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Save your phone before irreversible damage occurs
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Oh no! Your smartphone is soaking wet! Don't panic—if you've dropped your smartphone into the sink, toilet, or any other body of water, you may be able to save it. The most important thing you can do is act fast and have a little patience. You may have heard the popular advice to put your phone in a bag of rice, but phone repair pros don't recommend it. Instead, read on to learn safe, expert-approved ways to save a water-submerged cell phone with tips from phone repair specialist James Bell.
How to Save a Waterlogged Phone
Retrieve it from the water immediately and power it down. Remove the case, SIM card, and accessories. Allow it to sit in a dry, well-ventilated area for up to 72 hours. You can also put it in a ziplock bag with a few silica gel packets. Do not use rice. Take it to a cell phone repair shop for the best chance of saving your phone.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Immediate Steps to Take
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Get it out of the water immediately. Most modern phones have some water resistance. However, that doesn't mean they're completely waterproof. According to Bell, water seals on phones aren't as good as they say they are. The longer they sit submerged in water, the more likely it is that water will seep into your phone and reach the sensitive components.
- Water-resistant phones have ratings that begin with "IP6," followed by the number 7 or 8 (e.g., IP67, IP68). The phone's IP rating represents how water-resistant the phone is. [1]
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- IP67-rated phones can generally be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without water making its way inside. Some phones that are rated IP67 are Google Pixel 2, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 7, and iPhone XR.
- IP68-rated phones can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Some IP68-rated phones are iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S7 and later, Galaxy Note8 and later, Sony Xperia 1 II, and LG Velvet.
- Salt water is more corrosive and damaging to a cell phone than regular water. If your phone is submerged in salt water, assume it has water damage, regardless of how long or how deep it was submerged.
- Water-resistant phones have ratings that begin with "IP6," followed by the number 7 or 8 (e.g., IP67, IP68). The phone's IP rating represents how water-resistant the phone is. [1]
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Turn your phone off immediately. Leaving it on can cause it to short-circuit. If it’s been in water, assume it is waterlogged whether it is still working or not. If the phone is plugged in while submerged, unplug the cable at the outlet! If you don't unplug it first, you could get a shock when removing it.Advertisement
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Remove your phone's protective case and any other accessories. Quickly gather some lint-free cloths or paper towels, then lay your phone on top of them while you remove anything that's connected. Anything that remains connected to your wet phone can further trap water inside and/or become damaged.
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Remove the SIM card and battery (if possible). If your phone has a removable battery, remove the battery cover and take out the battery. If the SIM and/or SD card is under the battery cover, remove it as well. If your phone has a SIM tray, pop it out and remove the SIM card. [2] X Research source
- Pat down your SIM card, memory card, and/or SIM tray with a dry paper towel or cloth, and then set it down to dry. These parts tend to not get water damage and can be kept for recovery.
- Some phones have water damage indicators that can tell you if water made its way inside. If you have a phone with a removable battery cover, you'll usually find a water damage indicator behind the battery, or on the battery itself. If your phone has a removable SIM tray, you may find an indicator on the tray. Look for a small white, pink, or red dot or square. If the dot is pink or red, that means the water damage indicator senses water has made its way into the phone.
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Section 2 of 3:
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Wipe away water with a lint-free rag or towel. If you have a microfiber cloth, that will work best. In a pinch, a clean towel (even paper towels) will do. Use the cloth to remove as much moisture from your phone as possible, taking special care not to push any water into the charging port, headphone jack, or card slots. [3] X Research source
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Dry out the charging ports. The first thing you should do is hold your phone so the charging ports are facing down. Gently tap the top so the water drips out.
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Take your phone to a repair specialist. According to Bell, the best thing you can do after your phone gets wet is to take it to a reputable repair shop. They have special equipment that can treat water damage. They can disconnect the battery to prevent further electrical damage. They can also put your phone in a vacuum chamber that will boil and evaporate water at low temperatures that won't damage your phone. [4] X Research source
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Leave your phone in open air with a fan. If you can't get your phone to a repair shop, place your phone on top of a dry towel or other absorbent surface, and position an electric fan to blow air across your phone’s surface. The more powerful the fan, the better. Leave the fan running (and the phone off) for 48-72 hours. [5] X Research source
- You can also position your phone so that the charging port is facing down. This will allow water to drain from the charging port.
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Use silica gel packets to dry out your phone. Silica gel packets are designed to absorb moisture. If you happen to have a few packets on hand, place your phone in a ziplock bag with a handful of silica gel packs. Allow it to sit for up to 72 hours.
- You can buy silica gel online or at a store. They also come packaged with a variety of products, like shoes or beef jerky. However, speed is the most important element in saving your wet phone. If you don't have silica gel, simply place your phone in a dry, ventilated area.
- There’s no need to open the packets. Simply place them in the container with your phone.
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Section 3 of 3:
What NOT to Do
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Do not use rice or kitty litter. It's a common myth that placing your phone in a bowl full of rice will absorb the moisture. However, studies have shown that rice is not very effective at removing moisture. Certainly not in the time needed to prevent water damage. Furthermore, rice and kitty litter can introduce dust particles that can be damaging to your phone. [6] X Research source
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Do not use excessive heat. Excessive heat can damage your phone. Do not put your phone in an oven or clothes dryer, or use a hair dryer on your phone. Place your phone in a well-ventilated area with a fan instead.
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Do not power on or charge your phone. This may be one of the hardest parts of drying your phone. Any electricity can cause your phone to short-circuit, even if it seems like it works. Avoid the temptation to power your phone on or plug it in to charge until it is finished drying.
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Do not blow or use compressed air on your phone. Blowing into the charging ports or using compressed air can push moisture further up inside your phone and make it hard for it to escape. According to Bell, once liquid gets past the water-resistant seals, those same seals will prevent the water from getting out.
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Avoid shaking your phone excessively. This can cause water to travel throughout your phone and reach sensitive components. Hold your phone with the charging ports facing down and gently tap it instead.
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Do not put a cotton swab or cloth in the charging ports. This can potentially damage the pins and render your phone unable to charge.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan I still save my phone if I can't remove the battery?Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.For many newer devices, the battery is not user-removable. In cases where the battery is not user-removable, visit your local repair shop as soon as possible in order to have the device professionally disassembled and inspected. If you have an Apple device such as an iPhone, you should inquire whether you have AppleCare on the device. AppleCare is insurance for your device. If you do not have AppleCare, visiting your local repair shop is advised as Apple does not service liquid damaged components—they either replace the device in its entirety (which is more expensive for the customer) or replace the component as a whole instead of repairing it, which also results in higher cost to the customer.
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QuestionAre there any risks to using rice?Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.In many cases, rice can cause even more damage. When the rice is exposed to enough liquid, it can leave a residue. I have seen this residue in the charging ports of devices. It's better to take your phone to a repair shop.
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QuestionIf my phone turns on and seems to work fine does that mean it's not damaged?Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.Even if your phone seems to be working, it can still be damaged. Sometimes devices can function for a day or up to a week before the liquid causes enough damage to decommission the device. You should visit a repair shop even if your phone seems to be working. The longer the liquid is inside the device the more damage it can cause.
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Tips
- Even if the water contact indicator is red, the phone may still work.Thanks
- If placing the phone into a bag with silica gel packs, label it to remind yourself when to take it out.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- When your phone gets wet, you need to act quickly — power it off immediately, even if it seems fine. Leaving it on risks short circuiting.
- Make sure to remove any cases, batteries, SIM cards — anything detachable. The less connected, the less water trapped inside.
- After drying, look for signs of water damage before turning your phone back on. Water indicators are often behind the battery.
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References
- ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/what-do-ip-ratings-mean/
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/14/phone-wet-and-wont-turn-on-heres-what-to-do-with-water-damage-hint-putting-it-in-rice-wont-work
- ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001449/
- ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/08/28/your-smartphone-got-wet-heres-what-do-first/609145001/
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102643
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you got your cell phone wet, the first thing you should do is turn it off, even if it seems to be working, so it doesn't short circuit. Once it's off, remove anything connected to it, including the SIM card, SD cards, case, and removable batteries. Place all materials on a paper towel. Use the hose attachment on a vacuum to suck water out of all the components. Wipe your phone and battery dry with a paper towel as you're vacuuming it. Once you're done, leave your phone and battery in a bowl of uncooked instant rice or silica gel packets for 48-72 hours to absorb any leftover moisture. To learn how to dry a wet cell phone using crystal cat litter, scroll down.
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Reader Success Stories
- "I washed my phone in washing machine for over an hour. I immediately removed it and wiped it down and let in sit in a bowl rice because I have seen it done before. I came here to read and was very much educated on other helpful tips. I am so thankful." ..." more
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"I washed my phone in washing machine for over an hour. I immediately removed it and wiped it down and let in sit in a bowl rice because I have seen it done before. I came here to read and was very much educated on other helpful tips. I am so thankful."
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"I did use the oven. Was in dishwater for several seconds. Removed battery and SIM, dried best I could with paper towels. Maintained the temp between 120 - 130 F for 5 hours. Put warm phone in rice and put back in the oven for 2 hrs. So far so good."
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"When my phone fell in the water while I was washing my hands, I took it out quickly, took the battery out and put it in rice. My phone worked. If you guys hadn't shared the ideas, my phone wouldn't be working. Thanks, guys. "
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"I recently dropped my phone in water again and put it uncooked rice, hopefully it works like it did last time (though a small part of my screen is a bit brighter than the rest of it from the last time)."
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"My phone took a dive down the loo, so I found this info very informative and easy to understand. Hopefully it will come back to life after reading these very useful tips."
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