26/06/2025
Nicole Newton

What do I do if I dropped my phone into water

Dropped your phone in water? You’re not alone. Whether it slipped into the sink, got caught in the rain, or took a dive into the toilet bowl – it’s one of the most common tech mishaps out there.

The good news? A dropped phone in water might seem like a disaster, but it doesn’t always mean game over. Acting quickly and carefully can make all the difference. If you’re wondering what to do if you drop your phone in water, follow these practical steps to give your device the best chance at recovery.

In this blog:

1. Act fast

Time is everything after you’ve dropped phone in water so the quicker you act, the better your chances are of saving it. Fish it out as fast as you can and power it off straight away, even if it still looks like it’s working. Leaving it on increases the risk of a short circuit.

2. Don’t press any buttons or shake the device

It might be tempting to check if your phone still works, but pressing buttons or shaking the phone can cause water to move deeper inside. Instead, keep it still and start drying it off gently.

3. Dry the outside

Grab a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel and gently pat the phone dry. Remove any cases, SIM cards and memory cards if possible, as these parts can trap water. Be careful not to push water into any openings, especially the charging port and speaker grilles.

4. Skip the rice

You’ve probably heard the old trick: stick your phone in a bag of rice. But modern advice says otherwise. While rice can absorb moisture, it’s slow, messy and won’t reach the water trapped deep inside. Plus, rice dust can get into your charging port.

If you’re wondering how to remove moisture from phone and tech devices properly, silica gel packets (like the ones that come in shoe boxes) are a much better option. They’re way more effective at drawing out moisture and preventing further damage.

5. Use the air method

No fancy tools? No problem. Place your phone in a dry, warm (but not hot) area with good airflow. A fan or gentle breeze can help remove moisture from your phone.

6. Wait it out

This part’s tough, but essential. Give your phone at least 24-48 hours to fully dry. The more patient you are, the more likely it is your phone will spring back to life.

7. Try switching it on

After a couple of days, try turning your phone on. If it works, keep an eye out for any strange behaviour (like screen issues or poor battery life) which could be signs that moisture is still present or damage has already occurred.

8. Get help if needed

If your phone won’t turn on or is acting glitchy, it’s time to get professional help. Repair shops often have tools like ultrasonic cleaners or vacuum chambers that can do a much better job at drying out your device than DIY fixes.

Bonus tips to prevent future water woes

Now’s a good time to consider two things:

  • Are your important files backed up?
  • Is your phone insured?

If the answer to either is no, this might be the nudge you needed to get prepared – just in case you drop your phone in water again. Hey, accidents happen! And if you’re the type to scroll by the pool or text from the tub, it might be worth considering a waterproof case or even a water-resistant phone.

A quick recap

Wondering how to fix a phone that fell in water can feel overwhelming in the moment, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. If you drop your phone in water, remember:

  • Turn it off immediately
  • Don’t charge or use it
  • Dry it carefully and give it time
  • Avoid rice – opt for silica gel or airflow
  • Seek professional help if needed

So next time you ask yourself “What to do if I drop my phone in water?”, you’ll know exactly what to do! And if all else fails, why not upgrade to a newer device? Here at musicMagpie, we have great deals on refurbished phones, including refurbished iPhone and refurbished Samsung models, so you can upgrade for less!