Getting your phone, watch, or other mobile device wet can be scary, but acting quickly and correctly can save it. Follow these steps immediately.
Step 1: Immediate Actions (The First 60 Seconds)
Your top priority is to prevent a short circuit.
- Get it Out! Remove the device from the liquid immediately.
- Power It Down! This is the most important step. If the device is on, turn it off right away. If it’s off, leave it off. Do not try to wake the screen or check if it works.
- Unplug Everything. If it’s connected to a charger, wall outlet, or computer, unplug it instantly. Do not attempt to charge it.
- Remove What You Can. Take off the case. If your phone has a removable SIM card and/or memory card, eject the tray and take them out. For watches, remove the band.
Step 2: Dry the Outside
Now, let’s get rid of the surface liquid.
- Wipe the entire device with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth (a microfiber cloth is perfect).
- Gently tap the device against your hand with the ports (charging port, speaker grills) facing down to encourage any trapped liquid to drip out.
- For a modern water-resistant phone that has a “water eject” feature (which plays a specific sound frequency), you can use that after you’ve powered it off and dried the exterior.
Step 3: Let It Dry (Patience is Everything)
This is where you need to wait. Rushing this step can cause permanent damage.
- The Best Method: Open Air. Place the device in a dry, well-ventilated area. Propping it up so the charging port faces down is ideal. Placing it in front of a cool fan (not warm or hot!) can speed up evaporation.
- Wait at least 48 hours. Seriously. It takes a long time for internal components to dry completely. Trying to turn it on too soon is the most common mistake and can fry the circuitry.
Step 4: What NOT to Do (Common Myths & Mistakes)
These actions can make things much worse!
- ❌ DO NOT Use Rice: This is a popular myth, but it’s ineffective. Rice dust and small grains can get into the ports and cause more problems than they solve.
- ❌ DO NOT Use Heat: Never use a hairdryer, oven, or microwave, or leave the device in direct sunlight. High heat can damage the delicate internal components, melt adhesives, and warp the screen.
- ❌ DO NOT Shake It Vigorously: This can spread the liquid further inside the device.
- ❌ DO NOT Stick Things in the Ports: Don’t shove paper towels, cotton swabs, or anything else into the charging port or headphone jack. This can push moisture further in or damage the sensitive contact pins.
The Type of Liquid Matters
Not all spills are created equal. The liquid your device fell into has a big impact on its chances of survival.
Fresh Water (Tap water, rain, shower)
- The Damage: This is the “best-case” scenario for a wet device. While pure water isn’t very conductive, the minerals in tap and rainwater are. This can cause short circuits if the device is on.
- Prognosis: Good, if you follow the drying steps correctly.
Salt Water (Ocean) & Chlorinated Water (Pool)
- The Damage: These are extremely dangerous for electronics. Salt and chlorine are highly corrosive and will quickly begin to eat away at the metal components, solder joints, and internal connections inside your device, causing permanent damage.
- Prognosis: Poor. Even if the device works after drying, corrosion can continue to cause problems weeks or months later. This type of exposure almost always requires professional cleaning.
Sugary & Acidic Drinks (Soda, juice, coffee, beer, wine)
- The Damage: This is a double threat. First, the liquid can cause an immediate short circuit. Second, as it evaporates, it leaves behind a sticky, sugary, or acidic residue. This gunk coats the circuit boards, gums up buttons, and can continue to corrode components long after it’s “dry.”
- Prognosis: Fair to poor. The sticky residue can prevent the device from ever working properly again without a professional internal cleaning.
