Updated 26 May, 2012, 4:18 pm IST

Tips to Keep Your Phone Safe in The Rains

09 Jun, 2009, 12:13 pm IST | by Shayne Rana

Here are a few simple tips and tricks on mobile care to keep in mind in the monsoons.

Let’s be honest here, there’s really no way to seriously protect your mobile handset from the coming monsoons. What that essentially means is, if your handset isn’t certified to be waterproof, there’s no way you’re going to make it so yourself. However, here are a few quick tips on keeping your handset as protected as possible from the rains. These may be fairly obvious methods, but just to be sure you’re ready, consider this a reminder.

Prevention
The rains are coming, or already here, at least in some parts of the country so all you mobile users need to start being a little careful. Here a few preventive measures for your mobile handset and gadgets. First off carry a plastic bag with you everywhere. It’s a handset’s best friend in this season. Who said those old unused plastic bags you’ve collected under your sink would never come in handy. Avoid using those moldy older ones that were made of the extremely thin plastic. They tend to tear easily and wrap around the handset too tightly when wet. This makes it very difficult to unravel. Use the thicker variety and as neatly as possible, wrap the handset inside. Just remember – the bigger the bag the long it’ll take you to get your handset out if you get a call.__STARTQUOTE__Avoid Zip Lock Bags from the street. They seem perfect for your mobile but are not always a good idea.__ENDQUOTE__he best option is of course to use Zip Lock bags. The ones sold on the street and in the trains are seemingly designed for your mobile handset, are not always good options. I’ve tested them and most of the time they will not fit a large or bulky handset. You may be able to shove it in but will end up ruining the locking system making it susceptible to water getting in. Buy a proper pouch from a supermarket or general store. Take your phone along to be sure of the size of course. It’ll set you back by about Rs. 50 but that will be well worth the expenditure.

Do remember, you’ll be able to easily see who's calling and even read and sometimes reply to messages. Touchscreen handset users may find it a little tricky messaging while your handset is encased in the thick plastic of a zip lock. One thing to remember is that you will NOT be able to take calls through this pouch. It’s really annoying to see and hear people yelling into their handsets – ‘Hello! Hello! Can you hear me? Kya aap mujhe sun sakte ho?’ over and over again expecting the poor soul on the other end to comprehend. Worse still is how irritating it gets when you’re the person on the other end. To curb this I’ve seen individuals poke holes into the bag at the earphone area to make things easier. Naturally this negates the entire use of the bag itself.

Make sure you have a clean dry cloth that you can keep in the bag to wipe the handset just in case a few drops manage to get in.