When you trade in a used mobile phone, the water damage sensor is one of the first things that the store will check. It’s a safe way to tell if the phone has been damaged by moisture, even if it appears to be working properly when it’s sold.
So how can you ensure that your phone stays completely dry?
What is a Water Damage Sensor?
A water damage sensor is a tiny transparent indicator inside or around the edge of your phone. Used mobile phones are checked to see if the indicator has turned pink. If it has, it’s a sure-fire sign that the phone has been exposed to moisture.
Allowing your phone to get wet can eventually cause corrosion inside a device if it’s sustained, which is why phone manufacturers include these sensors.
If the water damage sensor is activated, your warranty will usually be void. In order to get the best price for your phone when you sell it, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t turn the sensor pink.
You might even be able to see it; on most modern iPhones, one sensor is on the right hand edge.
Phones and Showers Don’t Mix
If you’ve ever dropped your phone into a full bath by accident — or even a toilet — you’ll be well aware of the risks that a bathroom can pose to your device. It’s sensible to keep your device well away from any container of water, so don’t carry it in your pocket when you’re washing the car.
But it’s also not a good idea to subject your phone to steam, either. Although the occasional exposure probably won’t activate the sensor, continually leaving your phone on the side of the bath might.
So to be safe, keep your phone out of the bathroom while you shower, and away from any other steamy or humid environment.
Sudden Temperature Changes
If you wear glasses, you’ll be aware of the effect of walking into a warm room after being out in the cold. Your lenses steam up instantly.
Inside your phone, the same thing can happen if you go from a warm place to a cold one quickly. For example, taking your phone from a warm poolside environment to the car park outside.
The reverse is also true: if you’ve left your phone in the car overnight, it’s best to warm it up very slowly rather than bringing it straight into a warm room.
Wet Peripherals
Some devices have moisture sensors inside the ports and sockets. It’s very important that the peripherals, like headphones, are not wet when you plug them in.
Likewise, if you sweat when you exercise, make sure that the liquid doesn’t run down the cord and into the headphone socket. Some phones have moisture damage indicators in there too.
Getting the Best Price for Used Mobile Phones
Water damage indicators are there to ensure that people who buy used mobile phones are not sold damaged devices.
Although a little steam won’t usually hurt, it’s a good idea to be mindful of where your phone is stored and how you use it. The more moisture there is in the unit, the more damage it will cause, and the more likely it is that the sensor will turn pink.
Phoenix Cellular is one of Europe’s leading dealers in used mobile phones. To find out more about our stringent quality checks and superb pricing, contact our team today.
