How to Detect Water Damage to your Smartphone

Most of the time, a smartphone will become inoperable due to a screen failure. Still, the second most common method of taking it out of action is getting in contact with water- commonly spilling something into it. It is so common that hardware manufacturers often place small devices that react to water in their devices, which is a significant issue.

WHAT ARE LIQUID CONTACT INDICATORS (LCI)?

In case you are familiar with the other terms. Liquid contact indicators are:

• Water damage tape.
• Water damage sticker.
• Liquid submersion indicator tape.
• Water contact indicator tape.

When LCIs come into contact with water, a small indicator turns from white into another color. Typically, this color is red. These things are incredibly tiny, even smaller than a grain of rice. Fascinating how it can handle water.

These tiny water-resistant stickers are called Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI). They are placed throughout a device – usually near ports, SIM card slots, and other areas where water may seep in.

The indicators indicate water has made its way into a device and the extent to which water has spread. LCIs are found in all devices, from smartphones to tablets to portable game consoles.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LCI?

The primary purpose of the liquid contact indicator is to provide the user with a conclusion about the cause of a fault in a device made of electronic components. With the help of LCI, if triggered, it can also help avoid future discussions about liability and warranty. Nonetheless, there are some things to keep in mind.

LCI IN SMARTPHONE DEVICES

Anything that people may drop down the toilet is likely to have one.

The following collection of LCI stickers that Apple used in the iPhone a few years ago can be found here (these stickers have been used from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X). 

Even though Apple still incorporates LCI stickers in its devices, their size and placement vary from model to model. For example, LCIs can be found in the headphone connector, dock connector, near the SIM card slot, and near the speaker. 

READ ALSO: What is iPhone Jailbreaking? 

Also, there is a liquid contact indicator (LCI) under the battery cover of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone near the battery contacts. 

LCI WATER CONTACT

When LCIs are in contact with water, their color changes from white to red. I think what is happening here is that the white coating on top of the sticker melts when exposed to water in the form of a tear, revealing the red beneath it.

It is important to remember that this process is irreversible, so drying an LCI will not restore its original color. There may also be a question of whether the LCI will be triggered by substances such as isopropyl alcohol. 

Some people argue that if an LCI is soaked in isopropyl alcohol, this will prevent the LCI from turning red when exposed to water. However, this is not true; the LCI would still be functional. According to research, tests happened in two concentrations of isopropyl alcohol (99% and 70%), and neither triggered the LCI. 

Fizzy or Carbonated Drinks and Juices can also trigger the LCI Sticker. 

Last but not least, you might be curious if the presence of a humid environment has the capability of causing the appearance of LCIs? In addition, three LCIs were placed in a bag, breathed into the bag so that there was condensation in the bag, and set up so that the LCI did not come into contact with any surface having moisture. Over almost an hour, the LCI remained white.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR PHONE’S LCI?

1. While removing the SIM/MicroSD card, you must turn off your phone or tablet. First is to eject your SIM or MicroSD Card Slot. Then, insert the ejector tool into the small hole next to it. And that is it! The tray will be ejected.
   
2. Remember that each device will have its own SIM/MicroSD tray location, so check the device before purchasing.
3. Illuminate the SIM/MicroSD slot. A moisture-sensitive device’s LCI will appear solid red, purple, or pink when exposed to moisture. 
   
4. If the device is not exposed to moisture, the LDI will be solid, sometimes pink.

Your phone or tablet will likely need to be repaired if it has come into contact with liquid. That’s particularly true when its performance has changed. It is therefore advisable to have it checked immediately by a technician to avoid further problems.

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