How to Save Your Smartphone After a Water Mishap

Accidental encounters between phones and water are all too common, whether you’re at home or out and about. It might be as simple as a cup tipping over, drenching your device, or worse yet, your phone completely soaking in a body of water (even a sink counts).

Instead of panicking and rushing to a repair shop, save some cash with these five helpful tips to revive your phone:

Power Down Before Tinkering

Our first instinct is often to see if the phone still works by turning it on. But when the phone is wet, turning it on could lead to irreversible damage. Hold off turning it on until all parts are completely dry.

Proper Drying Techniques

Disassemble your phone to access all removable parts like the battery, memory card, and SIM card. Use absorbent paper to dry each component, and finish by using a hairdryer on a cool setting for at least ten minutes, or until everything is fully dry.

Rice: More Than Just a Meal

Even with careful drying, moisture may linger in your phone. Use a bowl or container filled with rice (yes, rice!). Submerge your phone in it, place it in a neutral environment—neither too hot nor too cold—and let it sit for 24-48 hours. Afterwards, reassemble and power it up. You might be amazed at the results.

When to Skip the Rice

If your phone takes a plunge into extreme moisture, like coffee or muddy puddles, it's best to seek professional help. Technicians can use special sprays to repel this kind of moisture, which might be more effective. However, some phones might be too damaged, requiring internal component replacement.

Insurance Doesn’t Cover Corrosion

Most mobile providers offer repair services as part of your insurance, but many exclude water damage, known as corrosion. Some users play innocent, claiming their phone won’t turn on for unknown reasons, hoping the provider will replace it for free. However, manufacturers include a small water indicator sticker inside every phone that changes color upon water contact, preventing this tactic from succeeding.

So, what if the phone still won’t start? You have two options: either pay for repairs at a private shop or declare the phone "beyond repair" with your provider, which may still require a deductible payment under your plan's terms.