A short-circuited phone can be a frustrating experience for any smartphone user. It can cause various issues, such as the phone not turning on, random restarts, battery drain, or even permanent damage to the device. However, before you panic and rush to buy a new phone, there are several steps you can take to fix a short-circuited phone potentially. Or you can visit a phone repair shop for professional help.
How to Fix a Short-Circuited Phone
Step 1: Disconnect the Phone from Power Source
The first and most crucial step when dealing with a short-circuited phone is immediately disconnecting it from any power source. This includes unplugging it from the charger, removing any connected USB cables, and powering it off if possible. This prevents any further damage caused by electrical current flowing through the short circuit.
Step 2: Remove the Battery (If Removable)
If you have a phone with a removable battery, carefully remove it to cut off the power completely. Use a plastic pry tool or fingernail to lift the battery from its compartment gently. Avoid using any metallic objects that could cause additional damage to the phone or battery. Take help from a phone repair shop for this step. If your phone has no removable battery, skip to the next step.
Step 3: Dry the Phone
Moisture or water exposure can sometimes cause a short circuit in a phone. If your phone has been exposed to water or any other liquid, it is crucial to dry it thoroughly before attempting further steps. Use a clean and dry cloth or towel to wipe off any visible moisture from the phone’s exterior, including the screen, buttons, and ports. You can also use a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air to blow out any water from the phone’s ports and crevices. Avoid using heat sources such as a hairdryer or a microwave, as excessive heat can further damage the phone’s internal components.
Step 4: Inspect for Visible Damage
Once the phone is dry, carefully inspect it for any visible damage. Look for burnt or melted components, blackened areas, or any signs of physical damage. Pay close attention to the battery, charging port, power button, and any other areas that may have been affected by the short circuit. If you notice any visible damage, it may require professional examination by a phone and electronic repair shop or replacement of the damaged components.
Step 5: Perform a Soft Reset
A soft reset often helps resolve software-related issues caused by a short circuit. To perform a soft reset, press and hold the power and volume down buttons (or volume up buttons, depending on the phone model) simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the phone vibrates or restarts. This will force the phone to reboot and may help clear any temporary glitches or conflicts caused by the short circuit.
Step 6: Boot in Safe Mode
If the phone is still not turning on or is stuck in a boot loop after the soft reset, you can try booting it safely to identify and resolve any app-related issues. Safe mode starts the phone with only essential system apps and disables all third-party apps, which can help isolate the problem. To boot your phone in safe mode, follow these steps:
● Press and hold the power button until the power options menu appears.
● Tap and hold the “Power off” or “Restart” option on the screen.
● Tap “OK” or “Restart in safe mode” (depending on your phone model) when prompted to confirm.
Step 7: Charge with a Different Charger and Cable
Sometimes, a faulty charger or charging cable can cause a short circuit in a phone. Try charging your phone with a different charger and cable you know is working properly. Avoid using cheap or counterfeit chargers and cables, as they may not meet the required safety standards and can cause damage to your phone. If your phone generally starts charging with a different charger and cable, it may indicate that the original charger or cable was causing the short circuit.
Step 8: Perform a Factory Reset
If none of the previous steps have resolved the issue, you may need to perform a factory reset. A factory reset will erase all data and settings on your phone and restore it to its original factory settings. This can help eliminate any software-related issues caused by the short circuit. However, before a factory reset, back up all your essential data, which will be erased. To perform a factory reset, follow these steps or ask a mobile and computer repair shop expert for help.
● Backup all your important data, including contacts, photos, videos, and apps.
● Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
● Tap “Reset phone” or “Reset device” (depending on your phone model).
● If prompted, enter your PIN, pattern, or password to confirm.
● Tap “Erase everything” or “Reset phone” to start the factory reset process.
● Wait for your phone to reset and restart, which may take a few minutes.
● Set up your phone as a new device and monitor if the issues caused by the short circuit persist.
Conclusion
If you have followed all the previous steps and your phone is still not working correctly, it may require professional repair from a phone repair shop. Short circuits can sometimes cause internal damage to the phone’s components, which may need to be replaced by a certified technician. Contact us to Tellfix to inquire about repair options.