the SIM tray
    • On the back sticker (if available)

    If all numbers match, the device is most likely legitimate.

    Use IMEI checker websites

    Several online tools verify whether a phone is blacklisted. Technicians strongly recommend this step to check via IMEI number because it takes seconds and prevents major issues later.

    Even if you are being lured to a deal that’s simply a steal, buying a stolen phone is a strict ‘no-no’. After all, why get into a trouble with the authorities at a later stage for spending your money on a device that has been reported as lost or stolen or for buying a second hand phone that may have been misused in the past for execution of unlawful activities?

    2. Identify Fake Models and Replicas

    Replica models look almost identical to original ones. They often copy the body design, logo placement, and packaging. Many buyers confuse them with real devices.

    Check model details inside settings

    Go to Settings → About Phone and check:

    • Model number
    • RAM
    • Storage
    • Processor
    • OS version

    Compare these with the official specifications provided by the manufacturer.

    Fake phones often show unusual software menus, mismatched RAM, or outdated security patches.

    Examine build quality

    Original devices typically feel:

    • Solid
    • Balanced
    • Premium in finishing

    Clone phones may feel lighter, hollow, or poorly assembled.

    Visit a service centre if unsure

    Authorised centres can check the device in minutes using internal tools. This is one of the best ways to confirm authenticity when buying an expensive used model.

    3. Inspect the Physical Condition Thoroughly

    A visual inspection gives you a clear idea of how the phone was used. A well-maintained device usually lasts longer.

    Check the exterior

    Look for:

    • Dents on the corners
    • Hairline cracks
    • Scratches on the camera lens
    • Loose frame
    • Damaged buttons

    Some scratches are normal, but major cracks indicate heavy falls.

    Test the display

    Turn on the display and check:

    • Touch responsiveness
    • Dead pixels
    • Uneven colours
    • Brightness uniformity
    • Backlight bleeding

    Touchscreens should respond smoothly. Lag or unresponsive zones show internal damage.

    Identify water exposure

    Even splash-resistant smartphones can get damaged when fully exposed to water. Most devices have a Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI). If it has turned pink or red, the phone has been exposed to moisture. Apart from falls, water damage is a common injury that is associated with mobile phones.

    Check the:

    • Charging port
    • SIM tray
    • Speaker grills

    Battery check (for removable batteries)

    Remove the back cover if applicable and inspect:

    • Battery bulges
    • Corrosion marks
    • Colour changes on the internal sticker

    Bulging batteries are unsafe and should not be used.

    Camera inspection

    Open the camera app and test:

    • Autofocus
    • Low-light performance
    • Sharpness
    • Colour accuracy

    Foggy or blurred photos may indicate moisture damage inside the lens.

    4. Run Diagnostic Tests Using Service Codes

    Most smartphones include hidden diagnostic tools. These allow buyers to test sensors and internal components.

    What you can test

    Diagnostic menus help you verify:

    • Touch sensitivity
    • Speaker volume
    • Microphone input
    • Vibration motor
    • Sensors (gyroscope, proximity, light)
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • LED flash
    • Battery health
    • Camera functions

    Technicians use these codes daily to identify issues quickly. Check these diagnostic secret codes of Android phones to perform various tests.

    To learn a lot of service codes and other mobile repairing tips, you can join the mobile repairing course offered at Prizm Institute’s training center in Kurla.

    Why this step is important

    Many internal issues are not visible from the outside. A diagnostic test reveals things like:

    • Failing sensors
    • Speaker distortion
    • Faulty microphones
    • Battery degradation
    • Display colour problems

    This is one of the best ways to ensure the phone is in good working condition.

    5. Test Ports, Buttons, Battery and Accessories

    Ports and buttons receive continuous use, so they often wear out faster.

    Charging port test

    Insert a charger and observe:

    • Does it charge smoothly?
    • Does the cable feel loose?
    • Does the charging stop when moved slightly?

    Poor charging ports are costly to repair.

    Battery behaviour

    Check for:

    • Fast draining
    • Heating
    • Sudden percentage drops

    Many modern phones show battery health inside settings.

    Buttons and fingerprint sensor

    Check the:

    • Power button
    • Volume keys
    • Mute switch
    • Home/fingerprint sensor

    Each should respond instantly.

    Earphones and speakers

    Plug in earphones and play music. Check:

    • Left and right channels
    • Audio clarity
    • Volume

    Test the loudspeaker with calls and videos.

    USB data transfer

    Connect the device to a computer. Ensure the data transfer starts instantly.

    6. Compare Prices and Negotiate Smartly

    Price comparison is a crucial step before buying any used smartphone. You should check:

    • Online marketplaces
    • Local phone shops
    • Certified refurbished stores
    • Exchange offers
    • Official websites

    Many times, a brand-new budget device may offer better value than an older flagship model. You should also know how to select and buy a new smartphone in case you are planning to buy a new handset.

    Negotiate based on condition

    Use the results of your inspection:

    • If the battery is weak → ask for a lower price
    • If the screen has scratches → negotiate a discount
    • If accessories are missing → reduce the offer

    Refurbished models with warranty

    Certified sellers often test and repair devices before selling them. Many of these come with a short warranty period. This adds safety and reduces the risk of hidden repairs.

    A smart buyer isn’t one who buys new, but one who buys wisely.

    Additional Expert Tips for Buyers

    Check for account locks

    Ask the seller to remove:

    • Google account
    • Apple ID
    • Screen lock

    A locked device may become unusable.

    Reset the device before purchase

    Always format the device in front of you to ensure there is no hidden data or security lock.

    Test network and connectivity

    Insert your own SIM and check:

    • Call clarity
    • 4G/5G connectivity
    • Wi-Fi stability
    • GPS accuracy

    Check storage performance

    Install an app or take a few photos to test how the device handles simple tasks.

    Look for signs of repair

    If screws are replaced or the frame is uneven, the device may have been opened earlier. This may indicate past damage.

    Ask about repair history

    Some sellers reveal repairs, but many do not. A quick question helps you understand past issues.

    Smart buyers compare, check, and choose – not chase.

    Conclusion

    Buying a pre-owned smartphone can save money, reduce waste, and still give you great performance – if you inspect it properly. By checking authenticity, verifying condition, running diagnostics, testing hardware, and negotiating smartly, you can choose a reliable device that lasts long.

    A little caution today prevents expensive repairs tomorrow. With the steps in this guide, you can make an informed and confident decision when selecting a used phone.

  • How To Repair Water Damaged Cell Phones In 4 Steps – Easy Guide

    How To Repair Water Damaged Cell Phones In 4 Steps – Easy Guide

    Let’s face it! Most of us have been unlucky at least once in our lifetime by having our precious phone waterlogged. Right?

    It may be due to a coffee spill, dropping it in a bucket of water, getting wet in the rains, or any other clumsy reason.

    Many times, the data inside your handset may be more important than the phone itself. So reviving a liquid-damaged phone becomes even more important today because our phones hold banking apps, passwords, photos, videos, and personal files.

    So how do you deal with a wet phone?

    Step 1 – Disconnect the battery immediately

    As soon as you realize your smartphone is wet, detach the battery. This is the most vital step to save your device. Open the back cover and remove the battery quickly.

    The sooner you remove the battery, the better. If you wait for more than a few seconds, the phone may get short-circuited and may also become irreparable.

    But today, almost all phones come with sealed or non-removable batteries. So this step has become impossible for most users. In such cases, switch off the phone immediately, avoid pressing any buttons, and visit the nearest mobile repair shop to get the handset opened and dried.

    Also remove the SIM card and memory card to avoid damage to them.

    Reason: Water is a good conductor of electricity. If water reaches the motherboard, current starts flowing in unwanted areas and causes short-circuits. Some parts require only 1 volt but may receive 3.8 volts directly from the battery. This is enough to damage sensitive components.

    Remember: No power means no damage.

    Step 2 – Dismantle and dry out the water

    Once the phone is switched off, the next step is to dismantle it and dry out all the water inside. Use YouTube only if you are confident, as modern phones use delicate flex cables, tiny connectors, and multiple layers of shielding.

    To dry the phone, you can use any of these:

    • A hot air gun
    • A hair dryer
    • A heater
    • Direct sunlight
    • Any warm air appliance

    If you use a hair dryer, keep it at a safe distance and move it in a sweeping motion. Focus on the charging port, headset jack, SIM tray, speaker grills, and microphone holes. Dry both sides of the motherboard to ensure the water evaporates completely.

    Important: Never use an oven, microwave, or extreme heat. High temperatures can melt plastic parts and damage chips.

    If you wish to learn mobile repair professionally, you can join Prizm Institute’s online cell phone repair training and learn repair skills from home.

    Step 3 – Clean the motherboard with isopropyl alcohol

    Water contains minerals. These minerals leave deposits and may cause corrosion on the motherboard over time.

    So it is recommended to clean the motherboard with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol). A concentration of 90% or above works best. It removes moisture, minerals, and corrosion safely. Do not use tap water, perfume, or low-quality thinner because they leave residue.

    Step 4 – Reassemble your device

    After drying and cleaning, check if the motherboard is short-circuited using a multimeter. If it is not short, reassemble your device and switch it on.

    If you are lucky, your phone will return to normal working condition. And if you are not successful, then your phone may need the services of a professional mobile phone repairing service center. Also if any other fault occurs in the handset due to this mishap and you are unable to fix it then undoubtedly you will have to let a technician handle the job.

    If the phone does not start, or if it shows unusual behavior like auto-restarts or battery drain, then it needs professional service. Modern phones have ICs, UFS storage chips, PMIC, and other micro-components that require expert handling.

    The Rice Method – Does It Work?

    how to repair a wet cell phone using rice method.

    Another famous method followed by many people is the rice method. They cover the handset with uncooked rice for a day so that rice absorbs the moisture.

    Other absorbent materials like silica gel packets, which come in shoe boxes and electronics packages, work even better.

    Rice method is explained in detail at www.instructables.com/id/How-to-dry-out-and-fix-a-cell-phone-that-got-water/

    But this method has limitations.
    Use rice only when a few drops of water have entered the device.
    If the phone was fully submerged, rice cannot pull out all the moisture trapped inside the layers.

    Updated Tips

    • There are two types of water exposure:
      minor exposure (few drops) and complete submersion.
    • These guidelines apply to smartphones, iPhones, tablets, and most electronic gadgets.
    • Always back up your data using Google Drive, iCloud, or an external device.
    • Even water-resistant phones rated IP67 or IP68 can get damaged by saltwater or hot water. Never try to test your device purposely.
    • Once you open a water-resistant phone, it loses its water resistance unless resealed professionally.
    • If the phone shows recurring problems after water exposure, you may need to replace the motherboard.
    • If the motherboard is unavailable or expensive, buying a new phone may be the only option.
    • Saltwater, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and soapy water are more harmful than clean water because they contain minerals, sugar, and chemicals that corrode the motherboard faster.

    Extra Expert Advice

    1. Use moisture-indicator tools
    Modern phones contain Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI). Technicians use them to check water exposure. If LCI turns red, it confirms internal water entry.

    2. Never charge a wet phone
    Charging a wet phone increases the chances of total motherboard failure.

    3. Avoid shaking or blowing too hard
    This spreads the water inside the device instead of removing it.

    4. Avoid using vacuum cleaners
    They can create static electricity and damage internal chips.

    5. Time is critical
    Most successful recoveries happen when the phone is handled within 1–2 hours.

    Read: Safety and precausions to be taken for cell phone repairs

    Final Thoughts

    Water damage is common and can happen in seconds. But if you act fast and follow safe and proven steps, you can protect your phone and your valuable data. For complicated cases, always trust a professional repair technician who has the right tools, experience, and training.

    Please consider sharing this post on Facebook and Twitter.

    We would love to hear more ideas, tips, and suggestions. Feel free to write your opinions in the comments below.