Phone Dropped in Water? What to Do (and Why Not to Use Rice)

Do this first

• Get it out and unplug any cable or accessory. Apple says not to plug a cable in again until the phone and the cable are completely dry.
• If your phone is not water resistant (many older and budget phones), Samsung says turn it off immediately and remove the SIM card, memory card and any removable battery.
• Wipe the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth. Apple says to make sure the phone is dry before opening the SIM tray.
• Tap it gently against your hand with the charging port facing down to get water out, as Apple suggests.
• Leave it in a dry place with some airflow. Apple says a fan blowing cool air into the port can help.

Do not do these

• No rice. Apple says putting an iPhone in a bag of rice could allow small particles of rice to damage it.
• No hair dryer or other heat. Apple and Samsung both say not to use an external heat source, and Samsung warns hot air can damage the device.
• No compressed air. Apple and Samsung both list it as something to avoid.
• Nothing poked into the port. Apple says not to insert a cotton swab or paper towel into the connector.
• No charging while wet. Apple says charging with a wet connector can corrode the pins and cause permanent damage.

When is it safe to charge?

Apple says to allow at least 5 hours before charging with a cable after liquid exposure. If your iPhone (XS, XR or later) shows a liquid-detection alert, Apple says to leave it in a dry place with airflow and try again later, and that it can take up to 24 hours to dry fully. Wireless charging is possible once the back of the phone is dry.

Galaxy phones show a water-drop icon and stop charging when moisture is detected in the port. Samsung says to unplug and let it dry, because charging with moisture can corrode the USB port.

Salt water, tea, juice and soapy water

Sugary drinks and sea water leave residue that corrodes the inside over time. For water-resistant Galaxy phones, Samsung says to rinse the phone in clean water for 1 to 3 minutes to remove residue, salt or foreign material, then dry it fully. Apple says that if a liquid other than water splashes an iPhone, rinse the affected area with tap water, then wipe and dry it.

Only do this on a water-resistant phone. On a phone with no water rating, turn it off and take it to a service centre.

Water resistant is not waterproof

IP68 is a lab test result, not a promise for life. Apple says splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent and can decrease with normal wear, and that liquid damage is not covered under warranty. Apple says to avoid swimming, showering, saunas and pressurised water with an iPhone.

Apple also lists disassembling the phone, including removing screws, among the things to avoid to prevent liquid damage. Treat a phone that has been opened for repair with extra care around water.

It still works. Am I safe?

Not always. Samsung says internal damage or corrosion may occur even if the device appears to work normally, and recommends an inspection at a service centre. If the sound is muffled after a dip, Apple says water in the port can affect the speaker or microphone until it evaporates; place the phone speaker side down on a lint-free cloth and let it dry.

If you are buying a used phone, ask whether it has ever been in water and test the speakers, microphone, charging and Face ID or fingerprint before you pay.

• Inspect a used phone before you pay
• Mobile repair shop guide

Does putting a wet phone in rice work?

Apple says not to put an iPhone in a bag of rice because small rice particles could damage it. Air drying in a dry place with airflow is the recommended method.

How long should I wait before charging a phone that got wet?

Apple says allow at least 5 hours before charging an iPhone with a cable, and up to 24 hours if a liquid-detection alert keeps appearing. Do not charge any phone while the port is wet.

Is liquid damage covered by warranty?

Apple says liquid damage is not covered under the iPhone warranty, though consumer law may give you rights. Check your own brand's warranty terms.

My phone fell in water but still works. What now?

Dry it fully before charging. Samsung says corrosion can happen inside even when the phone seems fine, so an inspection at an authorised service centre is a good idea.