How To Save A Wet Cell Phone: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Save a Wet Cell Phone and Prevent Water Damage PDF download Download Article Save your phone before irreversible damage occurs Co-authored by James Bell and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: July 7, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Immediate Steps to Take
    • |
  • Drying Your Phone
    • |
  • What NOT to Do
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  • Video
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  • Expert Q&A
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  • Tips
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This article was co-authored by James Bell and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. James Bell is a Phone Repair Specialist at Phone Techs in Winchester, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in cell phone, tablet, game console, and PC repairs. Phone Techs is an Akko Partner. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 9,452,265 times.

Oh no! Your smartphone is soaking wet! Don't panic—if you've dropped your smartphone into the sink, toilet, or any other body of water, you may be able to save it. The most important thing you can do is act fast and have a little patience. You may have heard the popular advice to put your phone in a bag of rice, but phone repair pros don't recommend it. Instead, read on to learn safe, expert-approved ways to save a water-submerged cell phone with tips from phone repair specialist James Bell.

How to Save a Waterlogged Phone

Retrieve it from the water immediately and power it down. Remove the case, SIM card, and accessories. Allow it to sit in a dry, well-ventilated area for up to 72 hours. You can also put it in a ziplock bag with a few silica gel packets. Do not use rice. Take it to a cell phone repair shop for the best chance of saving your phone.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Immediate Steps to Take

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  1. Step 1 Get it out of the water immediately. 1 Get it out of the water immediately. Most modern phones have some water resistance. However, that doesn't mean they're completely waterproof. According to Bell, water seals on phones aren't as good as they say they are. The longer they sit submerged in water, the more likely it is that water will seep into your phone and reach the sensitive components.[1]
    • Water-resistant phones have ratings that begin with "IP6," followed by the number 7 or 8 (e.g., IP67, IP68). The phone's IP rating represents how water-resistant the phone is.[2]
      • IP67-rated phones can generally be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without water making its way inside. Some phones that are rated IP67 are Google Pixel 2, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2020), iPhone 7, and iPhone XR.
      • IP68-rated phones can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Some IP68-rated phones are iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, Google Pixel 3 and later, Samsung Galaxy S7 and later, Galaxy Note8 and later, Sony Xperia 1 II, and LG Velvet.
    • Salt water is more corrosive and damaging to a cell phone than regular water. If your phone is submerged in salt water, assume it has water damage, regardless of how long or how deep it was submerged.
  2. Step 2 Turn your phone off immediately. 2 Turn your phone off immediately. Leaving it on can cause it to short-circuit. If it’s been in water, assume it is waterlogged whether it is still working or not. If the phone is plugged in while submerged, unplug the cable at the outlet! If you don't unplug it first, you could get a shock when removing it. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Remove your phone's protective case and any other accessories. 3 Remove your phone's protective case and any other accessories. Quickly gather some lint-free cloths or paper towels, then lay your phone on top of them while you remove anything that's connected. Anything that remains connected to your wet phone can further trap water inside and/or become damaged.
  4. Step 4 Remove the SIM... 4 Remove the SIM card and battery (if possible). If your phone has a removable battery, remove the battery cover and take out the battery. If the SIM and/or SD card is under the battery cover, remove it as well. If your phone has a SIM tray, pop it out and remove the SIM card.[3]
    • Pat down your SIM card, memory card, and/or SIM tray with a dry paper towel or cloth, and then set it down to dry. These parts tend to not get water damage and can be kept for recovery.
    • Some phones have water damage indicators that can tell you if water made its way inside. If you have a phone with a removable battery cover, you'll usually find a water damage indicator behind the battery, or on the battery itself. If your phone has a removable SIM tray, you may find an indicator on the tray. Look for a small white, pink, or red dot or square. If the dot is pink or red, that means the water damage indicator senses water has made its way into the phone.
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Section 2 of 3:

Drying Your Phone

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  1. Step 1 Wipe away water with a lint-free rag or towel. 1 Wipe away water with a lint-free rag or towel. If you have a microfiber cloth, that will work best. In a pinch, a clean towel (even paper towels) will do. Use the cloth to remove as much moisture from your phone as possible, taking special care not to push any water into the charging port, headphone jack, or card slots.[4]
  2. Step 2 Dry out the charging ports. 2 Dry out the charging ports. The first thing you should do is hold your phone so the charging ports are facing down. Gently tap the top so the water drips out.
  3. Step 3 Take your phone to a repair specialist. 3 Take your phone to a repair specialist. According to Bell, the best thing you can do after your phone gets wet is to take it to a reputable repair shop.[5] They have special equipment that can treat water damage. They can disconnect the battery to prevent further electrical damage. They can also put your phone in a vacuum chamber that will boil and evaporate water at low temperatures that won't damage your phone.[6]
  4. Step 4 Leave your phone in open air with a fan. 4 Leave your phone in open air with a fan. If you can't get your phone to a repair shop, place your phone on top of a dry towel or other absorbent surface, and position an electric fan to blow air across your phone’s surface. The more powerful the fan, the better. Leave the fan running (and the phone off) for 48-72 hours.[7]
    • You can also position your phone so that the charging port is facing down. This will allow water to drain from the charging port.
  5. Step 5 Use silica gel packets to dry out your phone. 5 Use silica gel packets to dry out your phone. Silica gel packets are designed to absorb moisture. If you happen to have a few packets on hand, place your phone in a ziplock bag with a handful of silica gel packs. Allow it to sit for up to 72 hours.
    • You can buy silica gel online or at a store. They also come packaged with a variety of products, like shoes or beef jerky. However, speed is the most important element in saving your wet phone. If you don't have silica gel, simply place your phone in a dry, ventilated area.
    • There’s no need to open the packets. Simply place them in the container with your phone.
    6. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

What NOT to Do

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  1. Step 1 Do not use rice or kitty litter. 1 Do not use rice or kitty litter. It's a common myth that placing your phone in a bowl full of rice will absorb the moisture. However, studies have shown that rice is not very effective at removing moisture. Certainly not in the time needed to prevent water damage. Furthermore, rice and kitty litter can introduce dust particles that can be damaging to your phone.[8] [9]
  2. Step 2 Do not use excessive heat. 2 Do not use excessive heat. Excessive heat can damage your phone. Do not put your phone in an oven or clothes dryer, or use a hair dryer on your phone. Place your phone in a well-ventilated area with a fan instead.
  3. Step 3 Do not power on or charge your phone. 3 Do not power on or charge your phone. This may be one of the hardest parts of drying your phone. Any electricity can cause your phone to short-circuit, even if it seems like it works. Avoid the temptation to power your phone on or plug it in to charge until it is finished drying.
  4. Step 4 Do not blow or use compressed air on your phone. 4 Do not blow or use compressed air on your phone. Blowing into the charging ports or using compressed air can push moisture further up inside your phone and make it hard for it to escape. According to Bell, once liquid gets past the water-resistant seals, those same seals will prevent the water from getting out.[10]
  5. Step 5 Avoid shaking your phone excessively. 5 Avoid shaking your phone excessively. This can cause water to travel throughout your phone and reach sensitive components. Hold your phone with the charging ports facing down and gently tap it instead.
  6. Step 6 Do not put a cotton swab or cloth in the charging ports. 6 Do not put a cotton swab or cloth in the charging ports. This can potentially damage the pins and render your phone unable to charge.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question Can I still save my phone if I can't remove the battery? Josef Storzi Josef Storzi Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates. Josef Storzi Josef Storzi Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Expert Answer For many newer devices, the battery is not user-removable. In cases where the battery is not user-removable, visit your local repair shop as soon as possible in order to have the device professionally disassembled and inspected. If you have an Apple device such as an iPhone, you should inquire whether you have AppleCare on the device. AppleCare is insurance for your device. If you do not have AppleCare, visiting your local repair shop is advised as Apple does not service liquid damaged components—they either replace the device in its entirety (which is more expensive for the customer) or replace the component as a whole instead of repairing it, which also results in higher cost to the customer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12
  • Question Are there any risks to using rice? Josef Storzi Josef Storzi Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates. Josef Storzi Josef Storzi Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Expert Answer In many cases, rice can cause even more damage. When the rice is exposed to enough liquid, it can leave a residue. I have seen this residue in the charging ports of devices. It's better to take your phone to a repair shop. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 24
  • Question If my phone turns on and seems to work fine does that mean it's not damaged? Josef Storzi Josef Storzi Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates. Josef Storzi Josef Storzi Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist Expert Answer Even if your phone seems to be working, it can still be damaged. Sometimes devices can function for a day or up to a week before the liquid causes enough damage to decommission the device. You should visit a repair shop even if your phone seems to be working. The longer the liquid is inside the device the more damage it can cause. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
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Tips

  • If placing the phone into a bag with silica gel packs, label it to remind yourself when to take it out. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Even if the water contact indicator is red, the phone may still work. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • When your phone gets wet, you need to act quickly — power it off immediately, even if it seems fine. Leaving it on risks short circuiting.
  • Make sure to remove any cases, batteries, SIM cards — anything detachable. The less connected, the less water trapped inside.
  • After drying, look for signs of water damage before turning your phone back on. Water indicators are often behind the battery.
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References

  1. ↑ James Bell. Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/what-do-ip-ratings-mean/
  3. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/14/phone-wet-and-wont-turn-on-heres-what-to-do-with-water-damage-hint-putting-it-in-rice-wont-work
  4. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01001449/
  5. ↑ James Bell. Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2017/08/28/your-smartphone-got-wet-heres-what-do-first/609145001/
  7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207043
  8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102643
  9. ↑ James Bell. Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
More References (1)
  1. ↑ James Bell. Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

James Bell Co-authored by: James Bell Phone Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by James Bell and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. James Bell is a Phone Repair Specialist at Phone Techs in Winchester, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in cell phone, tablet, game console, and PC repairs. Phone Techs is an Akko Partner. This article has been viewed 9,452,265 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 319 Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 9,452,265 Categories: Featured Articles | Cell Phone Maintenance Article SummaryX

If you got your cell phone wet, the first thing you should do is turn it off, even if it seems to be working, so it doesn't short circuit. Once it's off, remove anything connected to it, including the SIM card, SD cards, case, and removable batteries. Place all materials on a paper towel. Use the hose attachment on a vacuum to suck water out of all the components. Wipe your phone and battery dry with a paper towel as you're vacuuming it. Once you're done, leave your phone and battery in a bowl of uncooked instant rice or silica gel packets for 48-72 hours to absorb any leftover moisture. To learn how to dry a wet cell phone using crystal cat litter, scroll down. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Samantha Lynch

    Samantha Lynch

    Jul 27, 2016

    "I washed my phone in washing machine for over an hour. I immediately removed it and wiped it down and let in sit in..." more
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Is this article up to date?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. James Bell Co-authored by: James Bell Phone Repair Specialist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 319 Updated: July 7, 2025 Views: 9,452,265 Samantha Lynch

Samantha Lynch

Jul 27, 2016

"I washed my phone in washing machine for over an hour. I immediately removed it and wiped it down and let in sit in..." more Keith Smith

Keith Smith

Feb 2, 2017

"I did use the oven. Was in dishwater for several seconds. Removed battery and SIM, dried best I could with paper..." more Ishita Tapasya

Ishita Tapasya

Jan 13, 2020

"When my phone fell in the water while I was washing my hands, I took it out quickly, took the battery out and put..." more Rated this article: Olivia Comer

Olivia Comer

Aug 17, 2017

"I recently dropped my phone in water again and put it uncooked rice, hopefully it works like it did last time..." more Rated this article: Angie Stephen

Angie Stephen

Aug 4, 2016

"My phone took a dive down the loo, so I found this info very informative and easy to understand. Hopefully it will..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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