Recovering data from a water-damaged phone might seem very difficult, but various solutions can be used to help you recover your important files. Data recovery software can scan your device for lost files. You can quickly restore it if you have backed up your data in the cloud by logging into your account. If the phone works, try connecting it to a computer and transferring those files. To recover major damage, contact professional services to disassemble your phone or recover data right from the chip of the phone’s storage for you.
4 Ways To Recover Data From A Water-Damaged Phone
If you want to recover data from a water-damaged phone, there are several steps and tools available.
1. Use Data Recovery Software
When your phone is all dry, try applying the first possible technique, data recovery software. Data recovery applications can be very helpful when recovering contacts, photos, videos, and text messages from a wet phone. Let’s see how:
- Install the recovery program on your computer: First, install any trusted data recovery program. Many of them work with Android and iOS devices.
- Connect the phone to the computer: Connect the phone to your computer via a USB cable. The data recovery software will detect your device and begin scanning it for recoverable data.
- Recoverable data will be scanned from: The program will allow the phone to scan a deeper level of its internal memory. Depending on the size and condition of your memory, this could take about a minute up to one hour.
- Preview and recover your files: After scanning, it will show a list of files that can be recovered. Preview them before deciding which ones you would like to recover. When you select them, the software transfers them to your computer to save your precious data.
Though data recovery software can be quite effective, internal damage and whether the phone is still functional are some determining factors for a successful recovery.
2. Use Cloud Storage to Retrieve Data
Recovery may be easier if you have backed up your data to a cloud storage service, such as Google Drive or iCloud. Most cloud services automatically sync your data, including contacts, photos, and videos, so you can recover everything through your account even if your phone is damaged.
- Sign in to your cloud account: Sign up for your cloud file storage service on another device (laptop, tablet, or phone) using the same login credentials that you used on your phone before the damage.
- Access your files: Once logged into the service, access your files and download your data. Before the damage, you should have all the items synced to the cloud.
- Restore contacts and apps: Google automatically backs up contacts, calendar events, and apps on Android phones. On iPhones, you can restore your apps and contacts from iCloud by logging in and restoring from a previous backup.
This method only works if cloud backup is enabled beforehand, but it is one of the quickest and safest ways to recover data without accessing the damaged device.
3. Connect your phone to a computer to transfer files
Even if your phone is on, but the screen is damaged or won’t react, you should still be able to recover your files by connecting it to a computer. Here’s how you can do this:
- Connect your phone to a computer: Connect your phone to a computer using a USB cable. If your phone still works, the computer will detect it as an external device.
- Allow file transfer mode: Before using an Android phone, ensure it is in “File Transfer” mode. If using an iPhone, you must trust the computer to create a connection.
- Access your mobile’s storage: After a successful connection, you can access your mobile’s internal storage using your computer’s file explorer. From here, you can navigate through the phone’s storage to where the files you need are located.
- Copy files: Drag and drop files from your phone into your computer, saving what you need.
This is an effective method if your phone is still functional. It allows you to connect to other devices and, thus, manually recover images, documents, and other files.
4. Get Professional Assistance
Professional recovery services are probably your best course of action in cases where the phone is severely damaged, or you cannot recover the data with the above steps. Here’s how professional data recovery services works:
- Initial consultation and diagnostics: You’ll send your device to a professional recovery service. They’ll diagnose the extent of the water damage and determine whether your data can be recovered.
- Disassembly and chip-level recovery: If the damage is too severe for regular software recovery, professionals will disassemble your phone and retrieve the data directly from the storage chip. This process requires special tools and expertise.
- Data recovery and transfer: After you have recovered your data, you will transfer it to a safe place, such as a hard drive or cloud storage. Then, you can safely restore your files.
Professional services cost more than doing it yourself, but they are often the only viable option for damaged phones or when other methods fail.
Switch off the device immediately to prevent short circuits and further internal damage. Remove all accessories, including the SIM card, memory card, and any external attachments, to allow proper drying. Place the phone in a bowl of silica gel packets to absorb moisture effectively for 24-48 hours, and gently wipe away visible liquid with a microfiber cloth to prevent it from seeping into other areas. Once the phone is dry, use data recovery software to retrieve any important files.
What should be avoided when saving a water-damaged phone?
Avoid turning on the device immediately after it gets wet, as this can cause electrical shorts and lead to permanent damage. Refrain from using heat sources like hairdryers or radiators, as excessive heat can melt internal components and worsen the damage. Additionally, avoid attempting DIY repairs by opening the phone yourself, as this can cause further harm and void the warranty.
Conclusion
There are multiple ways to recover data from a water-damaged phone. The first step is to try to recover the data using data recovery software that scans your phone for lost files. If your data is saved in the cloud, you can easily recover it by logging into your cloud account. If the phone still functions, you can connect it to a computer and transfer the files as another easy method. However, if these methods do not work, professional data recovery service providers such as Vantel can disassemble your phone and retrieve the data directly from the storage chip.