Phone Fell in Water? What to Do (and Skip) in the First Hour
Updated November 6, 2026
Water resistance is real, but it is not a guarantee: seals age, a past drop can weaken them, and salt water, pool water or a sugary drink are harder on a phone than a splash of tap water.
What you do in the first hour matters more than anything else. Here is the short list.
- Step 1Get it out and turn it offPower it down if it is still on. Take off the case and pull out the SIM tray if it has one.
- Step 2Do not charge itLeave the cable out. Charging a wet port can cause corrosion and damage the phone.
- Step 3Drain and dry the outsideHold the phone with the charging port facing down and tap it gently against your palm, then leave it somewhere dry with air moving.
- Step 4Skip rice, heat and air cansApple advises against rice (small grains and starch get into the phone), hair dryers and compressed air. Do not push cotton swabs into the ports.
When to bring it in
Bring it in the same day if it went into salt water, pool water or a drink, if it will not turn on, if the screen shows lines or spots, or if speakers and microphones sound muffled after it dries. Liquid that stays inside keeps corroding the board, so earlier is better.
Tell the store what happened and when. A technician looks at the phone and tells you what they found and the price before any work starts.
The “liquid detected” message
iPhones and many Samsung phones warn you when they detect moisture in the charging port. Unplug and let the phone dry before charging again. If the warning keeps coming back long after the phone should be dry, the port itself may need attention.
Questions
Can a water-damaged phone be saved?
Many can, especially when they are switched off quickly and checked early. It depends on the liquid and what it reached; we tell you honestly after the check.
Is my data at risk?
If the phone still turns on, back it up as soon as it is dry enough to use. If it does not turn on, ask us about getting your data off before anything else.
My phone is water resistant. Why did it get damaged?
Water resistance wears down with age and drops, and it is tested with fresh water, not salt water or drinks. It lowers the risk; it does not remove it.