Whether your phone slipped into the sink or unexpectedly dived into a puddle, water damage is a common and nerve-wracking issue for phone users. While many assume the worst, acting quickly and correctly can give your device a fighting chance.
This guide explains what to do (and what not to do) when your phone encounters water. We’ll explain how water affects modern smartphones, debunk common myths, and provide actionable steps to help you dry out your device and possibly save it from a costly replacement.
Don’t panic or make rushed decisions. Understanding the right process can often be the difference between recovery and permanent damage. Let’s start by understanding how water interacts with your phone in the first place.
Understanding Water Damage
Despite the rise of water-resistant phones, most smartphones remain vulnerable to water, especially if seals are worn or ports are exposed.
The degree of damage depends on several factors, including how long the device was submerged, what type of liquid was involved, and how fast you respond.
Water typically enters through:
- The charging port
- Speaker grills
- Headphone jack (if present)
- SIM/memory card trays
- Volume buttons and power button
Freshwater may cause short circuits, but it is usually less corrosive than saltwater or sugary liquids. Salt and sugar accelerate internal corrosion, which can permanently damage critical components like the motherboard or screen connectors. Even small splashes in the wrong spot can disrupt touch sensitivity or prevent charging.
Unfortunately, symptoms aren’t always immediate. Your phone might seem fine at first, but it might develop glitches over time, such as muffled sound, display issues, or power instability. That’s why early action is key.
Many devices include Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) inside SIM trays or USB ports. These tiny white strips turn red or pink upon exposure to moisture. If yours is activated, treat the phone as water-damaged even if it still works.
What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)
Before you try drying out your phone, be aware of common mistakes that can make the damage worse.
Avoid the following:
- Don’t Power It on: Turning on a wet phone increases the risk of short-circuiting internal components.
- Don’t Charge It: Plugging in your phone while it’s wet can fry the motherboard instantly.
- Don’t Press Buttons: Pressing physical keys may push water further inside, worsening internal exposure.
- Don’t Shake or Blow into Ports: These actions don’t help and can drive water deeper into sensitive areas.
- Don’t Use Rice: Rice doesn’t actively draw out moisture and may introduce dust or starch particles into ports.
- Don’t Apply Direct Heat: Hair dryers or ovens can melt adhesive, warp internal parts, or crack your screen.
Skipping these missteps gives your phone the best shot at recovery. Now, let’s walk through the proper steps to follow next.
Immediate Steps to Take After Water Exposure
The moments right after water exposure are critical. Quick thinking and the right steps can significantly increase your phone’s survival chances.
Start here:
- Power It off Immediately: Hold the power button and shut the phone down. It will prevent short-circuiting from residual moisture.
- Remove Any Accessories: Take off the case, unplug headphones or chargers, and detach any screen protectors that may trap moisture underneath.
- Eject the SIM Card and Memory Card: Moisture can accumulate inside the trays. Let them dry separately to avoid corrosion.
- Gently Blot with a Lint-Free Cloth: Pat the exterior dry. Avoid rubbing, as this can push water into gaps or force it into the speaker grill.
- Let Gravity Help: Tilt the phone with its charging port or speaker facing downward to encourage drainage.
- Place in a Dry, Ventilated Area: A fan or a dehumidifier nearby can speed up the evaporation process. Avoid closed, humid spaces.
If you have desiccant packets (like those found in packaging), place the phone in a sealed container with them. They’re more effective than rice and won’t leave debris behind.
Avoid rushing to test the phone too soon. It might turn on (but only briefly) before water wreaks deeper damage. Give it enough time to dry thoroughly before inspecting or powering up again.
Drying and Inspecting Internals
If you’re comfortable with light DIY tasks, carefully opening the phone can help release trapped moisture. However, this should only be done once you’ve powered the phone off and understand the risks.
Before you begin, use an anti-static wrist strap and a clean, dry workspace. You’ll typically need a pentalobe screwdriver or other device-specific tool to remove the back panel.
Check for visible moisture near:
- The battery area
- Motherboard contacts
- Connectors and cable junctions
Use isopropyl alcohol (above 90%) and a soft brush to clean visible corrosion or mineral deposits gently. It helps neutralize moisture damage and reduce conductivity.
Let the internals air dry for 24–48 hours. A low-speed fan can help, but avoid direct heat. Do not attempt to reconnect the battery or reassemble the phone too early.
If you’re unsure or see rust forming, consult a technician. Professional repair shops often use ultrasonic cleaners to remove corrosion and contaminants from internal components safely.
Testing After Drying
Once the phone appears dry (inside and out), it’s time for cautious testing. Start by reassembling any disconnected parts and reinserting the SIM and memory cards.
Begin with basic functionality checks:
- Does the phone turn on and charge?
- Can you hear the sound through the speaker?
- Is the screen responsive and bright?
Next, test specific features:
- Call someone to check the microphone and earpiece quality
- Try recording a voice memo
- Test the camera and flashlight
Monitor the battery percentage. If it drops rapidly or refuses to charge fully, water may have reached the power management system.
If anything seems off (like flickering, no sound, or reboot loops), turn the device off again. At this stage, don’t force it to function. Continued use with lingering water damage could make things worse.
If your phone is functional but unstable, seek professional repair. A technician can identify hidden issues before they become irreparable.
When to Seek Professional Help
Not every case of water damage can be fixed at home. If you’ve followed the correct steps and your phone still doesn’t power on (or if performance is unstable), it’s time to consult a repair technician.
Signs that professional help is necessary:
- Persistent black screen even after drying
- No sound, distorted audio, or non-working buttons
- Charging issues or unusually fast battery drain
- Repeated crashes or random shutdowns
- Visible corrosion or discoloration on internal components
Authorized service centers or experienced independent technicians can run diagnostics using specialized tools. Many use ultrasonic cleaning methods to safely remove corrosion and debris without damaging delicate circuits.
If your phone contains valuable data, let the technician know. Data recovery is often still possible, especially if the storage chip wasn’t directly compromised.
For the best recovery chance, it’s ideal to bring the phone in within 24–48 hours of water exposure. Delaying repair can allow corrosion to spread further inside.
Also, be cautious of rice or other home remedies that may have left particles inside. Mention this to your repair tech so they can inspect and clean thoroughly.
In some cases, even if the phone can’t be saved, your data might still be retrievable with the right tools.
Salvaging Data from a Water-Damaged Phone
If the device won’t turn on but shows signs of internal power (like vibrations or lights), don’t force restarts or multiple recharges. It could worsen the damage.
Instead, try:
- Connecting the phone to a computer using a USB cable
- Using backup tools (like iTunes, iCloud, or Google Drive) if enabled before damage
- Seeking data recovery services from professional repair shops
Phones with removable storage (like microSD cards) can often have their data accessed via a card reader. If you’re lucky, even a non-functional phone might still allow data extraction if its motherboard or storage chip remains intact.
Avoid DIY board extractions unless you’re experienced. Data is delicate and easily lost with improper handling.
How Water Damage Affects Software and System Behavior
Water exposure doesn’t just harm hardware. It can also interfere with how your phone behaves after drying. Even if your device turns on, internal corrosion can trigger irregular system behavior, app glitches, or firmware instability.
Common software-related symptoms include:
- Apps freezing or force-closing unexpectedly
- UI lag or ghost touches
- Sudden reboots or boot loops
- Malfunctioning sensors (like auto-brightness or rotation)
- Audio or camera app crashes, even when hardware appears dry
Sometimes, water impacts specific chips that control core functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. You might notice that wireless connections become spotty or stop working altogether.
In such cases, consider doing the following:
- Perform a factory reset after backing up your data to rule out software corruption
- Check for available firmware or system updates once the phone is stable
- Monitor the device for inconsistent charging or heating issues, which could signal deeper damage
If problems persist even after a reset, the issue is likely hardware-based. That’s when a professional inspection becomes essential to determine if component replacement is needed.
Signs of Long-Term Damage After Water Exposure
Even if your phone seems to work after drying, damage can sometimes develop slowly over days or weeks. Internal corrosion doesn’t always show up immediately, and lingering moisture can accelerate wear.
Look out for these delayed symptoms:
- Battery draining faster than usual
- Unexpected screen flickering or pixel damage
- Speaker distortion or hissing sounds
- Inconsistent charging or data port behavior
- Unusual heating during normal use
These signs suggest that some internal parts may be deteriorating. Unfortunately, corrosion is often progressive; what starts as a small scratch can affect entire circuits over time.
If you’re seeing these symptoms, consider getting the phone opened and cleaned professionally with ultrasonic tools. In some cases, early treatment of minor corrosion can prolong your phone’s usable life by several months or more.
How to Prevent Water Damage in the Future
Once you’ve experienced water damage, you’ll likely want to avoid repeating it. Here are ways to protect your phone going forward:
- Use a Waterproof or Water-Resistant Case: Choose one rated for immersion or daily water exposure, especially if you’re outdoors often.
- Be Mindful in Humid or Wet Environments: Don’t take calls in the shower, and avoid bathroom counters or sink edges.
- Dry Wet Hands before Handling Devices: Even with brief exposure, water can sneak in through speaker holes and charging ports.
- Avoid Over-Trusting IP Ratings: Even water-resistant phones can suffer damage over time as seals wear down.
- Keep Desiccant Packets Around: They can be stored in your bag or case for emergencies.
Also, consider investing in phone insurance that covers liquid damage. It won’t prevent accidents, but it can help recover from them with less financial impact.
Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Decision
Once you’ve assessed the damage, the next step is deciding whether to repair or replace your phone. This decision depends on cost, severity, and your phone’s age.
Ask yourself:
- Is the screen, motherboard, or battery affected?
- Is the repair cost over 50% of the phone’s market value?
- Is your phone more than 2–3 years old with already-degraded performance?
In such cases, replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run. However, if the issue is localized (like a damaged speaker or charging port), repairing the component could restore full functionality affordably.
Also, consider warranty or insurance coverage if applicable. Some premium plans do include liquid damage coverage or discounted repair options.
If you’re due for an upgrade, water damage might just be the push you need, but always retrieve your data first and consider environmentally friendly recycling or trade-in options.
Final Thoughts and Summary
Water damage can feel like the end of your phone, but with calm action and proper steps, there’s a good chance of recovery. Keys include powering off the device, drying it carefully, inspecting for internal issues, and testing methodically.
Avoid myths like burying it in rice. If needed, seek professional repair early and explore data recovery options. And moving forward, a mix of cautious habits and protective accessories will reduce future risks.
Ultimately, treating your phone like a sensitive electronic (not a waterproof gadget) can go a long way toward keeping it safe from accidental water exposure.
