Has your phone fallen into water, been caught in heavy rain or had a drink spilt on it? Even if your smartphone is still working, moisture can damage the internal components, cause corrosion of the contacts and lead to charging problems. The first steps you take after exposure to liquid are crucial. We explain how to dry your phone properly, why the popular ‘rice’ method can actually do more harm than good, and when you should contact a service centre.
- If your phone has fallen into water, you should take it out, switch it off and wipe it dry carefully.
- Do not connect the charging cable until the device and the socket are completely dry.
- Apple does not recommend drying an iPhone in rice due to the risk of damage from small particles.
- Hairdryers, heat and compressed air can cause further damage to your smartphone.
What to do if your phone falls into water: first steps
First of all, remove the smartphone from the water. If it is connected to a charger, make sure to safely disconnect the charger first. Do not touch a wet device that is still connected to the mains.
If the phone is still working, switch it off. Do not check the camera, launch apps or press buttons repeatedly to make sure the device is working properly. The absence of visible faults immediately after it has fallen into water does not guarantee that moisture has not got inside.
In its guidelines for Pixel smartphones, Google advises that if the device gets wet, you should switch it off, wipe it with a soft cloth and leave it to dry at room temperature.
Next, remove the cover and wipe the body with a dry, lint-free cloth. If the design allows, you can easily remove the SIM card and memory card. Do not attempt to open the sealed casing yourself or remove the built-in battery.
Pay particular attention to the charging port. If there is any water left in it, do not insert a cable, cotton buds or tissues. Apple recommends holding it carefully iPhone with the opening facing downwards, and tap it gently against the palm of your hand to remove any excess liquid.
Why you shouldn’t put a wet mobile phone in rice
The advice to place a water-damaged smartphone in a bag or container filled with dry rice has been around for many years. It is believed that the rice absorbs moisture and helps to save the device. However, this method does not ensure that liquid is reliably removed from the internal components.
Apple explicitly warns iPhone owners against using rice. According to the company, tiny grains of rice can get into the port and damage the device.
Furthermore, even if the surface of the smartphone appears dry, moisture may remain inside the casing. Contact between this moisture and metal components can cause corrosion, which does not always become apparent straight away.
Instead of using rice, manufacturers recommend allowing the product to dry naturally in a dry room with good air circulation. If necessary, a fan blowing cool air may be used, but without heating.
Is it OK to dry a mobile phone with a hairdryer?
You must not use a hairdryer, a heater, a radiator or an oven to dry your smartphone.
Excessive heat can damage the battery, display, seals and other components. It is also not recommended to blow compressed air into the charging port or to attempt to remove water using sharp objects.
Samsung Apple also advises drying devices without using external heat sources. The safest household method for a phone that shows no signs of internal damage is to leave it in a dry, well-ventilated place.
However, simply allowing the device to dry out is no substitute for a professional diagnosis following complete submersion in water, particularly if the smartphone is not water-resistant.
How long should you wait before charging your phone after it has been in water?
There is no single drying time that applies to all smartphones. It depends on the amount of liquid, how far it has penetrated the casing, the device’s design and the environmental conditions.
Apple notes that once a warning about moisture in the iPhone’s connector has appeared, you cannot check the charging status again for at least 30 minutes. If the message reappears, Drying may take up to 24 hours.
This advice relates primarily to moisture in the connector, rather than to the repair of a phone that has been completely submerged. Following significant exposure to water, particularly if you suspect that liquid has entered the device, you should not switch on or charge the device yourself until it has been checked by a specialist.
Modern Samsung Galaxy devices can also display a warning if moisture is detected in the USB port. In such cases, the system temporarily disables wired charging to minimise the risk of damage to the contacts.
Wireless charging may still be possible on compatible models provided the external surfaces are completely dry. However, it is not a safe way to charge a phone that has water inside it.
What to do if your phone falls into salt water, tea or coffee
Seawater, soft drinks and other liquids pose additional risks to electronic devices. Once dry, salts, sugar and other substances may remain on the components, which can cause corrosion or interfere with the operation of the contacts.
For water-resistant Samsung Galaxy models, the manufacturer recommends rinsing the device with clean water after it has come into contact with contaminated liquids, to remove any residual salts and other substances, and then drying it thoroughly.
Apple also recommends rinsing the affected area of a compatible iPhone under running tap water if it has been splashed with any other liquid.
Important: These recommendations cannot be automatically applied to every smartphone. If a model does not have certified water resistance, rinsing it further may cause further damage. In such a situation, you should switch off the phone, wipe it carefully and contact a service centre as soon as possible.
Will IP67 or IP68 water resistance protect it?
Many modern smartphones are IP67 or IP68 certified. This certification indicates a certain level of protection against dust and water under specified test conditions. However, water resistance does not mean absolute waterproofing.
The protective properties may be compromised as a result of drops, damage to the casing, repairs or the natural ageing of the seals. Google specifically emphasises that the water resistance of Pixel smartphones is not a permanent feature.
Therefore, even a device with an IP68 rating should not be deliberately submerged in water. Furthermore, the test conditions for a particular model do not necessarily apply to seawater, swimming pools, hot liquids or powerful jets of water.
Furthermore, damage caused by liquids may not be covered by the manufacturer’s standard warranty.
How to tell if your mobile phone has been damaged by water
Faults caused by contact with water may become apparent immediately or after a certain amount of time. You should contact a service centre if your smartphone starts to restart on its own, overheat, charge poorly or fails to recognise the cable properly.
Other signs of possible damage include marks beneath the display, a flickering screen, the sensor not working properly, distorted sound, or problems with the microphone or camera.
Unusual heating or deformation of the casing or battery is particularly dangerous. Such a device must not be charged or continued to be used until it has been professionally inspected.
The service centre’s technicians can check the condition of the internal components, look for signs of corrosion and determine whether the phone needs repairing. If the smartphone is working normally after the check, you should back up your photos, documents and important data as soon as possible.
It is precisely by switching off the device in good time, allowing it to dry properly and carrying out a diagnostic check that you can help reduce the risk of further damage following contact with liquid.
