Act Fast
Take the phone out immediately and power it off if it was fully submerged. Remove the case, SIM tray and any accessories. Wipe the outside with a soft cloth. Do not press buttons repeatedly because that can push water further in.
Safe Drying Steps
- Hold the phone with ports down and shake gently.
- Pat dry the ports and grilles with a cloth.
- Place it in a ventilated room, not in sun or heat.
- Use a small fan from a distance.
- Wait at least 24 hours before turning it on if it was submerged.
- Use the water eject sound on the speaker.
Myths to Avoid
Rice absorbs very little moisture and leaves dust. Hair dryers and ovens can melt adhesives and damage batteries. Compressed air pushes water inward. Silica gel packs help only slightly. Slow air drying is the best option.
Salt Water and Sugary Liquids
If the liquid was salt water, juice, soda or coffee, residue will corrode components. Rinse the outside gently with fresh water, dry the phone and ask a repair shop to clean the board as soon as possible. See IP ratings explained to learn what your phone is built to handle.
Related Tools & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn on a wet phone to check?
No. If submerged, leave it off and dry it first.
Does rice really work?
No. Open-air drying is better and rice grains can enter ports.
How long does a phone take to dry?
Usually 24 to 48 hours inside.
When is a phone beyond repair?
If it was in salt water for long or powers off repeatedly, a technician must check the board.