My Phone Fell in Water!

My phone fell into the water. You hear the “splash” and your heart stops. Your lifeline, your smartphone, has just had a traumatic encounter with a glass, a toilet, or a puddle. Panic is the first thing that sets in, but stop right there! What you do in the next 5 minutes is crucial to determining if your phone will get a second chance.

Forget the popular myths and follow this step-by-step emergency guide to maximize your device’s chances of survival. The clock is ticking.

Step 1: The Quick Retrieval – Under 30 Seconds

Every second counts. The longer it’s submerged, the deeper the water will penetrate.

• Get it out of the water immediately.
• Do NOT turn it on or press any buttons. This can cause a short circuit.
• If it was plugged into a charger, unplug it right away.

Step 2: Power Off & Disconnect Everything (Even If It Seems Fine)

Even if the screen looks normal, water could be causing internal damage at this very moment.

• Power it off immediately. If it won’t turn off with the button, force a shutdown.
• Remove the case or screen protector. Water can get trapped underneath.
• Remove the SIM card tray and the memory SD card. This helps with internal ventilation.
• If your phone has a removable battery, remove it. If not (like most modern models), do not attempt to open it.

Step 3: Surface Drying (The Right Way)

• Dry it thoroughly with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt. Avoid paper towels or napkins that can leave residue.
• Gently shake it with the charging port facing down to dislodge water droplets.
• Use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) to carefully clean the charging port, headphone jack, and any other openings.

Step 4: The Big Myth: What About Rice? The Scientific Truth

The Traditional Advice: “Put it in a bowl of rice.”
The Truth: Rice is practically useless. It absorbs very little moisture and, even worse, rice dust can get into the ports and make the situation worse.

The Professional (and Cheap) Solution:

• Get silica gel packets (the ones that come in shoe boxes, purses, or electronics). They are a thousand times more absorbent than rice.
• Place the phone (already dry on the outside) and the extracted cards in a ziplock bag or an airtight container filled with these silica gel packets.
• Let it dry for at least 48-72 hours. Do not give in to the temptation to turn it on before then.

Step 5: What You Should NEVER Do

• DO NOT use a hairdryer. The direct heat can melt internal adhesives and damage sensitive components.
• DO NOT put it in the sun or on a radiator. Excessive heat is as bad as water.
• DO NOT blow on it forcefully. You will push moisture and bacteria further into the device.
• DO NOT try to clean it with alcohol or other liquids. This will make the problem worse.

Step 6: The Moment of Truth (After 72 Hours)

After a minimum of 72 hours in its “silica gel bath”:

1. Take it out and reconnect everything (SIM card, SD card).
2. Try to turn it on. Hold your breath.
3. If it turns on: Excellent! Test all functions: touchscreen, speakers, microphone, charging port, and cameras.
4. If it doesn’t turn on: Try charging it. If there’s no response, the damage is likely internal and you’ll need professional help.

Conclusion: Prevention is Your Best Ally

The best strategy is to avoid this from happening in the first place. Investing in a water-resistant phone (with an IP67/IP68 rating) or a waterproof case can save you from this terrible scare and the cost of a replacement.

Did your phone survive its water accident? Tell us your experience in the comments and share this guide with all your contacts. You could save someone else’s phone!

You know what to do when your phone falls into the water.