What To Do When You Drop Your Phone in Water
It happens in a split second — one small slip, and your phone is suddenly submerged in a sink, bath, puddle or even the bottom of your pint. Your heart sinks as quickly as the phone does. Even with newer models offering better water resistance, the panic is real when you see your device dripping wet.
The good news? A water-damaged phone isn’t automatically a lost cause. Acting quickly and knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to try. Here’s how to give your phone the best chance of surviving an unexpected swim.
If data security is on your mind too, check out our guide to keeping smartphone data secure.
What Should I Do First?
The most important step is to turn your phone off immediately. Leaving it powered on risks short-circuiting components as the water moves around inside. Don’t press lots of buttons trying to “check” it — just switch it off and leave it off.
Next, remove water from any areas where it could cause further damage:
- Dry the outside gently with a towel
- Remove your case
- Take out the SIM card
- Leave ports uncovered so air can circulate
Quick action makes a big difference. Every second the phone stays powered down helps increase the chances it will recover.
How Do I Dry Out My Phone?
The classic method — placing your phone in a bowl of rice — is still popular because it’s cheap and accessible. Wrap the phone in a paper towel first (to prevent rice grains from getting stuck), then submerge it in rice for 12 to 36 hours.
If you want something more effective than rice, you can use desiccants — drying agents specifically made for electronics. Products like Bheestie, DryBox and The Thirsty Bag can remove moisture faster and more safely.
Can I Use a Hair Dryer?
It’s tempting, but don’t do it. A hair dryer blows hot air directly into the device, which can damage delicate internal components and push moisture deeper into the phone. The same goes for putting your device in the oven — even on a low heat. Avoid both completely.
Does Rice Get Water Out of the Charging Port?
Rice may help draw moisture away from the phone overall, but if your charging port still isn’t working after drying, it’s best to avoid plugging anything in. Using a cable too soon can cause a short.
If the phone still struggles after drying out, or you’re regularly dealing with battery or performance issues, it may be time to consider a replacement. Our guide on how often you should upgrade your phone can help you decide.
If Your Phone Doesn’t Survive
If the worst happens and your phone doesn’t recover, there’s still a silver lining. Envirofone accepts damaged and water-logged phones, meaning you can still get cash for your old device and put it towards a new or refurbished handset.
There’s no need to send photos or prove damage — just trade it in, and we’ll assess it for you. Explore our trade-in options or upgrade to a fully checked refurbished model in our refurbished phone range.
