It’s a moment of pure panic: your phone slips from your grasp and lands in the sink, the pool, or worse. Water and electronics are a notoriously bad combination, but a quick response can dramatically increase your phone's chances of survival. Here’s what you absolutely must do—and what you must avoid—in the critical moments after your phone gets wet.
The Golden Rule: Don't Turn It On!
This is the most important rule. If your phone is off, leave it off. If it's on, turn it off immediately. Why? When water gets inside, it creates pathways for electricity to go where it shouldn't. Turning on the device or even just leaving it on can cause short circuits that fry the delicate internal components. Resisting the urge to "see if it still works" is your first and best line of defense.
Immediate Steps: The DOs
- Remove it from the water instantly. Every second counts.
- Power it down. As mentioned, do not try to use it.
- Remove everything you can. Take out the SIM card, microSD card, and the case. If your phone has a removable battery (rare these days), take it out immediately. This helps the internals dry and removes potential short circuit paths.
- Dry the exterior. Use a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth) to gently wipe down the entire phone.
- Let gravity help. Gently shake the phone to clear water from the ports and speakers. You can also hold it with the ports facing down to let any trapped water drip out.
What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't use a hairdryer or heat gun. Applying heat can damage the delicate internal components and rubber seals, potentially pushing moisture deeper inside.
- Don't put it in the microwave or oven. This will destroy your phone.
- Don't charge it. Plugging in a wet phone is one of the fastest ways to cause a fatal short circuit. Do not attempt to charge it until you are 100% sure it is dry.
- The Rice Myth: Don't use uncooked rice. The idea that rice absorbs moisture is a popular myth, but it's largely ineffective. Worse, tiny grains of rice and dust can get stuck in the charging port and other openings, causing more problems.
The Best Next Step: Professional Help
While the steps above can help, they don't remove the corrosive minerals left behind when water evaporates. These residues can cause slow and irreversible damage over time.
The best and safest course of action is to bring your water-damaged phone to a professional as soon as possible. At fixmyPhone, we have specialized equipment to properly clean the internal components and treat them for corrosion, giving your device the best possible chance of a full recovery. Don't wait for the damage to set in. Contact us immediately for a water damage diagnostic.