Dropped Your Phone in Water? What to Do (and What Not to Do)

Whether it slipped into the sink, the bath or the sea at Portobello, what you do in the first hour after a phone gets wet can make a real difference. Here is a clear, practical guide.

What to do straight away

1. Get it out quickly and wipe off the outside with a soft, dry cloth.
2. Do not charge it and do not plug in any cables or headphones.
3. Remove the case and SIM tray so trapped water can escape.
4. Turn it off if it is still on, unless it is already off.
5. Gently tap it with the charging port facing down to remove excess water.
6. Let it dry in a well-ventilated place at room temperature.

What not to do

• Do not put it in rice. Rice does not draw water out of a phone, and grains and starch dust can end up in the ports. Apple also advises against drying an iPhone in a bag of rice.
• Do not use a hairdryer or radiator. Heat can damage the screen, battery and seals.
• Do not blow into the ports or push cotton buds inside.
• Do not charge it until it is completely dry and has been checked.

Is my phone waterproof?

Many modern phones are water-resistant, not waterproof. Resistance is tested in controlled conditions and the seals wear over time and after drops. Apple explains this on its splash, water and dust resistance page, including that liquid damage is not covered by its standard warranty. Salt water, pool water and drinks are more harmful than fresh water.

Signs of hidden water damage

• Fogging behind the camera lens
• Muffled speakers or microphone
• Lines, spots or flickering on the screen
• Charging problems or a liquid warning
• The phone gets hot or the battery drains fast
• It works at first, then fails days later as corrosion develops

Corrosion can keep developing after the phone seems dry, which is why an early check is worthwhile. Learn more in our guide to how water damage affects different parts of your phone.

Back up as soon as you can

If your phone still works, back up your photos and data straight away. Our phone backup guide explains how.