What to Do If Your Phone Gets Wet

Accidents can occur unexpectedly in any environment, regardless of whether you are at home, work, or on the road. Responding quickly and methodically is crucial to minimising damage, preventing injuries, and avoiding costly repairs. Being prepared and knowing how to react appropriately can significantly influence the outcome of any mishap.

Follow the steps below immediately, then keep reading for thorough drying methods, checks for damage, and when to seek professional help.

Immediate Actions (First 60 Seconds)

Power Down and Disconnect

Switch the phone off straight away. If it’s connected to a cable or accessory, unplug it. This reduces the risk of short circuits and corrosion. Google and Apple both advise powering off and leaving the device to dry at room temperature rather than applying heat.

Remove Accessories and Open What You Safely Can

Take off the case. Remove your SIM tray. If your model supports removable storage, take out the microSD card. Don’t pry the device open.

Drain and Surface-Dry

Hold the phone facing down and tap gently to help the liquid. Wipe the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth. Leave the phone in a dry area with airflow. Apple specifically recommends gentle tapping and air-drying.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not charge the phone when wet. Avoid hairdryers, radiators, ovens, or compressed air. Do not insert cotton buds or tissue into the port. Do not put it in rice; Apple warns against this.

If you need urgent tech repair in Redditch, Fone Tech Redditch can assess and dry the device using the right tools, preventing further damage.

How to Dry a Wet Phone (Properly)?

You asked how to dry a wet phone without causing more problems. Here’s the safe method recommended by manufacturers.

Airflow and Time

Place the phone on a clean, flat surface in a well-ventilated room. Let it dry naturally. For the iPhone, Apple notes it can take up to 24 hours for moisture in the connector to dissipate. Don’t rush this stage.

Use Desiccants, Not Rice

Silica gel sachets (the small packets found in packaging) are better than rice and won’t leave particles behind. If you have some, place the phone and sachets in a breathable container. Apple’s guidance is clear: avoid rice and avoid inserting objects into the port.

Fans and Dehumidifiers

A room fan to move air across the device is fine. Avoid heated air and compressed air. If your phone shows a moisture or liquid alert, leave it to dry longer and re-check later rather than forcing the issue. Apple and Samsung caution against heat and recommend waiting until the alert clears.

Charging While Wet

If a liquid-detection alert appears, don’t try to charge with a cable until it’s gone. Apple allows wireless charging once the back is dry, which avoids the wet connector.

How to Check If Your Phone Has Water Damage?

Watch for Built-In Alerts

Modern phones can detect moisture in the charging port and disable charging to protect the device. On the iPhone, you’ll see a “Liquid detected” message. Many Samsung models show a water-drop icon and stop charging until the port is dry.

iPhone: Look for the Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)

Most iPhones have an internal LCI that turns red when exposed to liquid. It’s usually visible through the SIM tray opening under strong light. This isn’t a definitive diagnosis, but it’s a strong clue.

Other Signs to Monitor

• Distorted or muffled speakers after drying
• Fogging under the camera lens
• Unstable touch response, unexpected restarts, or rapid battery drain

If these persist after careful drying, arrange a professional inspection.

Can Water-Damaged Phones Be Repaired?

Often, yes, depending on how much liquid entered, what type it was (fresh water is less harmful than salt or sugary drinks), and how quickly you powered off and began drying. Corrosion can start quickly, so prompt action matters.

Manufacturers offer repair routes and make clear that the standard warranty doesn’t cover liquid damage. Google links to repair options for Pixel, and Apple explains liquid damage isn’t covered by its limited warranty (though you may have consumer rights).

If the device still misbehaves after drying, no charging, random shutdowns, or camera/speaker issues, book a diagnostic with a trusted technician. Board-level cleaning and part replacement may save the device or at least enable data recovery.

How to Save a Phone from Water Damage Next Time?

Know The Limits of “Water-Resistant”

IP ratings are lab tests, not actual guarantees. Resistance decreases over time due to regular wear and minor impacts; both Apple and Google emphasise that water resistance is not permanent. Avoid deliberately exposing devices to water.

Practical Prevention

• Use a quality waterproof pouch when near pools, boats, or the beach.
• Keep the phone away from showers, saunas, and steam rooms.
• Rinse isn’t advised unless a manual explicitly tells you how; different liquids (salt, chlorinated, sugary) can be more damaging.
• Keep silica gel sachets at home for emergencies.
• Back up regularly so you’re protected even if the device can’t be saved.

Charging Safety After Exposure

Only charge once you’re confident the phone is fully dry and any moisture alerts have cleared. Never try to “force” a charge when a warning appears. Apple and Samsung both caution against charging while moisture is present.

Step-By-Step Recap

Do This

1. Power off immediately and disconnect.
2. Remove the case, eject the SIM tray, and wipe the exterior.
3. Gently tap with the port facing down and air-dry in a ventilated room.
4. Use desiccants if available; avoid heat and rice.
5. Wait, retest the port after 30 minutes, then again across the next 24 hours.

Don’t Do This

• Don’t charge or “override” warnings unless it’s an emergency.
• Don’t use hairdryers, radiators, ovens, or compressed air.
• Don’t insert objects into ports, and don’t use rice.

Final Thoughts

If the phone still shows errors after 24 hours, if audio or cameras remain impaired, or if you notice corrosion or residue in the SIM tray area, book a diagnostic. For affordable mobile phone repairs in Redditch, contact Fone Tech Redditch. Our team runs proper moisture and board checks, advises on parts, and helps protect your data.