Quick Answer: What to Do Immediately
If your phone gets wet, act fast.
- Turn it off immediately and do not charge it.
- Remove your case, SIM card, and accessories.
- Dry the exterior with a soft towel or microfiber cloth.
- Gently shake out water from ports and speakers without hitting the phone.
- Place it in a sealed container with silica gel packets for 24–48 hours.
Avoid rice—it’s a myth. Rice absorbs little moisture and can leave dust or starch inside your phone. Likewise, never use heat from a hairdryer or oven, which can melt internal components.
Understanding Water Damage
When water enters your phone, it can short-circuit the battery and corrode delicate parts on the motherboard. Even small droplets inside the charging port or speaker grill can lead to lasting issues—like distorted sound, battery drain, or unresponsive touchscreens.
Most modern phones, including iPhones and newer Samsung or Pixel devices, are water-resistant, not waterproof. That means they can survive quick splashes, but full submersion—especially in salt water or soda—can still cause serious damage.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Water Out of Your Phone
1. Power It Off
The very first thing to do is turn off the phone completely. Leaving it powered on while wet increases the risk of short-circuiting internal circuits.
2. Remove Accessories
Take off your phone case, SIM tray, SD card, and any detachable parts. These create openings that allow air to reach trapped moisture.
3. Gently Dry the Exterior
Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe down every surface—screen, buttons, camera lenses, and charging port. Avoid shaking the phone too hard; gentle tilting works best.
4. Evaporate Water from Speakers
If your phone’s sound is muffled, moisture may be trapped inside the speaker grill.
You can:
- Use a “Speaker Cleaner” app from the Play Store or App Store—it plays specific sound frequencies to push water out.
- Alternatively, gently tap the speaker side down on your palm to let droplets escape.
5. Use Silica Gel or Desiccant Packs
Silica gel packs are your best drying option. Place your phone and several packets in a sealed plastic or glass container for at least 24–48 hours. These packets actively absorb moisture without leaving residue.
If you don’t have silica gel, use uncooked instant oats or cat litter made of silica crystals—both work better than rice.
6. Wait Before Powering On
Patience is critical. Give your phone at least a full day before attempting to turn it on again. If it still feels damp or foggy under the screen, wait another 24 hours.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your phone still doesn’t power on after drying, it’s time for professional service. Authorized technicians can disassemble the phone, clean the logic board, and remove corrosion using ultrasonic cleaning.
Go to an authorized repair center if:
- Your phone won’t turn on or charge.
- There’s visible fog under the screen or camera lens.
- Sound, touch, or buttons stop working.
If the damage is severe, ask for a moisture or liquid damage assessment report—you might be eligible for a replacement if your warranty or insurance covers accidental damage.
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t use a hairdryer or microwave—heat can cause more damage.
- ❌ Don’t press any buttons repeatedly while the phone is wet.
- ❌ Don’t plug in or charge the phone until you’re sure it’s completely dry.
- ❌ Don’t shake the phone violently, as this can spread water deeper.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
- Invest in a waterproof phone pouch for beach trips or outdoor activities.
- Keep silica gel packets in your tech drawer for emergencies.
- Use wireless charging when possible—open charging ports are common water entry points.
- If you often work near water, consider a fully waterproof case rated IP68 or higher.
Final Thoughts
Getting water out of your phone is all about speed and precision—the sooner you act, the better your chances of saving your device. Always remember: turn it off, dry it thoroughly, and use silica gel instead of rice. And if problems persist, don’t wait—professional repair can often recover phones even after severe water exposure.