So, you’ve just dropped your phone in water, and now panic is setting in. But before you assume your device is destined for the digital afterlife, there are immediate steps you can take to improve your chances of reviving it.
This guide covers exactly how to fix a wet phone—what works, what doesn’t, and when it’s time to get professional help.
Time is critical. The longer your phone sits submerged in water, the greater the chance of lasting damage. Don't hesitate! Grab your phone right away. Water can seep into internal components in seconds, so every moment counts.
Once you've recovered your phone, turn it off immediately. If you have a phone with a removable battery (rare, but still possible with some Android models), remove the battery as well. This helps prevent electrical short circuits that can fry the internal hardware.
Next, remove your SIM card and microSD card (if applicable). These can retain moisture too and should be dried separately. This is an integral part of how to fix a wet phone.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning how to fix a wet phone is using a hairdryer or placing the phone near a heater. High heat can warp delicate components and push moisture deeper into the phone.
Shaking the phone is equally risky because the water might spread further inside. Instead, let gravity help you. Hold the phone upright with the charging port facing downward to encourage drainage.
Use a lint-free, absorbent cloth to blot the phone dry. Focus on removing surface moisture without pressing too hard or forcing liquid into openings. Avoid paper towels because they can shred and leave residue.
If you have a small handheld vacuum with low suction, you can use it to draw out water from ports and speaker holes. Just be careful not to create static electricity, which could damage the phone’s components.
You’ve probably heard that putting your phone in a bowl of rice can help dry it out. While it's a common trick, it's not the most effective method for how to fix a wet phone.
Why? Rice is a weak desiccant and often leaves dust or particles in your device’s ports. Instead, opt for silica gel packs—the kind you find in shoe boxes or electronics packaging. Even better, purchase a dedicated wet phone drying kit like those from Kensington or DryBox, which are designed specifically to pull moisture from electronics.
If rice is your only option, seal your phone in a zip-top bag filled with dry rice and leave it alone for at least 48 hours. Wrap your phone in a paper towel first to prevent rice particles from entering the device.
This is the hardest part. Whether you use silica gel, rice, or a drying kit, your phone needs time to fully dry. Two days is the minimum; 72 hours is even better. Resist the temptation to power it back on too early—you could short-circuit the system and make the damage worse. Patience is a virtue, especially when following the steps of how to fix a wet phone.
After at least 48–72 hours, inspect your phone for signs of lingering moisture. If it looks dry, reinsert the SIM card and battery (if applicable), and power it on. If it doesn’t turn on, plug it into a charger and wait a few minutes. Still nothing? Try a different charger or cable. Sometimes water can damage charging ports or interfere with power connections.
If the phone shows signs of life but functions strangely (e.g., unresponsive screen, garbled sound), there may still be internal damage. It’s time to move to the next step.
If you’ve followed all the right steps and your phone still isn’t working, consult a professional repair service. Many independent repair shops offer liquid damage assessments and can use ultrasonic cleaning or micro-soldering techniques to repair water-damaged components.
If your phone is insured or covered under a protection plan, check if accidental water damage is included. It might be cheaper to replace the device under warranty than to pay for extensive repairs.
Now that you know how to fix a wet phone, take precautions to prevent it from happening again:
Dropping your phone in water can feel like a nightmare, but with the right steps, you can often bring it back to life. Remember, quick action, careful drying, and patience are your best friends. Now that you know how to fix a wet phone, you’ll be better prepared if it ever happens again.
And if your current device is beyond saving, consider using a tool like Phonecheck to verify the quality of your next used smartphone. That way, you can be confident you're not inheriting someone else's water damage.
