So... this happened...

[gray2018]

I don't know how exactly it happened... But it did. My son, who likes to play with my phone and has a tendency to play with water sometimes... May have potentially had a hand to play in this lol

Any idea what to do? I was told the best solution is most likely to take it to a service center. Evidently, my device is no longer water resistant? I've had it for two years and never had any issues until now. I am also receiving the message that there is moisture or debris in the charging port. Oddly enough, other than these two things, it's working fine. But I'm worried that the camera lenses are ruined. I really don't want to take it to Ubreakifix after some bad previous experiences with them in the past.

I also tried using a blowdryer on the lenses to remove the moisture, and it worked for about a minute. The moisture/condensation appeared again.

....It's a shame if that is the case, because I love my S21 Ultra. I have a backup device luckily... But the S21U has a special place for me.

 

[SpookDroid]

Good ol' bag of rice! Unfortunately no way of knowing how 'big' a gap there is on the seal now (but yes, no longer water resistant) so gauging a time that it'll take to dry up may be difficult. This is very common on devices with even a smidge of humidity inside when temperature changes in the room or outside (think of those cars with fogged up headlights). This, of course, it's no guarantee that it'll completely dry but it should help should you decide not to take it to a repair center which, naturally, would be the absolute safest choice to completely fix this.

 

[gray2018]

I've heard the whole "bag of rice" thing is a myth.

 

[SpookDroid]

I've heard the whole "bag of rice" thing is a myth.

It is for 'reviving' wet devices, for sure. But for minor humidity, it does help. Obviously it would be a lot better if you had desiccant packets instead, but hey... in a pinch?

 

[Grabber5.0]

Man, that stinks. Is the phone working okay otherwise so far?
Well, if you want to try desiccant packets, at least they're not that expensive: https://a.co/d/giqyNvI

 

[gray2018]

I have tried the bag of rice method just for giggles.
I guess I'll take it at some point today.

Yeah, yeah it does stink. But yes, the phone itself is working okay. I powered on the device for a short time yesterday to see if it was still working alright. The only issue I'm having honestly is the moisture in the camera lenses, that and the fact that when you try to start the camera app, it says camera failed...

 

[gendo667]

I have tried the bag of rice method just for giggles.
I guess I'll take it at some point today.

Yeah, yeah it does stink. But yes, the phone itself is working okay. I powered on the device for a short time yesterday to see if it was still working alright. The only issue I'm having honestly is the moisture in the camera lenses, that and the fact that when you try to start the camera app, it says camera failed...

Hate this for you. Loved my S21 Ultra.

 

[gray2018]

Hate this for you. Loved my S21 Ultra.

Me too. It might be my favorite device I've ever used... Idk. It's tied up there for me with the Note 10+.
That said.... I stuck it in a container of rice yesterday. Hmm. One of the lenses seems to have dried out. Idk if this is due to the rice, or another factor or what.

That said, I will probably take it to somewhere. I'm going to leave it in for a little bit longer to see if the other lenses dry out. Many people have told me my water resistant seals are worn out and I should look into getting it resealed. Funny, I've never had this problem before. Then again, I don't think there is a device that I've had since the S5 that I've kept for two years long, so perhaps they are worn out like suggested.

The longest I usually keep a device is around 1.5 years. Normally after that, I'm itching for something new. Not the case this time, though.

 

[Grabber5.0]

Heh, yeah, the urge to change is hard to resist. I'm sure the seals on my S21 are just as dry.

 

[mustang7757]

Heh, yeah, the urge to change is hard to resist. I'm sure the seals on my S21 are just as dry.

WD-40

 

[gray2018]

Well, the thing is, there is a crack on the back glass of my phone... Could it be possible it seeped through there that way?

The rice trick did not work. Or I should say, it worked for a short time. One of the lenses had no condensation in it... Then later on it was back. I can see the only way I can get this issue resolved is taking it somewhere.

The phone itself is still working fine. The camera is messed up, though. Every time I try to open it, it gives me a "camera failed," message. Looks like I'll be taking it to Ubreakifix, since evidently they are authorized Samsung service centers. Not really thrilled about that, though.. Since two years ago, I took my Note 10+ to one of them and they screwed up my device. Had a new battery put in and basically they didn't put everything back together right. I'm guessing some of the connector cables were loose in some way, because after that, my display would regularly turn green.

Perhaps I will not take it to that particular location....
The back glass, being broke, I guess will also have to be replaced. I'm worried how much this will cost. Hell, for 400 dollars, I can buy another S21 Ultra from Samsung.com.

 

[magenta]

use a hair dryer on low heat (you can put the dryer a little far) onto the camera lens this will help evaporate water inside, it can take couple of weeks to dry without anything too

 

[SpookDroid]

If the 'rice trick' worked and humidity came back, it's very likely the seal is just done for. You can keep drying it, but humidity will keep seeping in (and with temperature changes, condensation will keep happening and potentially be wet enough to short things out at some point).

 

[gray2018]

use a hair dryer on low heat (you can put the dryer a little far) onto the camera lens this will help evaporate water inside, it can take couple of weeks to dry without anything too

Yeah, I did that. No workie.

If the 'rice trick' worked and humidity came back, it's very likely the seal is just done for. You can keep drying it, but humidity will keep seeping in (and with temperature changes, condensation will keep happening and potentially be wet enough to short things out at some point).

It's just odd that before whatever dunking or spilling incident happened, I had no issues.
I'm guessing it had a lot to do with the fact that my phone was cracked at the back.





Zero issues outside of camera related problems. Oh, the front lens of course is also screwed up.

 

[SpookDroid]

Well, may be time to upgrade! With a couple carriers offering trade-ins on any condition and possible deals for Christmas (or Samsung's S25 launch early next year), maybe that makes more sense than repairing it.

 

[gray2018]

Nope. Not upgrading. According to my local Ubreakifix, it sounds like it will be a little bit under 200 dollars to fix the device. This is still cheaper than upgrading to a newer device, AND I get to keep my S21U.

Any scenario that I "upgrade," will most likely involve me having to pay 500-700 dollars, which I'm definitely not trying to do.

 

[gendo667]

I just searched for refurbished S21 Ultra on eBay. In excellent condition they actually approach $300. I'm kinda surprised.

 

[gendo667]

This would be it though.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - 128 GB Unlocked Phantom Black - PREMIUM CONDITION | eBay

Battery Health. Maintains at least 90% capacity compared to new, ensuring prolonged usage.

www.ebay.com

 

[notforhire]

Nope. Not upgrading. According to my local Ubreakifix, it sounds like it will be a little bit under 200 dollars to fix the device. This is still cheaper than upgrading to a newer device, AND I get to keep my S21U.

Any scenario that I "upgrade," will most likely involve me having to pay 500-700 dollars, which I'm definitely not trying to do.

impressed with your level of commitment

 

[gray2018]

I just searched for refurbished S21 Ultra on eBay. In excellent condition they actually approach $300. I'm kinda surprised.

Yeah, still cheaper to keep mine. Also, mine is the 256gb version. I have a hard time honestly finding trustworthy sellers. My device literally looked brand new when I got it, with zero issues.

impressed with your level of commitment

Thanks! A good portion of it is also financial. I have enough bills. I don't need any more. Lol. But I also love my S21U.