Water damage is one of the most time-sensitive phone problems there is. What you do in the first few minutes can be the difference between a full recovery and a write-off. Here's what actually works.
Do This Immediately
- 1Power off the device immediately — even if it appears to be working fine. Water and electricity cause corrosion; keeping it on accelerates the damage.
- 2Remove the SIM card and any removable case. This opens up airflow and removes parts that trap moisture.
- 3Gently shake out any visible water from the ports. Do not blow into the ports — your breath adds moisture.
- 4Pat the outside dry with a lint-free cloth. Don't rub — that can push water deeper into seams.
- 5Leave it in a dry, room-temperature environment with airflow. Do not apply heat.
What NOT to Do
Do not put your phone in rice. It's one of the most persistent myths in tech — rice does nothing that open air doesn't do better, and the starch dust can get into your ports and cause additional problems.
- Don't charge it — ever — until it's been properly assessed. This is the fastest way to short-circuit a recoverable phone.
- Don't put it in the oven, under a lamp, or use a hair dryer. Heat warps internal components and melts adhesives.
- Don't keep pressing buttons to test if it's working. If water is inside, you're spreading it.
- Don't leave it for days before getting help — corrosion starts within hours.
What About 'Waterproof' Phones?
IP67 and IP68 ratings are lab-tested under controlled conditions — still water, tested once, brand new. In practice, water resistance degrades over time as seals wear. Salt water, chlorinated pool water, and pressure from drops all defeat the rating faster. Treat any water exposure as potentially damaging regardless of your phone's IP rating.
Signs of Water Damage to Look For
- Phone powers on but the touch screen is unresponsive or erratic
- Speakers sound muffled or distorted
- Camera lens has condensation inside
- Corrosion visible around charging port or SIM tray
- Phone gets warm without being in use
- Screen shows lines, discolouration, or goes blank
Is Water Damage Always Fixable?
Honestly — not always. Recovery depends on what got wet, for how long, and how quickly you acted. Phones that were powered off immediately and brought to us within 24 hours have the best outcomes. We'll always be upfront with you before any work begins, and we charge a treatment fee regardless of outcome.
The sooner you get your phone to us, the better the chances of recovery. We offer water damage treatment across the Northwest UK.
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