What happens if a usb drive gets wet

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Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. So a few months ago I accidentally spilled a little water on a few of my usb flash drives. I really want to test and see if they work, but before I do, I just want to make sure that there's no risk of damaging my computer. I'm pretty sure it's fine, but I just got a new laptop and would hate to ruin it over something stupid. If available, it is preferable to use a desiccant instead.

What happens if a usb drive gets wet

For companies to manage, share, and control data efficiently, USB flash drives are essential. However, there are some incorrect assumptions about them, which we will address below. However, the USB connectors are often the most durable part, and rightly so. USB connectors are made from metal that is very resistant to damage or bending. Whereas the cases of many USB flash drives, which are made out of plastics or other materials, are much more likely to become damaged over time, the connectors are built to last. There is some truth to this assumption. If a USB flash drive is plugged in and then gets wet, water will ruin it. If a USB flash drive is not plugged in and gets submerged in water, it will not be ruined as long as it is cared for properly. Important note: Most memory chips are designed to be waterproof. Because of this, make sure the unit gets completely dry inside and out before using it again. The data in USB flash drives is stored as electric charges and the information is contained in pieces of metal that are given either an excess or a deficiency of electrons. An unmoving magnetic field cannot affect the electric charges.

Not the answer you're looking for? Simple water exposure does not harm any of its internal components.

Join us as we discuss all the cool things we learn, and have learned, about growing a small business. Picture this: After plugging your USB flash drive into your computer, you notice a funky smell coming from it. You pull it out of the USB port, and aw, man -- it's covered in mold. Wish you'd checked the expiration date on that flash drive, right? As you've probably figured out, what we just described isn't a real thing.

You're sorting the laundry and your USB drive falls out of the pocket of your jeans. Assuming it still works, what are the real risks for a drive that survived a dunk in the washer and a trip through the dryer? SuperUser reader wants to know what the long-term risks are for his freshly washed USB drive. He writes:. I accidentally left a USB flash drive in my clothes, which was then washed with my laundry. This was a colored load, hot water. The drive survived just fine and was very clean. All data was still there, and I see no physical damage. While it would be easy to assume you're in the clear if the drive is still readable, things aren't that simple.

What happens if a usb drive gets wet

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. So a few months ago I accidentally spilled a little water on a few of my usb flash drives. I really want to test and see if they work, but before I do, I just want to make sure that there's no risk of damaging my computer.

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For more information, please visit our Disclaimer Page. And they hold whole apps that run from the disk without needing to install more programs on a computer. Search Close this search box. Instead, the USB was active when it came into contact with the liquid. Keep the USB connector covered when you can. However, if you act quickly and thoroughly , there is still a good chance you can save the data on the drive. And most of them can restore files from different kinds of damage. In most cases, only full submersion into water should pose any risk to them. For example, they can store bootable files we can execute on any device. Drives that get used heavily tend to fail more quickly as their components accumulate wear over time. I'm pretty sure it's fine, but I just got a new laptop and would hate to ruin it over something stupid. Why downvotes, unless this is a duplicate? I'll set the device in there and allow the rice to soak up the moisture. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.

Heloise Montini is a content writer whose background in journalism make her an asset when researching and writing tech content. Also, her personal aspirations in creative writing and PC gaming make her articles on data storage and data recovery accessible for a wide audience.

Laura Pompeu Laura Pompeu. Wish you'd checked the expiration date on that flash drive, right? Although water and electronic devices do not mix well, excess moisture does not cause damage per se. Forever Curious, I have always had an eagerness to learn and understand new topics at their core. Contact Us for a Free Consultation. Note, however, that this number is typically in the hundreds of thousands. Have a question? You can also try slipping the usb flash drive inside a plastic bag that can be sealed or a plastic container airtight. Learn more about Teams. It is also most likely that the life of the flash drive will become shorter. If available, it is preferable to use a desiccant instead. However, the USB connectors are often the most durable part, and rightly so.