What to do when a phone gets wet

Quick Scoop

Act fast: power the phone off, remove the case and accessories, dry the outside gently, and let it air-dry with silica gel if you have it. Avoid rice, heat, and charging it until it’s completely dry. These steps are recommended by multiple repair and recovery guides, which also warn that turning it on too soon can cause short circuits.

Do this now

1. Take it out of the water immediately. The less time liquid spends inside, the better the odds of saving it.
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2. Turn it off and keep it off. Do not press buttons repeatedly or try to charge it.
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3. Remove the case, SIM card, and any accessories. This helps air reach trapped moisture.
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4. Dry the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth. Be gentle and avoid rubbing water deeper into openings.
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5. Let it dry in a cool, dry place. If you have silica gel packets, seal the phone with them for 24–48 hours.
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Do not do this

• Do not use a hair dryer, oven, or direct sunlight. Heat can push moisture further inside.
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• Do not put it in rice. Several guides say silica gel works better.
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• Do not shake it aggressively or blow into ports. That can spread liquid around.
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When to get help

If the phone still will not turn on after drying, if it fell into salt water or another dirty liquid, or if you need the data urgently, professional repair or data recovery is the safer next step. Some sources note that contaminated liquids can cause worse corrosion than fresh water.

Helpful note

If the phone is an iPhone or another water-resistant model, that rating only helps with limited exposure, not a guaranteed dunk-proof save. Even then, immediate drying and avoiding power-up attempts matter most.

Bottom line: power it off, dry it gently, skip the heat and rice, and wait before trying to turn it back on.