How to know if your device has a short circuit

When your phone or tablet is on the fritz, you might think, “My device has a short circuit." But how do you know for sure?

At Asurion, when tech breaks, we fix it—whether your laptop battery won't charge or you need to fix your PS4 controller. Here's our guide to finding out whether your device has a short circuit and what to do about it.

What is a short circuit?

People tend to use the term “short circuit" to describe any type of malfunction with their electronics. But a short circuit in your device specifically refers to an issue with a circuit, the path electricity flows along. If something with low electrical resistance is introduced into the circuit, the electricity will take the path of least resistance, making the circuit “short."

Why does your device short circuit?

The most common cause of a short circuit in your device is water damage. Here's the good news: A water-damaged device can often be fixed if you remove it from the liquid quickly and take immediate steps. Check out our guide for what to do if your phone gets wet and how to keep it safe before water damage happens.

Other possible reasons for a short circuit include leaking battery fluid or circuit damage due to a faulty charger.

What to do if you think your device has a short circuit