Galaxy s5 WiFi issue

[Games4life2016]

Hi I appear to have a problem with my Galaxy S5's WiFi connection
So in Saturday August 15, we had a pool party. I decided to record a video on putting it underwater for a few seconds.I put it away and it's 6:03 Pm I go and use my phone and it started running slow. So I did the uncooked rice method and in 5 hours (It's already 11:55 PM) and I it works like new. So WiFi was working and so was the device itself. Later on the next morning I use it and nothing happens at the night I see that my phone started using LTE and it was strange because I was outside and my Router was above me. I go on my house and see my phone scans for networks and nothing! I'm shocked! I touch the router with my phone and it connects but has 3 bars! Please help this isn't normal! Now when I'm in my room I get no connection. Basically, my WiFi range is shorter than before! What appears to be the problem? I already did a factory reset!! Please help! I use boot mobile if you're wondering.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Have you tried rebooting your router? Unplug its power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in again, and see how it connects this time.

 

[Games4life2016]

Yes I've rebooted the router many times but it won't help.

 

[B. Diddy]

Is reception universally decreased, regardless of which wi-fi network you're using? Do you notice poor reception now in places like Starbucks?

It's possible that the water immersion might have led to some water damage, affecting the wi-fi radio.

 

[Games4life2016]

Is reception universally decreased, regardless of which wi-fi network you're using? Do you notice poor reception now in places like Starbucks?

It's possible that the water immersion might have led to some water damage, affecting the wi-fi radio.

Well I've never been to Starbucks but yes with my cousin who lives below has an Internet router and I get 1 bar even tho my room is below their router!

 

[Games4life2016]

I have an Netgear router and it's odd to see that water damage affected the WiFi radio. If so then is there a solution to this.

 

[B. Diddy]

If it's water damage, then I don't know if there's a definitive fix. Who knows, maybe there's a contact that's starting to corrode. The cost of trying to diagnose and fix the problem might end up being almost as much as a new phone.

 

[Games4life2016]

Well looks like the problem might be permanent

 

[Games4life2016]

If it's water damage, then I don't know if there's a definitive fix. Who knows, maybe there's a contact that's starting to corrode. The cost of trying to diagnose and fix the problem might end up being almost as much as a new phone.

If it's water damage, then I guess I'm forced to buy a new phone but I'm not willing to take that risk.

 

[Games4life2016]

One thing is that can Warranty actually help? Can Best buy either fix it, or replace it?

 

[B. Diddy]

If there is any sign of water damage when they open it up, the warranty will be void.

 

[Games4life2016]

O_O

 

[Games4life2016]

Why?!

 

[Games4life2016]

But isn't warranty suppose to repair/replace the phone? And by signs of water damage do you mean they feel/see the water? If the warranty is voided does that mean they don't replace it or they replace it but you loose your warranty.

 

[B. Diddy]

Warranty doesn't cover accidental damage--only manufacturer defects. You'd need insurance to cover accidental damage. There are usually water sensors (in the form of water-sensitive stickers) inside the phone that can tell a technician if there has been significant water exposure.

But maybe your case isn't that clear cut. I checked out the warranty, and it looks like you might have some success, but it might be hard to prove to them. They won't cover water damage in these circumstances:

"D. This Warranty does not cover water damage to the Samsung Galaxy S5, S5 Mini or S4 Active Mobile Phone where the water damage was caused by:

1. • improper closure of the back cover of the Samsung Galaxy S5, S5 Mini or S4 Active Mobile Phone; or
2. • use of a non Samsung accessory cover; or
3. • submersion of the Samsung Galaxy S5, S5 Mini or S4 Active Mobile Phone in water for 30 minutes or more; or
4. • the depth of the water at which the Samsung Galaxy S5, S5 Mini or S4 Active Mobile Phone was submerged was greater than or equal to 1 metre."

First, there'd have to be no sign of damage at all, like a crack that could let water in. If there is a crack, that would suggest damage, which would make the warranty void. Second, you'd have to convince them that you only had the phone in the water for a few seconds at a depth of less than 1 meter, and essentially that's going to be your word vs their judgment (unless you happen to have video footage of what you were doing).

 

[Games4life2016]

Sadly, I don't have the video due to factory reseting my phone. But this phone is in great condition until now. And this isn't a permanent pool this is one of the pools where you put air in it and just get the hose and put in it. One thing I didn't mention was that the pool had a filter pump I don't if that affected it. I believe it's called Filter VVI