How to handle when your mobile phone accidentally falls into water
Phones falling into water is a common problem that makes many people panic. This article will guide you on how to handle it quickly and effectively to save the device, limit damage and increase the ability to recover the device.
If you accidentally drop your phone in a puddle of water, the consequences can be quite costly. While many smartphones are now designed to be water-resistant, that doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to water. Drying out your device is still necessary if you want to save your phone.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you deal with your phone when it falls into water, helping you avoid spending money on a new phone. However, it is important to note that none of the methods are guaranteed to be 100% effective.
The most notable study was conducted in 2014 by Gazelle – a US company specializing in buying and selling used phones – which showed that brand and model significantly affect the "survival" ability of the phone, in which Android phones tend to be more water-resistant than iPhones.
No matter what phone you have, manufacturers recommend that removing the device from the water as quickly as possible will help minimize damage. And most importantly, don't put your phone in rice, which, while common, can actually do more harm than good.
Here are the steps you should take immediately if you accidentally drop your phone in water. If after following these instructions your phone still cannot function normally, take it to a reputable repair shop for further inspection and support.
What do Apple and Samsung advise when your phone falls into water?
As two "giants" in the smartphone manufacturing industry, Apple and Samsung both have specific instructions to help users handle situations when their devices accidentally get wet.
Apple says many of its current iPhone models are water-, dust-, and splash-resistant, but only under lab conditions. In reality, this water resistance isn't permanent.
When your iPhone gets wet, it may display a warning that there is water in the charging port. In this case, or if your phone comes into contact with water, soap, lotion, or other liquid, Apple recommends that you:
- Quickly turn off the power and dry your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Hold the iPhone at an angle so that the charging port is facing down to allow water to drain out.
- Place the device in a dry, ventilated place for at least 5 hours. If possible, direct a gentle fan towards the charging port to speed up the evaporation process.
After waiting, you can try turning the device back on. If the error persists, take it to an Apple service center. In particular, Apple warns against putting your phone in a bin of rice, as the rice can leave behind dust and small particles that can damage the device.
Meanwhile, Samsung also introduced similar steps:
- Immediately turn off the power and dry with a clean cloth.
- Place the machine in a cool place with a light breeze or fan, away from direct sunlight.
While not specifying a waiting period, Samsung notes that moisture may still be present inside the device, so it's recommended to take the device to a Samsung Service Center for further inspection.
Both companies emphasize that if your phone gets exposed to unclean water like carbonated water, pool water, or sea water, quickly rinse the device with clean water, then wipe and dry immediately.
In particular, never use a hair dryer, oven or any heat source to dry your phone because that can make you say goodbye to your device early.
Silica gel beads - a moisture-absorbing "savior" for wet phones
If you accidentally drop your phone in water, besides drying it and leaving it in a well-ventilated place, you can try using silica gel beads - an effective option for absorbing moisture that Gazelle highly appreciates.
Silica gel is a small bead that is usually contained in white packets printed with the words “Do Not Eat”, or comes in shoe boxes, handbags, dried foods, etc. You can keep these packets from purchased products or order them easily through online shopping platforms.
How to use silica gel to dry your phone:
- Immediately take the phone out of the water and turn it off.
- Dry the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Place the phone in a large enough sealed box.
- Fill silica gel beads around the phone and close the box tightly.
- Wait about 72 hours for the silica beads to completely absorb moisture.
- Then take the phone out and try turning it on again.
However, Gazelle recommends not using ingredients such as regular cat litter, oats, chia seeds, white rice because they can leave fine dust or debris, clog connection ports and damage the phone.
