Dropping your phone on the floor might leave a few scratches, but often times it usually still works fine. But let’s be real, nothing beats the panic of watching your phone plummet into water. Whether it’s a splash at the pool, a slip in the bathroom, or a run-in with the rain, water damage can happen to the best of us.
The good news is, all hope is not lost! With quick action and the right steps, you can still save your device even if it’s water damaged. In this blog, we’ll show you how to save a wet phone in seven easy steps. Without further ado, let’s fix your water-soaked phone.
7 Mobile Phone Drying Methods
1. Grab It Quickly
The moment your phone takes a dip, act fast. Don’t waste time—get it out of the water right away. The quicker you move, the less chance of major damage.
2. Power It Down (If It’s Still On)
If your phone didn’t switch off automatically, turn it off yourself. Avoid pressing any buttons or turning it back on. A wet phone and electricity are a bad combo—short circuits can fry the inside.
3. Remove Accessories and Parts
Remove the casing, SIM card, memory card, and the battery (if it's removable). Set them apart and let them air dry on a clean towel. This is one of the most important steps in a good phone water damage fix.
Want to learn how to safely take out your battery? Check out this guide on easy fixes for failing phone batteries.
4. Dry the Outside Gently
Wipe the phone's surface using a soft, dry towel. Be gentle, don't shake it, and don't use a blow dryer, which will drive water deeper into the phone's interior. If you have a small vacuum nozzle, you can try sucking out the water from tight areas like charging connectors or speaker grilles.
5. Use Moisture Absorbers
Place your phone in a sealed container or plastic bag with something that draws in moisture, preferably silica gel packets. However, you can also use uncooked rice, oatmeal, or couscous. This is one of the oldest and most effective mobile phone drying methods.
6. Let It Sit
Be patient. Allow your phone to stay in the drying setup for a period of two to three days. That is 48 to 72 hours of not touching it at all—resist the temptation to turn it on. It must have time to fully dry out.
7. Reassemble and Test
Once you feel it is dry, assemble your phone again. Reinsert the SIM card and battery and then turn it back on. Charge it if you need to and test everything out. This includes the camera, audio, calls, and apps—you want to ensure it's fully functional.
Still Not Working?
When your phone won’t turn on or starts acting weird, skip the DIY fixes and head straight to a repair shop. Professionals know how to handle water-damaged iPhone repair (and Android too). They can safely open your phone and fix any hidden damage.
Need new parts? Pisen’s high-quality replacement batteries and parts—like screens, charging ports, and internal parts—are a reliable way to bring your device back to life.
Spotting the Signs of Water Damage
Wondering if your phone has suffered from water exposure? Here’s how to check:
● Look closely at the screen. You might see foggy patches, watermarks, or dried streaks behind the glass.
● Inspect the charging port, SIM slot, and headphone jack for rust or discoloration.
● Most phones have a Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) in the SIM tray or battery slot. If it’s red or maroon, your device has definitely been wet.
Does Rice Really Fix Water Damage?
Rice is a common DIY move—and yeah, it can help a little. But it’s far from perfect. Rice only absorbs moisture from the air around your phone. It won’t pull water out from inside tight components or sealed areas.
Plus, rice can leave behind dust and starch that may cause more trouble later. If it gets inside the charging port, it can swell and make cleanup harder. So, rice is better than nothing, but it’s not a guaranteed phone water damage fix.
Can You Blow-Dry a Wet Phone?
Nope. Blow-drying your phone might seem like a quick fix, but it can overheat the components and push water deeper inside. So, it’s best to avoid it. Stick with air drying and moisture absorbers instead.
Wrap up
These emergency phone water damage tips can save your phone and your wallet. Whether it’s a quick splash or a full dunk, following these steps can make all the difference.
If your phone needs a new battery, screen, charger, or other parts—check out Pisen Biz. We’ve got a wide selection of quality accessories and spares for most iPhone models.
Recommended Reading: Easy Fixes for a Failing Cell Phone Battery