What to do if Oculus controller gets wet?

What to Do if Your Oculus Controller Gets Wet

If you’ve accidentally left your Oculus controller in water or it’s been exposed to moisture, don’t worry! With the right actions, you may be able to salvage your controller. In this article, we’ll guide you through the necessary steps to dry out a wet Oculus controller.

Immediate Action

When to Act

• Time is of the essence: The sooner you act, the better.
• Don’t delay: If your Oculus controller has been submerged or exposed to water, every minute counts.

1. Remove the Battery: Immediately remove the batteries from the controller.

Why: Water, salt, and other pollutants can damage the battery chemically, leading to its failure.

2. Dry the Outside: Dry the exterior of the controller with a soft, dry cloth.

• Gently absorb excess moisture: Avoid wiping or rubbing, as it may spread water further onto the controller.
• Pat dry: Work from the top down and pat the area dry; don’t scrub or try to rub out water

3. Use Compressed Air: Don’t use a hairdryer or direct heat sources. Instead, focus on drying out the intricate areas using compressed air from a canned computer air spray.

| Areas to Focus

| |

• Circuit board
• Jumper wires
• Small cavities and crevices

Why: Computer air spray provides a burst of air without moisture

4. Rice to the Rescue: Absorbent materials, like rice, have been used successfully to dry out electronics:

• Fill a container: Put the wet part of the controller in an airtight container.

| Other Options:

| |

* **Desiccants** (e.g. silica gel, activated aluminum oxide)
* **Uncooked white rice and a sealable plastic container**

5. Waiting Game: Wait for it to dry out: Don’t touch or handle your controller until it’s complete dry. Monitor the absorption process by:

• Inspecting the surface for lingering moisture
• Checking areas for dryness

When the controller appears dry but still has slight damp spots, proceed with the cleanup.

Reassembly (Optional)

If successful, carefully rinse the rice and dry material. Reassemble your controller step-by-step:

1. Reattach any removed external components (e.g., grip, stick, etc.).
2. Readd the battery, ensuring each terminal is dry and separated.
3.***Reinitialize the controller.****: Plug in the console, restart, and begin the calibration process.

Be cautious: even if seemingly dry, a wet environment can cause water to persist, potentially damaging your control.

Maintenance and Aftercare

1. Storage: Keep your controller sealed in a waterproof bag after cleaning and drying.
2. Regular Usage: Check for issues and adjust settings:

• Calibrations: Update your profile and check controller settings;
• Familiarity: Experiment with varying grip, movements, hand positions to fine-tune your controller;
• Grooming: Clean your controller regularly between uses to maintain its smooth operation.

Remember, quick action and gentle handling could save your wet Oculus controller. Be prepared to monitor and act fast to reverse the effects of water contamination.

What to Not Do

DON’T:

1. Immerse your controller under water
2. Mix water with household cleaners; this may further damage equipment
3. Use desiccants near heat source
4. Apply constant pressure on your controller once it’s dry
5. Ignore advice and assume a wet system will function correctly

Prevention is the best route. Take your time drying your Oculus controller, especially if you encounter water ingress. Your efforts will appreciate the investment you put to save your beloved controller for future adventures in VR, AR, or gaming.

Sources

1.) [VIntage.is.the.New.Old, Community Forums]
2.)
3.) [Precision optical ok, tomsgide.com]

Feel free to ask me any questions to clarify the instructions. It’s always good to seek help when in doubt on how to repair your sensitive electronics.