Liquid Damage
Dropped phone in water? Here is what to do (and what NOT to do).
Difficulty
CriticalTime Est.
Immediate
Tools Needed
- Towel
- Patience
Step 1: Turn It Off!
Electricity + Water = Corrosion. The faster you cut the power, the better chance of survival. Do not try to "check if it works". Turn it off.
Step 2: Remove SIM & Battery
If the device has a removable battery (rare these days), take it out. Remove the SIM card tray to allow air to enter.
Step 3: Dry the Exterior
Use a towel to wipe off all visible water. Shake the device gently (charging port down) to dislodge trapped droplets.
Step 4: The Wait
Leave the device in a dry area with good airflow (like near a fan) for at least 24 hours. Do NOT charge it until you are 100% sure it is dry.
The “Rice Myth”
Do NOT put your phone in rice. This is a myth. Rice dust gets into the charging port and headphone jack, creating a clay-like sludge when it mixes with water, which ruins the connectors.
- Better Alternative: Silica Gel packets (the little “Do Not Eat” bags that come with shoes) or just a simple fan.
”Water Resistant” vs “Waterproof”
No phone is waterproof.
- IP67/IP68: Means it can handle a quick dunk in the toilet or rain.
- Salt Water (Ocean): Instantly corrodes metal. If you drop it in the ocean, rinse it with fresh water immediately before drying it.
- Steam: Taking your phone into a hot shower is bad. Steam can bypass the rubber seals and condense inside the screen.
Pro Tip: If your charging port says “Liquid Detected” but the phone is dry, wait! Plugging it in now will short-circuit the pins. Use a wireless charger if you have one.
