What to Do If Your Tp Link Camera Gets Water Damaged
Accidents happen. Whether your indoor camera was knocked into water or your outdoor camera was subjected to a torrential downpour beyond its design limits, water damage is a serious issue for any electronic device. Acting quickly and correctly can mean the difference between saving your Tp Link camera and having to replace it.
Disclaimer: Water damage to electronic devices is often severe and may not be reversible. This guide provides best-practice steps to maximise the chance of recovery, but success is not guaranteed. Water damage is also typically not covered under a standard warranty.
Immediate Steps to Take After Water Exposure
If your Tp Link camera has been exposed to water, time is of the essence. Do not attempt to power it on or use it. Follow these steps immediately.
- Step 1: Disconnect All Power. This is the most critical step. If it is a wired camera, unplug it from the wall immediately. If it is a battery-powered model, remove the battery straight away if the design allows. Cutting the power prevents short circuits, which cause the most damage.
- Step 2: Remove a MicroSD Card. If you have a microSD card inserted for local storage, carefully remove it. Set it aside to dry completely before attempting to read its data.
- Step 3: Dry the Exterior. Use a soft, absorbent cloth (like a microfibre cloth) to gently wipe down the entire exterior of the camera. Remove all visible water from the casing, lens, and any ports or crevices.
How to Attempt to Dry Out Your Tp Link Camera
Once you have disconnected the power and dried the exterior, the goal is to remove the moisture from the internal components.
1. Disassemble What You Can (Carefully)
For some models, you may be able to remove parts of the housing or battery compartment covers. Do not attempt to fully disassemble the camera, as this will likely void your warranty and can be difficult without the right tools. Only remove user-accessible parts as shown in the manual. This can help improve air circulation.
2. Promote Air Drying
The safest method is to let the device air dry thoroughly.
- Find a Dry, Warm Spot: Place the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. A spot near a dehumidifier or in a warm airing cupboard is ideal. Avoid direct, high heat sources like a hairdryer or an oven, as excessive heat can damage the delicate internal components and warp the plastic housing.
- Use Desiccants (Silica Gel): A more effective method than rice is to use silica gel packets. These are the small packets often found in new shoe boxes or with electronics, designed to absorb moisture. Place the camera and several silica gel packets in an airtight, sealed container or bag. This creates a very dry environment that will actively pull moisture out of the device.
3. Be Patient and Wait
This is a crucial part of the process. You must resist the temptation to power the camera on to see if it works.
- Wait at Least 48-72 Hours: Give the camera a minimum of two to three full days to dry out completely. Internal components can hold moisture for a surprisingly long time. Turning it on prematurely while moisture is still present will almost certainly cause a fatal short circuit.
4. The Moment of Truth: Testing the Camera
After you have waited for several days and are confident the camera is completely dry, you can attempt to power it on.
- Step 1: Re-insert the battery or plug the camera back into its power source.
- Step 2: Attempt to turn the camera on and connect it to the app.
- Step 3: Observe its behaviour. Check for a clear image, listen for any unusual sounds, and test its features.
If the camera powers on and functions normally, you have been successful. However, be aware that corrosion can sometimes form over time, so it's a good idea to back up any important footage and keep a close eye on the device's performance. If it does not power on or behaves erratically, the internal components have likely been damaged beyond repair.