Accidents happen, and dropping your phone into water can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments for any smartphone user. Whether it slips into a sink, toilet, or even a puddle, acting fast is crucial to minimizing damage.
Many people make the mistake of using a hair dryer to dry their phones, but this can do more harm than good. Instead, following the right steps can increase the chances of saving your device.
Here’s exactly what you need to do if your phone gets wet, and why avoiding heat is the key to preventing irreversible damage.
1. Remove the Phone from Water Immediately
Time is everything. The longer your phone stays submerged, the higher the risk of water seeping into delicate internal components.
- Grab the phone as quickly as possible to prevent further liquid penetration.
- If your phone was in saltwater, pool water, or any liquid other than freshwater, rinse it gently with clean water. The minerals and chemicals in saltwater and chlorinated pools cause corrosion faster than regular water.
Once you’ve removed your phone from the water, it’s time to power it down immediately.
2. Turn Off the Phone Immediately
Never attempt to check if the phone is still working—turn it off right away!
- If the screen is still on, press and hold the power button until it shuts down.
- Do not plug it into a charger, as this can cause a short circuit and permanently damage the phone.
- If possible, remove the battery (if your phone has a removable one).
Leaving your phone on while wet can cause a short circuit, damaging vital internal components.
3. Remove All Removable Parts
Once the phone is off, disassemble any removable components to help them dry separately.
- Take out the SIM card and memory card to prevent damage.
- If your phone has a removable battery, remove it as well.
- Use a soft lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently pat these parts dry.
Water trapped under the SIM card tray or battery compartment can lead to corrosion, so this step is essential.
4. Wipe the Exterior Dry
Now that you’ve removed the important parts, it’s time to dry the outside of the phone.
- Use a microfiber cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any visible water.
- Avoid shaking or tilting the phone too much, as this can cause the water to spread further inside.
- If there’s water in the charging port or headphone jack, use a dry cotton swab to absorb moisture carefully.
The goal is to remove as much external moisture as possible before tackling internal moisture.
5. Avoid Using Heat—No Hair Dryers or Direct Sunlight!
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to dry their phone using a hair dryer or placing it in direct sunlight.
Why is heat bad for your phone?
- Excessive heat can warp internal components, damaging circuits and delicate connectors.
- A hair dryer can push water deeper into the phone, worsening the problem.
- Direct sunlight may cause overheating, leading to battery damage.
Instead of heat, use a safer method to absorb the internal moisture.
6. Absorb Internal Moisture Using Silica Gel or Rice
You need to draw water out of the phone’s internal components, and the best way to do this is by using a moisture-absorbing material.
Best Methods for Drying a Phone:
- Silica Gel Packets (Best Option): Place the phone in a sealed container with silica gel packets (often found in shoe boxes or electronic packaging). These packets absorb moisture more effectively than rice.
- Uncooked Rice (Common Alternative): If silica gel isn’t available, bury the phone in a bowl of uncooked rice and let it sit for at least 48 hours. While not as effective as silica gel, rice can still draw out moisture.
Whatever method you choose, leave the phone undisturbed for at least 48 hours to allow the drying process to work.
7. Check and Test the Phone Before Turning It On
Once 48 hours have passed, it’s time to check if your phone is dry before attempting to power it back on.
- Inspect the charging port, SIM slot, and headphone jack for moisture.
- If any water remains, let it sit for another 24 hours.
- Reassemble the phone by inserting the SIM card, battery (if removable), and memory card.
If you’re confident that the phone is completely dry, press the power button and check if it turns on.
8. Seek Professional Help if the Phone Doesn’t Work
If the phone doesn’t turn on or behaves strangely after drying, take it to a certified repair technician.
- Water damage can cause long-term issues, even if the phone initially seems fine.
- A professional repair service can check for corrosion and clean internal parts if necessary.
- If your phone is still under warranty or covered by insurance, check if water damage repairs are included.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast, Avoid Heat, and Be Patient
Dropping your phone in water can feel like a disaster, but by following the right steps, you can increase the chances of saving it.
- Act quickly—the longer your phone is submerged, the higher the risk of permanent damage.
- Turn it off immediately and remove all removable parts to prevent short circuits.
- Avoid using a hair dryer or direct sunlight, as heat can worsen the damage.
- Use silica gel or uncooked rice to absorb moisture for at least 48 hours.
- Test the phone carefully before turning it on, and seek professional help if needed.
By following these steps, you’ll give your phone the best chance of survival and possibly save yourself from an expensive replacement.
