How to Fix Water-Damaged Phones Step by Step

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Did your phone fall in water, get splashed, or stay in a wet pocket during rain? Water damage is one of the most common and dangerous problems for smartphones. Even if your phone still turns on after getting wet, hidden moisture inside can slowly corrode components and cause serious issues later—like no charging, random restarts, or a dead screen.

This guide will walk you through what to do immediately after water damage, what you should never do, and which problems you can fix at home versus when you need professional repair.

Step 1: Turn the Phone Off Immediately

The most important thing after water contact is to cut the power to prevent short circuits inside the phone.

Do this right away:

  • If the phone is on, hold the power button and turn it off
  • If the screen is frozen, force restart and then power it off if possible
  • Do not keep using it, even if it seems fine

Leaving the phone powered while water is inside can cause permanent damage to components like the motherboard, charging IC, display circuitry, and connectors.

Step 2: Disconnect Everything and Remove Case

Remove anything that might trap water or moisture inside.

  • Take off the phone case
  • Remove any screen protectors if they have water under them
  • Unplug chargers and earphones
  • Take out the SIM card tray and, if present, the SD card

This allows moisture to escape and prevents more liquid from getting inside.

Step 3: Dry the Outside Gently

Use a soft, absorbent cloth to remove visible water from the phone’s surface.

Important tips:

  • Wipe the screen, back, and sides gently
  • Pay attention to openings like charging port, SIM slot, and headphone jack
  • Don’t shake the phone aggressively (it can push water deeper)

Step 4: Do NOT Do These Common Mistakes

There are many myths about fixing water-damaged phones. Some of them can actually make the damage worse.

Do NOT:

  • Do not charge the phone
  • Do not press buttons repeatedly
  • Do not use a hairdryer or apply direct heat
  • Do not put it in the oven or microwave (dangerous!)
  • Do not blow air into the ports (this can push water further inside)
  • Do not trust the “rice fix” as a complete solution

Rice might absorb some moisture from the air but it does nothing for water trapped under chips, inside connectors, or under the display.

Step 5: Use Controlled Air and Absorbent Material

If you have access to proper drying materials, you can help remove some moisture safely.

Best options:

  • Silica gel packets (the “Do Not Eat” packets that come in boxes)
  • Clean, dry microfiber cloths
  • Paper towels (only for outside surfaces, not inside ports)

How to use them:

  • Place the phone in a container or bag with multiple silica gel packets
  • Leave it there for at least 24–48 hours

This helps reduce moisture, but it’s still not a guarantee that all internal water is gone.

Step 6: Leave the Phone Powered Off and Let It Dry

Patience is critical. Even if the phone looks dry from the outside, moisture can stay trapped inside for hours.

  • Leave the phone turned off for at least 24–48 hours
  • Keep it in a dry, warm (but not hot) place
  • Avoid direct sunlight or heaters

After this period, you can try turning the phone on. If it powers on normally and behaves fine, monitor it over the next few days for any issues.

Step 7: Check for Water Damage Signs After It Turns On

Even if your phone powers on, there may still be damage. Watch for:

  • Screen flickering or strange lines
  • Touch not responding properly
  • Speakers sounding muffled or distorted
  • Microphone not working well
  • Phone not charging or showing “moisture detected”
  • Random restarts or shutdowns

These are signs that water is still affecting components like the display, speakers, charging port, or internal circuits.

Step 8: Use “Moisture Detected” Warnings Properly

On some phones, especially newer ones, you might see a “Moisture Detected” message when plugging in the charger after water exposure.

Do this:

  • Unplug the charger immediately
  • Let the phone air-dry longer
  • Gently tap excess water out of the charging port (without shaking too hard)
  • Use a dry cotton swab to lightly dab the port (carefully, without pushing deep)

Do not ignore this warning. Forcing a charger into a wet port can cause short circuits.

Step 9: When You Should Go to a Repair Shop

Water damage can corrode metal contacts and damage chips over time. Even if the phone works now, hidden corrosion may cause it to fail later. Consider professional repair if:

  • The phone does not turn on after proper drying
  • The screen stays black, but you hear sounds or vibrations
  • The battery drains extremely fast after the incident
  • You notice green, white, or rusty marks in the SIM tray area
  • The phone keeps restarting, freezing, or overheating

A professional technician can open the phone, clean the board with proper chemicals (like isopropyl alcohol), and check for components that need replacement.

Are Water-Resistant Phones Safe From Water Damage?

Many modern phones have IP ratings like IP67 or IP68, which means they are resistant to water and dust under specific conditions. However, this does not mean they are completely waterproof in all situations.

Important facts:

  • Water resistance can decrease over time due to wear and tear
  • Drops and physical damage can weaken seals and glue
  • Salt water, pool water, or soapy water are more damaging than clean water

Even with an IP rating, always treat water exposure seriously.

What About the “Rice Method”?

Many people recommend putting a wet phone into uncooked rice. While rice can absorb some moisture from the air, it:

  • Does not remove water trapped deep inside the phone
  • Does not clean corrosion or minerals from the water
  • May leave dust or particles in ports

Rice is better than doing nothing, but it is not a professional or reliable solution. Silica gel packets and proper drying are more effective.

Can You Fix Water Damage at Home by Opening the Phone?

Technically, advanced users with tools and experience might open the phone, disconnect the battery, and clean the board with high-purity isopropyl alcohol. However:

  • Opening the phone yourself can void warranty
  • You risk tearing cables, damaging connectors, or breaking the screen
  • Using the wrong cleaning method can cause more harm

If you are not experienced with phone repair, it’s usually safer to let a professional handle internal cleaning.

How to Prevent Water Damage in the Future

Once you’ve had one water damage scare, you’ll probably want to avoid another. Here are some practical tips:

  • Use a water-resistant case if you’re often near water
  • Keep the phone away from sinks, bathtubs, and pools
  • Never use your phone with wet hands near outlets
  • Be extra careful in the rain or in the bathroom
  • Consider a phone with a high IP rating if you’re outdoors a lot

Conclusion

Water damage is serious, but acting fast can save your phone. The most important steps are to turn the phone off immediately, remove accessories, dry the outside, avoid dangerous myths like using a hairdryer or oven, and be patient while the device dries.

If your phone still shows problems after proper drying—or if it never turns back on—professional repair is the safest option. A technician can open the device, clean the internal components, and replace any parts severely damaged by water.

For more detailed repair help, step-by-step guides, and troubleshooting tips, visit our Phone Repair Guides category.

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