Dropped Your Phone in Water? Do This Now (Step by Step)

Updated September 22, 2026

Dropped Your Phone in Water? Do This Now (Step by Step)

Accidentally dropping your phone in water can be a heart-stopping moment. But don’t panic! Quick action can significantly increase your chances of saving your device. Follow this step-by-step guide to give your phone the best chance of survival.

Immediate Action List (First Minutes)

1. Remove the phone from the water immediately. Every second counts, so act fast.
2. Turn off the phone. If it’s still on, power it down to prevent short circuits.
3. Remove any cases or accessories. These can trap water against the device.
4. Remove the SIM and SD cards. These can be dried separately and may still be usable.
5. Dry the exterior. Use a soft, absorbent cloth or towel to gently pat the phone dry. Avoid rubbing, as it can push water further into the device.
6. Open all ports and covers. If possible, remove the battery (for removable battery devices), SIM tray, and any other accessible compartments to allow water to escape.
7. Use a vacuum cleaner (optional). If you have a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment, you can use it to gently suck water out of the ports. Do not use a hair dryer or any other heat source.

What NOT to Do

• Do not charge the phone. Plugging in a wet device can cause electrical damage.
• Do not use a hair dryer or oven. Heat can warp components and cause further damage.
• Do not shake the phone. This can spread water to more sensitive areas.
• Do not press any buttons. This can push water further into the device.
• Do not use rice. Contrary to popular belief, rice is not an effective drying agent and can leave dust and starch in your phone.

Drying Your Phone

After the initial steps, you need to thoroughly dry your phone. Here’s how:

1. Use a desiccant. Silica gel packets are excellent for absorbing moisture. If you don’t have them, uncooked rice can be a last resort, though it’s not as effective.
2. Place the phone in a sealed container with the desiccant. Make sure the container is airtight to maximize moisture absorption.
3. Wait at least 24-48 hours. This allows ample time for the desiccant to draw out the moisture.

Clearing the Speaker with a Low-Frequency Tone

Once your phone is dry, you may notice that the speaker quality is compromised due to trapped water or debris. You can use a low-frequency tone to help clear this. Visit phonespeakerclean.com to access a free tool that generates a tone designed to dislodge water and debris from your speaker.

Device-Type Specifics

Different devices have unique considerations:

• iPhones and Androids: These devices do not have an official water ejection feature. Follow the steps above and use the low-frequency tone tool for speaker issues.
• Apple Watch: The Water Lock feature can be activated to eject water from the device. Simply swipe up from the bottom of the watch face, tap the water drop icon, and then turn the Digital Crown to unlock and eject water.
• Waterproof devices: Even if your device is marketed as waterproof, it’s important to remember that this is not an absolute guarantee, especially at greater depths or for extended periods.

When to Get Professional Help

If your phone shows any of the following signs after drying, it’s time to seek professional repair:

• It doesn’t turn on.
• There are visible signs of corrosion or discoloration.
• The screen is flickering or has dead pixels.
• The speaker or microphone doesn’t work properly.
• There is a persistent odor coming from the device.

Remember, sound and vibration cleaning can help clear trapped water and loose debris, but they cannot repair physically blown or corroded components. If in doubt, consult a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions