Water damage - Microphone - One (M7) Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've had my One for nearly a year now and it looks like new as ive looked after it well until 7 days ago when it made its way down the toilet as it was flushing.
I put it in an airtight container full of rice for a few days. Everything is working fine apart from the microphone. Callers say they can't hear me. If I switch to speaker phone then its fine.
Question to those in the know, is this water damage likely to be permanent? Anyone have experiance of the same?
It will obviously be out of warranty now, maybe HTC will fix it for a reasonable price?

mwatson said:
I've had my One for nearly a year now and it looks like new as ive looked after it well until 7 days ago when it made its way down the toilet as it was flushing.
I put it in an airtight container full of rice for a few days. Everything is working fine apart from the microphone. Callers say they can't hear me. If I switch to speaker phone then its fine.
Question to those in the know, is this water damage likely to be permanent? Anyone have experiance of the same?
It will obviously be out of warranty now, maybe HTC will fix it for a reasonable price?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Water damage is permanent, yes, but theres always that chance that something might click and your mic will start working perfectly again.
You got lucky, since you cant take these phones apart or remove the battery, ive always felt as though water damage would completely destroy the phone.
Rice is a good way to soak up water, but its not entirely effective. I would put the phone infront a fan for a couple of hours, or even leave it outside (away from sunlight) for some time.
Download a mic testing app from the playstore, and see if it picks up any sound. I would call HTC and see how much they would charge to fix this issue. You can always just stick to using headphones or the speaker phone while in calls, and you never know, the mic might just start working again.

Related

[Q] Xperia Z - muffled sound - YES, I know it needs to dry

Hi all,
My Xperia has not been in water since 4 days ago, but my sound is still muffled.
It got a bit better over the last few days, but it is still pretty bad.
I tried everything, a stream of water (and drying it!), laying it in rice, salt...
Even using a hoover like in one video on youtube.
I still have my warranty, so taking it to get repaired is an option, but I would prefer if there is a way to clean it. I don't believe that the guys can repair the phone in such way that I could be waterproof again and I doubt that I will get a new phone if I bring this one in.
For you to get an idea how bad it is, I recorded a video with my TF101 and I measured the loudness using a Samsung Galaxy Mini and Sound Meter from the Play Store.
lujo_zgb said:
Even using a hoover like in one video on youtube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fail. Anything suggested from this point forth is pointless imo as you may have seriously damaged your speaker, so would just get it straight to a Service Centre.
XperienceD said:
Fail. Anything suggested from this point forth is pointless imo as you may have seriously damaged your speaker, so would just get it straight to a Service Centre.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But never rule out that the climate might not be appropriate for drying it, but yeah, anything besides letting it dry on it's own and rebooting that you listed (besides the rice which seems.... odd....) will actually damage the speaker. I live in AU where it's fairly dry and all i have to do after my phone's been submerged for 10-20 mins is let it dry. personally, i play games that'll strain the phone to heat the internals up, usually helps it dry faster. Otherwise try a hairdryer on low to heat up the phone physically.
To make things clear, the hoover was not on full power. It was not even on 30%. I used it to get maybe some lint or dust out, not to dry it off. Also tried the hairdryer on slow speed and medium temperature, but it didnt help.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
my phone had the same fault.
Sony (Sbe Ltd repair centre) couldnt fix it so they sent me a replacement
...which ive just received back covered in scuffs, scratches and with dirt surrounding most of the screen.
****ing ridiculous. Sorry, but it's stupid.
edit: mine was without any water contact at all... so maybe different fault

Galaxy S4 Active - is it really waterproof?

USA Today have an article (here) where the reviewer was testing the S4 Active. Right after he dunk the phone underwater, the phone have WATER DAMAGE:
Shortly after I took the phone for a dip (in not very deep water), the display went kaput — at least for several hours. It lit up just long enough to indicate that I had power, but I couldn't actually keep the display on and use it.
Roughly a day later, the screen came alive again, but the phone was still exhibiting finicky behavior, presumably because of water damage. The touch-screen was messed up and the device acted as if headphones were plugged in when they weren't. If this were my actual phone, I'd return to the store for a replacement.
I just got the S4 Active and thought I am not planning to take the phone for a long underwater activities, I am concerned that I am getting a phone that have a very weak water resistant feature.
Not sure if this is because the reviewer didn't "properly" close the battery cover / USB port, but I have seen S4 Active review and Samsung Event videos where the phone was submerged in water for a long time and it still works.
PS: Have ANYONE tried to dunk their phone in the water for testing?
My phone has been in a pool, lake, bathtub, rainy weather, all since I got it. I trust it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
I'd like to think that reviewer just got stuck with a bad unit.
But this begs the question: Is water damage covered under warranty? Either by AT&T or Samsung? Surely they should back up their "vacation-proof" phone..
aceownstheworld said:
My phone has been in a pool, lake, bathtub, rainy weather, all since I got it. I trust it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first one went into the pool just fine. The unit I have now I am scared to expose it. On the top between the glass and bezel there is a small gap... above the in call speaker.... I'm afraid that water will pour in through that... Can you look at yours and see if yours is like that?
He probably didn't press down the back cover correctly.
Sent From My Galaxy S4 Active using a Tapatalk 4
joshuadjohnson22 said:
My first one went into the pool just fine. The unit I have now I am scared to expose it. On the top between the glass and bezel there is a small gap... above the in call speaker.... I'm afraid that water will pour in through that... Can you look at yours and see if yours is like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean between the earpiece and the bezel at the front? I don't see any gaps, at least not with my naked eyes.
On the back, bottom part near the speaker, I don't see it either. Trying to press to see if there is a gap, so far none.
What makes you "scared" on the phone that you have now?
robstunner said:
He probably didn't press down the back cover correctly.
Sent From My Galaxy S4 Active using a Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a sticker on the back cover that provide a warning for the user to PRESS DOWN on the middle of the cover, underneath the LED.
I always do that, but I never hear a "click" or any indication that the back cover is now PROPERLY covering the phone to prevent water leakage.
Well, I DO hear the click when pressing on all sides, but that's normal like my Galaxy Note.
lanwarrior said:
You mean between the earpiece and the bezel at the front? I don't see any gaps, at least not with my naked eyes.
On the back, bottom part near the speaker, I don't see it either. Trying to press to see if there is a gap, so far none.
What makes you "scared" on the phone that you have now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah on the front top. I just think water will easily get in the phone...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I've used this phone below the 1 meter mark and the only bad side effect I get is the microphone not working well for a bit afterwords, which happens really at any level of exposure. This phone is pretty safe in water if you use it correctly.
mattpayne92 said:
...the only bad side effect I get is the microphone not working well for a bit afterwords...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is pretty bad. I mean, I am not going snorkeling and take a phone call while floating on the shore, but if somebody calls me and I CANNOT talk to them because the microphone does not work, that is a big problem.
I am actually wondering how does the phone protects the microphone, earphone and speaker? There are holes there and water can go in. I was considering the Xperia Z and so far the only problem with water issue is the microphone jack - the phone will think that the jack have a headphone but it's only water. However, that is easily fixable by drying it out. I.e. use tissue or something that goes inside the jack.
Microphone though, the holes are to tiny to "dry" with a tissue or something.
BTW, is the microphone STOPS working completely or it works again after a FEW DAYS?
Maybe I can ask those who read this thread to tell me if:
A). You HAVE tested your phone under water (splashing it, dunking it in a bowl of water)
B). What ISSUE you have after you did the above? Phone dead, microphone stops working, etc.
I am trying to get a sense if this is just a specific batch issue (I can replace the phone) or design issue (no matter what, the issue still exists).
If it really was then it would have lifetime warranty. The fact that it only has 1 year warranty like most of the phones tells me that after year 1 be ready to say bye bye to your baby
Sent from my SGH-I337
lanwarrior said:
Maybe I can ask those who read this thread to tell me if:
A). You HAVE tested your phone under water (splashing it, dunking it in a bowl of water)
B). What ISSUE you have after you did the above? Phone dead, microphone stops working, etc.
I am trying to get a sense if this is just a specific batch issue (I can replace the phone) or design issue (no matter what, the issue still exists).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Decided to take mine in the shower to test after it got here.
I let the showerhead spray onto the phone, both front and back. Nothing wrong.
Like other people reported, the speaker volume gets significantly lower when wet and goes back to normal within a half hour. Also if the headphone port gets water in it it will errenously display that "headphones are connected" which blowing into the port will fix.
thatbigmoose said:
Decided to take mine in the shower to test after it got here.
I let the showerhead spray onto the phone, both front and back. Nothing wrong.
Like other people reported, the speaker volume gets significantly lower when wet and goes back to normal within a half hour. Also if the headphone port gets water in it it will errenously display that "headphones are connected" which blowing into the port will fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is useful! BTW, you haven't test submerging the phone, have you?
maldinimi said:
If it really was then it would have lifetime warranty. The fact that it only has 1 year warranty like most of the phones tells me that after year 1 be ready to say bye bye to your baby
Sent from my SGH-I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't, because all things mechanical / electronics break downs eventually - nothing last forever. Even mil-spec stuff does not have a "lifetime" warranty.
lanwarrior said:
This is useful! BTW, you haven't test submerging the phone, have you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't submersed it yet but there's videos on YouTube with submersion and it brings about the same issues I discussed.
Higher water pressure will clog the mic membrane and make you sound distant in phone calls.
Maybe I'll build up the courage to dunk it tomorrow.
I did the dunk test the night after I got it by fully submerging it in a cup of water...worked just fine afterwards...although I was showing a friend that didn't believe that I had a "water proof/resistant" phone by putting it in the sink and letting water run over it and had an issue with the phone thinking the headphones were plugged in.only did it for about an hour...weird thing was that it didn't start doing it until about 2 hours after it had been wet. Although once it fully dried I haven't had any issues at all with it. Hope this helps.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using XDA Premium HD app
lanwarrior said:
That is pretty bad. I mean, I am not going snorkeling and take a phone call while floating on the shore, but if somebody calls me and I CANNOT talk to them because the microphone does not work, that is a big problem.
I am actually wondering how does the phone protects the microphone, earphone and speaker? There are holes there and water can go in. I was considering the Xperia Z and so far the only problem with water issue is the microphone jack - the phone will think that the jack have a headphone but it's only water. However, that is easily fixable by drying it out. I.e. use tissue or something that goes inside the jack.
Microphone though, the holes are to tiny to "dry" with a tissue or something.
BTW, is the microphone STOPS working completely or it works again after a FEW DAYS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe leave the phone in the sun for a few minutes to dry? Blow on it? Several things help get the water out. But honestly, how often are you going to go swimming with a phone and then take a call immediately afterwards? I'd be thrilled that my phone didn't fry after it fell in the pool, I could care less that the microphone doesn't work for an hour - that's what bluetooth headsets are for.
Anyways, I've had my phone submerged in a sink with running water twice now, the only issues I've found is that after removing the back cover there is water on the outside of the rubber gasket, which looks normal, but I would recommend taking the back off to dry it out after exposed to water.
When i took mine into the pool I made a phone call right after and they said I sounded funny so i blew in the mic and it cleared the water out and they could hear me fine....
geoff5093 said:
But honestly, how often are you going to go swimming with a phone and then take a call immediately afterwards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not very often, but when I DO need to take that call, it will be a big problem. This is a phone after all.
I don't think I will purposely take the phone for a swim, but the reason I bought the Active instead of the S4 is because of the water/sand protection and want to confirm it works. If it doesn't, then I'll exchange the phone to a normal S4 because it's thinner.
However, based on your response and others, it seems it does offer those protection to a certain degree and the ONLY issue is that the mic may get covered with water and cause the caller not being able to hear me, but this is easily fixed QUICKLY.

Need advice with potential water damage phone.

Okay so I'm in Mexico, originally in Canada, walking on the beach, with my girls iPhone and money and my nexus 6 all in a fanny pack. Water splashing my feet, iPhone is fine and even money is not wet. But my nexus 6 is not working properly, speakers work for notifications and alarm, but not for media. Anyone have some advice for me? , speakers work so I'm not sure why media volume such as YouTube doesn't.
Can't even tell if the water indicator is off, I thought the phone was splash resistant it was never submerged. And I'm sure taking off the back cover voids the warranty right? Phone is just a month old.
Naruto101 said:
Okay so I'm in Mexico, originally in Canada, walking on the beach, with my girls iPhone and money and my nexus 6 all in a fanny pack. Water splashing my feet, iPhone is fine and even money is not wet. But my nexus 6 is not working properly, speakers work for notifications and alarm, but not for media. Anyone have some advice for me? , speakers work so I'm not sure why media volume such as YouTube doesn't.
Can't even tell if the water indicator is off, I thought the phone was splash resistant it was never submerged. And I'm sure taking off the back cover voids the warranty right? Phone is just a month old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, ive seen the n6 go fully submerged for a little bit of time, so it would be hard for me to believe that its water damage from splashing. do you use viper4android on it by chance?
I don't, yah I also saw the video, where that guy submergered his phone in water, and it still works, my phone works off and on, but it only stays working for a good hour or so. Just paid 900 for this phone hate to see it get denied for exchange from the play store... Not even sure if gps does repairs.
Naruto101 said:
I don't, yah I also saw the video, where that guy submergered his phone in water, and it still works, my phone works off and on, but it only stays working for a good hour or so. Just paid 900 for this phone hate to see it get denied for exchange from the play store... Not even sure if gps does repairs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, in the us, google play store will exchange your device one time for any reason. i dont know how they are where you live..
simms22 said:
well, in the us, google play store will exchange your device one time for any reason. i dont know how they are where you live..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, interesting. I'm sure it's not like that in Canada since we usually get the short end of the stick. Anyone know the policy for gps in Canada. Or any suggestions
Hey man. This same thing happened to me when my water tested my nexus 6. Notifications and ringtones work, calls work on loudspeaker only. But media stops working and it happens every time. After a while which I guess when the phone dries out the speaker comes back anyway.
If this happened to anyone else their input would be great.
Edit: okay guys seems this happens because the phones headset port get wet and thinks headphones are plugged in.
After downloading sound about app it shows a notification that media is playing through headphones. This is why notifications and ringtones work. Fixed by blowing into the port, cleaning with some tissue or cotton bud, playing media, plug in headset during playback, and removing headset.
Bit of a pain but there we go. Hope this helps anyone else having this problem
Naruto101 said:
Okay so I'm in Mexico, originally in Canada, walking on the beach, with my girls iPhone and money and my nexus 6 all in a fanny pack. Water splashing my feet, iPhone is fine and even money is not wet. But my nexus 6 is not working properly, speakers work for notifications and alarm, but not for media. Anyone have some advice for me? , speakers work so I'm not sure why media volume such as YouTube doesn't.
Can't even tell if the water indicator is off, I thought the phone was splash resistant it was never submerged. And I'm sure taking off the back cover voids the warranty right? Phone is just a month old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beach in mexico = salt water. Salt water conducts electricity. Fresh water does not. That makes all the difference.
If it is the headphone jack that is contaminated by salt water, try plugging and unplugging a headset a few times, blow into it, etc.
I heard if you have water damage you can try putting the device in a bag of rice for awhile not sure how long. I don't know if this works or not because iv never had that problem. Just figured I would throw that out there hopefully it will work. Won't hurt to try.....

Dropped phone, top speaker crackles, warranty?

So I dropped my phone and it landed on the top right edge of the protective case, cracking it. Phone worked fine, so I assumed the case did its job and carried on. It wasn't until I went to watch a video that I realized the top speaker was now ruined.
Repair places wanted an obscene amount of money, but one recommended I just warranty the phone. Has anyone done this? I'm on Verizon and I don't know if they'll work it out.
One of the speakers on my N6 stopped working and had some other issues. Sent defective phone to Motorola and received a new N6 within 10 days.
if a device is broken, not by you or anyone, then most places will replace it by a certain amount of time. if a phone is broken by you, like a drop, thdn itz not covered by the warrenty, and youd have to pay to fix it.
You should pay you did it
Don't say you dropped it, then it would be under warranty... Otherwise pay.

Waterproof?

Could someone try to reproduce this behavior please, just to verify if it's normal.
Time to time, I'm used to wash my phone, just under a few water, with very few soap.
I've noticed a few weeks ago that the sound is just crappy after that. In both speakers. I don't know if it's normal or a problem with my phone. Before sending it to a repair center, could someone tell me if his P20 Pro has the same issue?
My test is quite simple, right after putting water on it, try to call someone and see if the sound is ok. Then, try to play a song, and see if everything is OK. I both cases, I've got a crappy sound.
Maybe it's not an issue, but just normal. If that's normal, it's quite disappointing though, because I was expecting from a waterproof phone to handle a little bit more the residual water.
Thanks for your feedback.
I believe, that it's happening on all phones right after putting water on the speakers. The problem should disappear after few hours, when it'll be completely dry.
delirii said:
Could someone try to reproduce this behavior please, just to verify if it's normal.
Time to time, I'm used to wash my phone, just under a few water, with very few soap.
I've noticed a few weeks ago that the sound is just crappy after that. In both speakers. I don't know if it's normal or a problem with my phone. Before sending it to a repair center, could someone tell me if his P20 Pro has the same issue?
My test is quite simple, right after putting water on it, try to call someone and see if the sound is ok. Then, try to play a song, and see if everything is OK. I both cases, I've got a crappy sound.
Maybe it's not an issue, but just normal. If that's normal, it's quite disappointing though, because I was expecting from a waterproof phone to handle a little bit more the residual water.
Thanks for your feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt had faced your issue never because would never put my 500 euros phone into the water, but its owners decision after all
See this thread here on Reddit might it can help you, i would suggest you to put it into a tupper full of rise and put phone into it
EDIT: also it would be good if you put your phone under 'clear' watter without salt you know. without any soap. before put it on rise.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Huawei/comments/a9y83z/help_p20_pro_speaker_water_damage/
Have dunked my phone many times and it's been fine.
A while ago I went swimming in the South Pacific with a galaxy S5 all day long and although the mic got a small grain of sand stuck in it, it was fine after it fell out.
Should be fine, get a toothbrush and go over the grills, get the bristles in there, just no pins or anything metal.
it`s normal
nor problems just wait an HOUR
sherif2222222 said:
it`s normal
nor problems just wait an HOUR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks everyone. I may be too naive, but I was really expecting something "more waterproof". quite disappointing even if I'm still happy to clean my phone from time to time.
Dude first of all your phone is not waterproof. Its water resistant. There is no phone that is waterproof. Second of all you need to wait more than an hour for the water to evaporate in order to use the speakers in a proper manner. And for ****s sakes dont use soap or any other chemicals to wash it. You might apply pressure during your so called washing period where its not needed and damage the phone itself. Its dust resistant so just rinse it with water and your more than fine.

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