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If you’re looking up how to get water out of your phone on Google in a panic, the worst has probably happened. You dropped your phone into water because you lost your grip for a split second. Even if it was only in the water for a short time, this can do a lot of damage, whether you have the best iPhone or the best Samsung phone. It can happen quickly. Whether your “waterproof” case leaks, a storm comes out of nowhere, or you just drop your phone in the bathroom after a few margaritas, it’s all too easy to get your phone wet.
Everyone has been there. In the past few years, we’ve managed to drown two smartphones: once in a tulip field in the Netherlands when it started to rain, and once on a plane when we spilled a glass of water on ourselves and on our phone. In this case, a little bit of knowledge and planning goes a long way, whether you’re in your own kitchen or thousands of miles away. Here are the ways how to get water out of your phone, These tips won’t save every phone, but they might save yours if you’re lucky.
How to get water out of your phone
Take it out and turn it off
- Retrieve your phone from the water quickly.
- According to Christen Costa, CEO and tech expert at Gadget Review, every second matters for your phone’s survival in water.
- Act promptly if your phone falls into water.
- Immediately turn off the phone after taking it out of the water.
- Avoid the temptation to turn on the phone to check if it still works, as this can harm the device.
- Turning on a wet phone can damage its internal circuit, warns Anirban Saha, founder of Techbullish.
- Regularly restarting your phone is beneficial, but not in this wet state.
Empty it
- Take off the phone’s case and any accessories, like the charger or headphones, that are attached to the outside of the device.
- This is an important step in figuring out how to get water out of your phone because it stops water from getting deeper inside.
- If you can, take out the battery and SIM card.
- Even though iPhones don’t have removable batteries, some Android phones do.
- You’ll need to check the make and model of your phone to find out if it does.
Dry it with a towel
- Soft, lint-free towel: Use this to absorb water.
- Dry the outside of the phone, SIM card, and area around charging port.
- Emergency dry-out kits or air dry: Options to remove moisture.
- Position phone with charging port down. Place cloth/paper towel underneath to catch draining water.
- Water in speaker: Address this by following steps.
- Quick drying: Keep phone close to fan.
- Alternatively, position phone near device with exhaust vents (TV, computer tower) to utilize warm air.
Think twice about rice
- Experts agree desiccants are best for drying phones, not rice.
- iPhone in rice won’t help; rice can jam ports.
- David Lynch, Payette Forward content lead, advises air-drying over rice.
- Olivia Long from DroneGuru, a tech expert, disapproves rice use.
- Rice stuck leads to damage like rust in phone cracks, warns Long.
What are the risks of using a wet phone?
- Internal Damage: Water can seep into the internal components of the phone, causing short circuits and damaging the delicate circuitry.
- Corrosion: When water comes into contact with metal parts, it can lead to corrosion over time, which can impair the phone’s functionality.
- Screen Damage: Water can damage the screen and touch-sensitive components, making the screen unresponsive or distorted.
- Battery Damage: Water can damage the battery, leading to reduced battery life or even complete failure.
- Data Loss: If the phone gets wet, there’s a high chance of losing valuable data stored on the device, including photos, contacts, and other important files.
- Voided Warranty: Most phones come with water damage indicators that, when triggered, can void the warranty, leaving you without manufacturer support.
How to fix a water-damaged phone
- Power Off Immediately: Turn off the phone to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Remove Components: Take out the battery, SIM card, and any other removable parts.
- Dry Exterior: Gently pat the phone dry with a clean cloth.
- Use Desiccants: Place the phone in a bag with silica gel packets or rice to absorb moisture.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Don’t use direct heat (like a hair dryer) as it can damage the phone further.
- Wait: Let the phone sit in the desiccant for at least 24-48 hours.
- Check for Signs: Inspect for moisture or condensation. If present, continue drying.
- Test Phone: Reinsert the battery and try turning the phone on.
- Seek Professional Help: If the phone doesn’t turn on or behaves oddly, consult a technician.
- Consider Rice Caveats: Be cautious as rice can potentially clog ports or leave debris.
Conclusion
Most high-end smartphones can handle a certain amount of water. But even if your phone has an IP rating, it can still be damaged by water. If you drop your smartphone in water, the sensitive parts inside can get wet and break. So, what’s the best way to keep liquid from ruining your phone? We get this question a lot as we help our 300 million (and growing) customers with all of their tech care needs.
Questions and Answers
The most common and cheap way to get rid of moisture is to bury the phone in uncooked rice. Another option is to put the phone and some silica gel sachets in an airtight container. They are better able to soak up water than rice.
You’re actually making things worse than they are. Your phone won’t dry faster or better if you use rice. It won’t be able to pull out all that water. Instead, the dust and starch will get into your phone and cause more damage in the future.
Minerals in the water cause the phone’s circuits, coils, and resistors to rust when water sits in them for a long time. This one also throws people off because the damage isn’t always obvious right away. Sometimes, it might take a little longer for the water to reach parts that are weak.
But if you don’t have a fan and don’t feel comfortable putting your phone near a window, you can always let it air out for a few hours, preferably in a dry, warm place like an airing cupboard. But don’t put your phone in direct sunlight, which can also cause it to get too hot.