Quick Answers
The amount of time it takes for moisture detected to go away depends on a few key factors:
– The source of the moisture – Was it a spill, flooding, condensation, etc? Different moisture sources can take different amounts of time to fully dry out.
– The extent of the moisture damage – Small amounts of moisture will dissipate faster than large amounts spread over a big area.
– Temperature and airflow – Warmer temperatures and ample airflow will speed up drying time. Cooler temps and stagnant air will delay it.
– Materials affected – Porous materials like carpets and drywall will take longer to dry than non-porous surfaces like tile or metal.
As a general guideline, light moisture exposure on non-porous surfaces will dry in 24-48 hours with proper ventilation. Heavy flooding or saturation can take 1-2 weeks or longer to completely dry out. Dehumidifiers and fans can help accelerate the drying process.
What Causes the Moisture Detected Warning?
The “moisture detected” warning pops up on various electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops when internal humidity sensors detect excessive moisture exposure inside the device chassis. This serves as an alert to the user that liquid ingress may have occurred and precautionary steps should be taken.
Moisture sensors are tiny electronic components installed near openings like headphone jacks, charging ports, and SIM card trays. They act as an early warning system to detect the presence of liquid water before it can reach vulnerable electronics like circuit boards and batteries. When the moisture sensors come into contact with liquid water or very high ambient humidity, they close an electrical circuit that sends a signal to the device’s diagnostic software to display the moisture detected warning.
Common causes that can trip the moisture sensors and generate the warning include:
- Actual liquid spills or water exposure such as drops of water, splashes, or submersion
- Using the device in very humid environments such as steamy bathrooms or outdoors during rain
- Condensation buildup inside the device from temperature changes or going from cold to hot environments
- Residual moisture trapped inside after a spill that was not adequately dried
- Defective or overly-sensitive moisture sensors that get triggered falsely
If the moisture detected warning appears, it’s wise to promptly power down and inspect the device openings for any trapped liquid or condensation buildup. Extended moisture exposure can lead to corrosion, electrical shorts, and component failure over time.
How to Make Moisture Detected Go Away
When moisture is detected in an electronic device, prompt action is required to dry it out and dissipate the warning message. Here are some tips:
1. Turn Off the Device
As soon as you see the moisture detected alert, power off the device immediately. This will prevent any short circuits from occurring and gives you a chance to properly dry it out. Leaving it on will allow conductive moisture to continue reaching electronic components.
2. Dry Out the External Case
Carefully wipe down the exterior of the device with a microfiber cloth or absorbent towel to soak up excess moisture on the outside. Be sure to pat dry any openings, ports, speaker grill, etc. where liquid could have seeped inside. Let it air dry for 15-30 minutes.
3. Leave It Powered Off Overnight
It takes time for moisture inside delicate electronics to evaporate. Leaving the powered-off device to sit open overnight (12-24 hours) allows liquid to fully evaporate so the sensors clear.
4. Use Desiccant Packs
Place the dry device in an airtight bag or container along with silica gel desiccant packs. The packs actively absorb leftover hint of dampness the sensors may be detecting. Reseal for 24 hours.
5. Try a Drying Box
A drying box uses heat and airflow to accelerate water evaporation from a wet device. Just a few hours in a specialized dryer can effectively remove moisture.
6. When In Doubt, Take It To Repair
If the warning persists more than a day or two after drying attempts, residual liquid is likely trapped internally. Take it to a repair shop where they can properly open, dry out, and diagnose any damage.
How Long Does it Take?
The specific drying timeline depends on the circumstances, but users can expect:
- Surface moisture on the case – 12-24 hours
- Visible condensation buildup – 24-48 hours
- Confirmed spills/submersion – 48 hours minimum, sometimes longer
- Prolonged humidity exposure – Up to 72 hours
With more extensive water damage or malfunctioning sensors, it could take 3-5 days for the message to clear. A repair shop may be needed to fully dry interior components and determine if any parts need replacement.
Acting quickly to power down, dry out, and wait patiently is key. With light moisture exposure on a phone or laptop, the detected warning usually resolves within 24-48 hours if proper steps are followed. But more problematic damage can delay dissipation.
Tips to Prevent Moisture Detected Warnings
While moisture warnings are sometimes unavoidable accidents, users can take measures to reduce exposure risks:
- Avoid liquids near devices – No drinking/eating over electronics
- Power down before going in humid places like bathrooms
- Keep devices away from wet outdoor conditions
- Let wet devices dry adequately between uses
- Use waterproof cases for activities like boating or swimming
- Keep phones/laptops away from toddlers and babies
- Handle with clean and dry hands to minimize oil and sweat
- Keep devices away from moist surfaces like sinks and bathtubs
Careful handling goes a long way in keeping moisture away from electronics. But If an accident does occur, remember to promptly power off, thoroughly dry, and patience for at least 24-48 hours. With quick action, moisture detected can usually be resolved before irreversible water damage happens.
What to Do If Moisture Detected Won’t Go Away
In rare cases, the moisture detected warning may persist for several days even after attempted drying:
- Try longer drying times up to 5-7 days powered off
- Inspect for trapped moisture in cracks/openings
- Use multiple desiccant packs in sealed bag
- Try a fan or heater to speed evaporation
- Replace device case/housing if damaged
- Take to repair shop for interior component cleaning
- Moisture strips may need replacement if defective
If there are visible signs of corrosion or the device is malfunctioning, moisture has likely reached internal parts. Take the device to professional phone or laptop repair to check for damage. They have tools to disassemble, thoroughly dry out, and replace any affected components. This gives the best chance for a full recovery.
A persistently detecting moisture sensor may also need replacement if it has become too sensitive or defective. A repair shop can source and install a new moisture strip tailored for your specific device make and model.
With professional help and diligent troubleshooting, most moisture detected issues can eventually be cleared fully. But the longer moisture sits inside, the more it risks shorting or corroding components. So time is of the essence for drying it out and restoring normal function.
Conclusion
Moisture warnings should never be ignored or powered through. The alert is the device telling you it detected a potentially damaging liquid exposure. To make moisture detected go away for good:
- Immediately power down upon seeing the warning
- Thoroughly dry the exterior and interior openings
- Allow powered-off drying for at least 24-48 hours minimum
- Use desiccant packs or a drying box to aid moisture evaporation
- Take unresolving issues to professional phone/laptop repair
- Check for corroded parts or damaged sensors that need replacement
With quick response and diligent troubleshooting, most moisture detected warnings can dissipate within a day or two. But more problematic damage may take up to a week to fully clear. Seeking professional help promptly is wise if moisture persists beyond initial drying attempts. Catching issues early before permanent water damage happens gives you the best outcome.