How to Get Water Out of Your Phone

Turn off Your Phone Immediately

The first and most important step to take when your phone gets wet is to turn it off immediately. This is because the water can cause a short circuit and damage the internal components of your phone, which may result in permanent damage. By turning off your phone, you can prevent further damage and increase the chances of successfully saving your device.

To turn off your phone, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down completely. If your phone doesn’t respond or the screen is frozen, you can remove the battery if it’s removable. For non-removable batteries, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds until it turns off.

Once your phone is turned off, resist the urge to turn it on or plug it in to charge. Doing so can cause additional damage and make it more difficult to recover your data or fix your phone. Instead, proceed to the next steps to remove the water and dry your device.

Remove the Phone Case and SIM Card

After turning off your phone, the next step is to remove the phone case and SIM card (if applicable). This will allow you to access the areas where water may have entered your phone and help speed up the drying process.

Carefully remove the phone case and wipe it dry with a towel. Next, remove the SIM card and place it on a clean, dry surface. SIM cards are delicate and can be damaged by water, so it’s important to dry it thoroughly before reinserting it into your phone.

If you have a removable battery, you can also remove it at this time to allow better air circulation inside your phone. However, if your battery is non-removable, do not attempt to remove it as doing so can cause additional damage to your device.

By removing the phone case and SIM card, you can ensure that all areas of your phone are exposed to air and can be dried properly. This will help prevent corrosion and other damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.

Dry Your Phone with a Towel

Once you have removed the phone case and SIM card, the next step is to dry your phone with a towel. Use a clean, dry towel to gently wipe away any visible water droplets or moisture on the surface of your phone.

Be sure to avoid using a hair dryer or other heating tools to dry your phone as this can cause further damage. Instead, use a soft, absorbent cloth to gently pat your phone dry.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining water from the ports and crevices of your phone. Hold the vacuum nozzle close to the surface of your phone, but not too close to avoid damaging any of the internal components.

Remember to be gentle when drying your phone to avoid further damage. Do not apply too much pressure, and avoid rubbing your phone with the towel as this can cause scratches or other damage to the surface.

Use Silica Gel or Rice to Absorb Moisture

After drying your phone with a towel, you may still have moisture trapped inside your device. To absorb this moisture, you can use either silica gel packets or uncooked rice.

Silica gel packets are commonly found in shoe boxes or with other packaged goods. They are small, white packets that contain tiny silica beads that can absorb moisture effectively. If you have silica gel packets on hand, place your phone and the packets inside an airtight container and leave it for at least 24 hours.

If you don’t have silica gel packets, you can use uncooked rice instead. Fill a large, sealable plastic bag with uncooked rice and place your phone and the bag in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours. The rice will absorb the moisture from your phone.

While both silica gel and rice can be effective at absorbing moisture, keep in mind that they are not foolproof solutions. It’s still important to wait at least 24-48 hours before attempting to turn on your phone to ensure that it is completely dry.

Wait and Test Your Phone

After following the previous steps, the final step is to wait and test your phone. It’s important to be patient and not rush this process, as attempting to turn on your phone too soon can cause irreparable damage.

Leave your phone in a warm, dry place with good ventilation for at least 24-48 hours to ensure that it is completely dry. During this time, do not attempt to turn on your phone or charge it.

After waiting for at least 24-48 hours, you can test your phone by plugging it in to charge or turning it on. If your phone turns on and functions normally, then you have successfully removed the water and saved your device. However, if your phone does not turn on or exhibits any issues, it may be time to seek professional help from a technician or consider getting a replacement device.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. To avoid getting water in your phone in the first place, consider investing in a waterproof phone case or a phone with waterproof features. Additionally, always be mindful of your phone’s surroundings and avoid exposing it to water or moisture whenever possible.