Phone Got Wet? Here's What to Do Right Now
The steps to take immediately after your phone gets wet — and the myths to ignore. Speed matters.
Water damage is a genuine emergency for your phone — and the actions you take in the first few minutes can make the difference between a full recovery and a write-off. Here’s exactly what to do.
Do This Immediately
1. Power it off. This is the single most important step. Don’t check if it still works, don’t test the screen — turn it off. If it’s already off, don’t turn it on. Electricity passing through water causes the short-circuits that destroy components. Remove power from the equation as quickly as possible.
2. Remove the SIM card, case and any accessories. Get them out and set them aside to dry separately.
3. Pat it dry externally. Gently blot the outside of the phone with a dry cloth. Don’t shake or blow into ports — this can push water further inside.
4. Bring it to a repair shop as soon as possible. Professional disassembly, cleaning and drying is the best chance of recovery. The longer water sits on electronic components, the more corrosion occurs.
What NOT to Do
Don’t use rice. This is one of the most persistent myths about water damage. Rice does not effectively draw moisture from inside a sealed electronic device. It can take days, by which time corrosion has set in — and it can introduce dust and starch particles into your phone’s ports.
Don’t use a hairdryer or microwave. Heat can damage components and warp plastics.
Don’t put it in the freezer. Also a myth. Cold does not help.
Don’t charge it. Under any circumstances. Even if the phone appears to work, charging a wet device can cause further shorts.
My Phone Was Water-Resistant — Does That Help?
Modern flagships like the iPhone 15 series (IP68) and Samsung Galaxy S24 (IP68) are rated for submersion in fresh water. This rating helps — but it’s not a guarantee.
Water resistance ratings:
- Degrade over time as seals wear out
- Can be compromised by drops, which can loosen seals
- Don’t fully protect against saltwater, chlorinated water, or high-pressure water
- Cover “submersion in still fresh water at up to 1.5m for up to 30 minutes” — not a drop from a height or a spin in a washing machine
Even a water-resistant phone that’s been submerged should be inspected if it shows any symptoms: flickering, muffled sound, erratic behaviour, or a liquid detected warning.
What Happens When You Bring It to Us
At MTM IT, water damage cases are treated as a priority. We:
- Disassemble the device completely
- Ultrasonically clean the components to remove water and mineral deposits
- Dry under controlled conditions
- Reassemble and test fully
Most water damage assessments take 24–48 hours. Our no fix, no fee policy applies — if we can’t save your device, you don’t pay for the repair attempt.
The faster you get it to us, the better the chance of recovery. Don’t wait to see if it dries out on its own.
Get in touch now → or call 01884 693694.