How To Save Your Phone That Fell Inside Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve just had a heart-stopping moment. Your phone slipped out of your hands, and now it’s soaked. Whether you dropped it in a puddle, a sink, or worse—into the ocean—your mind races as you wonder, “Is it ruined?” Well, don’t panic just yet. In this article, I’ll walk you through what you need to do immediately after your phone falls into the water, step by step, to maximize your chances of saving it.

What Happens When Your Phone Falls in Water?

Before diving into the “how-to” part of saving your phone, it’s crucial to understand why water can be so damaging. Modern smartphones are made of various sensitive components, including the screen, battery, logic board, and more. Water doesn’t just make things wet—it can seep into your device and cause short circuits, corrosion, and other electrical failures. This is why time is of the essence when you drop your phone in water. The longer it stays submerged, the higher the chances of permanent damage.

The First Few Minutes: What to Do Right Away

Step 1: Take It Out of the Water

I know it sounds obvious, but the first thing you should do is remove your phone from the water immediately. Every second counts. If it’s in a puddle, take it out, even if it feels like you have to dive in to get it. If it’s submerged in a larger body of water (a pool or ocean), try to retrieve it as fast as you can. Don’t waste time looking for it—just act quickly.

Tip: Don’t wait to grab it until you’ve taken a breath. Even if you’re swimming in a lake or at the beach, prioritize retrieving your phone before it’s too late.

Step 2: Turn It Off Immediately

Now that you have your phone out of the water, the next step is to turn it off. This is a crucial step because leaving your phone on increases the risk of a short circuit. If your phone is still powered on, water could interfere with the phone’s circuits, causing more damage.

If your phone isn’t responsive and won’t turn off because of the water damage, don’t panic. Just do your best to hold the power button down for a few seconds and then wait.

Remove Everything You Can

Eject the SIM and SD Card

Now that your phone is turned off, it’s time to remove the SIM card and SD card (if applicable). These little pieces of hardware could get damaged, and it’s better to store them safely in a dry place while you focus on drying your phone.

Tip: Dry the SIM and SD cards with a clean cloth, just in case they have any residual moisture on them.

Remove the Case, Battery, and Other Accessories

If your phone has a removable battery, take it out. For phones without removable batteries (such as most modern smartphones), skip this part. You also want to remove any phone cases, external lenses, or accessories, as they might trap moisture inside, further complicating the drying process.

Tip: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe off any visible moisture on the phone and accessories before storing them.

Drying Your Phone the Right Way

How to Dry Your Phone Effectively

Drying your phone after it’s fallen into water isn’t as simple as just wiping it off. You need to let the moisture escape naturally without forcing it out, which can cause more damage. Here’s what you should do:

1. Use a Clean, Soft Cloth: After removing the phone from the water, use a soft, dry cloth to gently blot away any visible water.
2. Air Dry: The next step is to let the phone dry naturally. Leave your phone on a flat surface in a warm area, but not in direct sunlight. Direct heat can cause further damage.

Tip: Avoid using a blow dryer or heat gun, as the intense heat can warp internal components.

Common Drying Mistakes to Avoid

• Shaking your phone vigorously: Don’t try to shake the water out. While it might sound like a good idea, it can force the water deeper into the phone.
• Putting it in the oven: Yes, I’ve heard this one. Don’t try putting your phone in the oven! The heat could permanently damage the internal components.

How to Use Rice to Save Your Phone

Does Rice Work?

The old “bury your phone in rice” trick is a classic. But does it work? Well, kind of. While rice can help absorb some moisture, it isn’t the best option, and it’s a slow process. The key is that rice has moisture-absorbing properties, but there are better, faster alternatives.

Tip: If you choose to use rice, it’s best to place your phone in an airtight container filled with rice. Leave it there for about 24 to 48 hours to allow the rice to absorb moisture.

Best Practices When Using Rice for Drying

• Use uncooked rice and make sure it covers your phone completely.
• Seal the container with the phone and rice inside to prevent moisture from re-entering.
• Be prepared to wait—sometimes up to two days!

Alternative Methods to Dry Your Phone

Silica Gel and Vacuuming

Silica gel packets, the kind you find in new shoes or electronics, are fantastic at absorbing moisture. If you have access to these packets, they can work much faster and more effectively than rice.

Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner to gently suck out the water from crevices and ports. However, this requires a steady hand and should be done with care.

Tip: Place your phone in a container with silica gel packets and let it sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours.

Other Effective Tools and Methods

• Moisture-absorbing desiccants: These can be found in hardware stores or online and work much like silica gel.
• Compressed air: If you’re careful, using compressed air to blow out moisture from ports might help, but don’t hold the can too close to the phone to avoid causing any damage.

Wait It Out: Patience Is Key

After you’ve done all you can to dry your phone, it’s time for the hardest part: waiting. The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours, but it’s safer to wait 48 hours before trying to power the phone back on.

Why wait so long? Well, moisture can hide in the crevices of your phone, and it takes time for all of it to escape. The longer you wait, the better the chances of success.

How to Check for Water Damage

Signs That Your Phone Is Truly Damaged

After waiting for your phone to dry out, it’s time to assess whether the water damage is irreversible. The quicker you test it, the better your chances of knowing if you need to replace your device or repair it. Here’s how to check for signs of water damage:

1. Power On: Carefully press and hold the power button to turn the phone on. If it powers up, you’re in luck—but don’t assume everything is fine just yet.
2. Display Check: Examine your screen for discoloration, vertical lines, or a flickering display. Water damage can often show up on the screen first.
3. Sound Test: Check if the speakers are working by playing music or a video. Water can cause speakers to sound muffled or not work at all.
4. Touchscreen Functionality: Test the touchscreen responsiveness. If it’s sluggish or unresponsive, that could indicate internal damage.
5. Unusual Heat: If your phone is overheating even with light use, this could be a sign that internal components are short-circuiting from water exposure.
6. Battery Issues: If your phone turns on but doesn’t hold a charge, it may be a sign that the battery has suffered water damage.

Tip: If your phone shows these signs, it’s best to take it to a professional to evaluate the damage. Even if it powers on, water might have affected internal parts that you can’t see.

What to Do After It’s Dried: Testing Your Phone

Now that you’ve waited long enough and checked for any visible signs of damage, it’s time to power on your phone and test its functionality. Here are the steps to follow when powering on your phone for the first time after drying:

Powering It On: The First Test

1. Try Turning It On As mentioned, power it on by pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds. If it powers on successfully, don’t rush into using it just yet.
2. Battery Test: Plug the phone into a charger and see if it responds properly. If it charges without issues, that’s a good sign. If it doesn’t charge, the charging port might have sustained damage from the water.

Checking for Functionality

After your phone turns on, here are some additional tests to ensure that everything is working properly:

1. Camera: Test the front and rear cameras by taking a photo or recording a video. Check for fogging or blurry images, which may indicate water in the lens or internal components.
2. Ports and Buttons: Make sure that the buttons, charging port, and headphone jack work properly. If you notice any stickiness, like the home button or volume button not responding correctly, that could be a sign of damage.
3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Check your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. If either isn’t working, it could be due to water damage to the internal antenna or other connectivity components.
4. Sound Test: Play some audio or make a call to test the microphone and speakers. Water damage to these areas is common and can be a serious issue if not repaired.

Tip: Even if your phone appears to work, test all features. Sometimes, damage doesn’t show up immediately but becomes apparent after continued use.

Prevent Future Water Damage

While accidents happen, it’s wise to prepare for the possibility of water exposure in the future. Here are some preventative steps to protect your phone and reduce the likelihood of water damage:

Waterproof Cases and Other Precautions

Investing in a waterproof phone case is one of the best ways to safeguard your device. These cases are designed to create a sealed barrier around your phone, preventing any moisture from getting inside.

Some cases are also IP-rated (Ingress Protection), meaning they’ve been tested for their ability to resist water ingress at different depths and durations. Look for cases with an IP67 or IP68 rating, which means they can withstand submersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters or more.

Additional Tips

• Avoid using your phone near water: Simple, but effective. When at the pool, beach, or in the rain, consider leaving your phone in a waterproof bag or in a safe, dry area.
• Use a water-resistant pouch: If you plan to be near water, invest in a water-resistant pouch or dry bag to keep your phone safe and dry.
• Consider a phone with an IP rating: Many modern smartphones come with built-in water resistance. If you’re frequently around water, consider investing in a device that offers at least an IP67 rating.

Tip: Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch even when at the beach or on a boat to protect against unexpected splashes or drops.

What to Do If Your Phone Is Beyond Repair

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when the water damage is too severe to repair. Here’s what to do next:

Backup Your Data and Next Steps

Before accepting the reality that your phone is beyond repair, back up your data if possible. If the phone turns on even briefly, use that opportunity to save your important files, contacts, photos, and documents.

If the device won’t turn on at all, you can try connecting it to a computer to see if you can access the storage via USB or cloud backup (if you’ve set up syncing services like Google Drive or iCloud).

If all else fails, take your phone to a repair shop or an authorized service center. They might be able to retrieve your data from the device, even if the phone itself is unfixable.

If your phone is beyond repair, you might need to look into a replacement device. Some insurance policies or warranties might cover the cost of water damage, so check with your carrier or manufacturer.

FAQs About Saving Phones from Water Damage

Final Thoughts

Water and electronics don’t mix well, but with quick action and the right methods, you can increase your chances of saving your phone. Remember, patience is key. Drying your phone and ensuring that it is completely moisture-free before attempting to power it on is essential. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The faster you act, the better the odds that your device will come through unscathed!