Phone dropped in water: what to do and what not to do¶

A phone that falls into a sink, a toilet, a pool, the sea or a puddle can look fine one moment and fail the next. The first few minutes decide how much damage the water does. Moving fast and doing the right things, and avoiding the popular myths, gives the device its best chance.

This guide covers what to do in the first minute, how to dry the phone safely, why rice and heat make things worse, how to handle salt water and other liquids, when to switch it on again, and when to take it to a repair shop. It also explains how to protect your photos, contacts and bank accounts if the phone does not recover. If the phone is also lost or broken, see broken or water damaged phone for repair routes, and lost or stolen phone while away from home if it was swept away.

Ṣe eyi ni bayi¶

1. Get the phone out of the water straight away. Every second counts. Do not stand and look at it. If it is in deep water or a fast current, do not put yourself at risk to rescue it.
2. Switch it off if it is on. Hold the power button and follow the prompts. Do not wait for it to finish an update or a call.
3. Do not press buttons, shake it or try to charge it. Pressing buttons can push water further in, and charging a wet phone can short circuit the battery.
4. Remove the case, cover, SIM tray and any cards. Lay the parts on a clean towel. Taking out the SIM tray opens one more path for water to escape.
5. Dry the outside gently with a soft cloth. Wipe the screen, the ports and the edges. Hold the phone with the charging port facing down and give it a gentle tap against your palm to let water drain.
6. Leave it in a dry place with good airflow. A shelf in a room at normal temperature is ideal. Wait at least a day, and do not turn it on or plug it in during that time.

What water does to a phone¶

Water itself does not always ruin electronics. The damage comes from water carrying electricity between parts that should be separate, and from minerals, salt and dirt that stay behind after the water dries. A phone that is switched off and dried quickly often survives, while a phone that is switched on or charged while wet can fail within minutes.

• Short circuits. Water links two points on the circuit board that should not touch. This can damage chips, the battery connector or the charging system.
• Corrosion. Metal contacts can turn green or white and stop working. Corrosion can appear days or weeks after the incident, so a phone that seems fine may fail later.
• Salt and minerals. Sea water, pool water and tap water leave deposits when they dry. These conduct electricity and eat away at metal.
• Screen and sensor damage. Moisture can get under the screen glass, or into the camera lens, speaker and microphone. Spots and fog in the camera are common signs.
• Battery problems. A wet battery can heat up, swell or fail. This is rare, but it is the most serious risk.

Water resistance ratings: what they mean and what they do not¶

Many phones are advertised as water resistant. This is a useful extra layer, but it is not a promise that the phone will survive.

• IP ratings. An "IP67" or "IP68" rating comes from a standard that tests a new phone in clean, still fresh water under laboratory conditions. For example, IP67 means protection against dust and temporary immersion, often up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes. IP68 usually allows greater depth or time, which the maker states.
• Resistance fades. Seals and glue age with drops, heat, cracks and repairs. A phone that is two years old or has been repaired may not keep the original protection.
• Not for every liquid. Ratings apply to fresh water only. Salt water, chlorinated pool water, soap, juice, coffee and other drinks can damage seals and contacts.
• Pressure and motion matter. A dive, a jet of water or a fall into a fast river can exceed the test conditions.
• Warranties often exclude liquid damage. Many manufacturers state that liquid damage is not covered, even for water resistant models. Check your phone's terms and any extra insurance.

So treat a water resistant phone as a phone that may need the same steps, especially if the liquid was salt water or anything other than clean fresh water.

Step by step: the first hour¶

Minute one¶

Gbe foonu soke ki o si mu u ni ipele tabi pẹlu awọn ebute oko oju omi ti nkọju si isalẹ. Pa a. Ti iboju ba ṣokunkun, ro pe o tun le ni agbara ati ma ṣe pulọọgi sinu rẹ. Ti o ba wa lori ipe tabi yiyaworan, da duro ni ẹẹkan.

Iṣẹju meji si mẹwa¶

Mu apoti naa kuro ati eyikeyi awọn ẹya ẹrọ. Yọ kaadi SIM kuro pẹlu PIN tabi ọpa ti o wa pẹlu foonu, yọ kaadi iranti eyikeyi jade. Pa ita kuro pẹlu asọ, asọ ti ko ni lint tabi aṣọ toweli iwe ti o mọ. Pa rọra, ma ṣe parẹ.

Ṣii eyikeyi gbigbọn tabi awọn ideri. Di foonu naa pẹlu ibudo gbigba agbara ti nkọju si isalẹ ki o tẹ rọra si ọwọ rẹ ni igba diẹ lati gbọn omi alaimuṣinṣin jade. Maṣe fi i tabi mì ni lile.

Iṣẹju mẹwa si ọgọta¶

Place the phone upright, ports down if it stays steady, in a dry, cool room on a clean towel. Leave the SIM tray open. Set a timer and do not touch the phone for a while. If the phone vibrates, lights up or makes a noise, leave it alone, and do not charge it.

If you are away from home, ask a hotel or shop for a clean towel, and find a safe, dry place to leave the phone. Use your time to protect your accounts and contact family, as described in the sections below.

What not to do¶

Many popular tips do more harm than good. Phone makers including Apple, Samsung and Google advise against several of them.

• Do not put the phone in rice. Rice does not draw out water well, and the dust and starch can get into ports and speakers. Apple specifically says not to put a wet device in a bag of rice.
• Do not use a hair dryer, oven, microwave or radiator. Heat can warp parts, melt adhesive, damage the battery and push moisture deeper. A hot phone can also burn you.
• Do not use compressed air. It can force water further inside and damage the speaker and microphone.
• Do not insert cotton buds, paper towels or tissues into ports. They leave fibres and push water in. A soft, dry brush is better if you must remove surface debris.
• Do not charge it or plug in any cable. Wait until the phone and the ports are dry.
• Do not press the power button repeatedly to see if it works. Each attempt can cause a short circuit.
• Do not freeze it. Ice crystals and condensation add more moisture.
• Do not open the phone unless you are trained. Most modern phones are sealed, and opening them can void any warranty and damage the battery.
• Do not leave it in the sun. Direct sun heats the battery and the glass.
• Do not ignore a hot or swollen phone. Keep it away from flammable items, and do not charge it.

Different liquids, different steps¶

The type of liquid changes what you should do next.

Fresh water (tap, rain, puddle, clean pool)¶

Follow the standard steps: off, dry, wait. Fresh water usually does less harm than other liquids, and a quick response often saves the phone. Chlorinated pool water is harsher than plain tap water, so treat it with more care.

Salt water and sea water¶

Salt is very corrosive and conducts electricity. Manufacturers such as Apple advise that if a device is exposed to something other than fresh water, you should rinse the exposed area gently with clean fresh water, then dry it. Keep the phone off while you do so. Salt left to dry will keep corroding, so do not delay.

Take it to a repair professional soon, even if it seems to work. See the repair section below.

Toilet water, sewage and dirty water¶

The risk is both to the phone and to your health. Wear gloves if you can, and wash your hands well after handling it. Wipe the outside with a mild disinfecting wipe that is safe for screens, and avoid soaking it. Because dirty water contains bacteria and minerals, the phone needs a professional clean.

For more on retrieving items from toilets and drains, see phone or keys dropped down a storm drain, elevator shaft or portable toilet.

Soft drinks, coffee, tea, wine and juice¶

Sugar leaves a sticky film that attracts dirt and corrodes metal as it dries. Turn the phone off and rinse the outside lightly with clean fresh water, taking care not to soak it, then dry it. A repair shop can clean the inside, and speed matters.

Soap, shampoo, bleach and cleaning products¶

Chemicals can damage seals, screens and coatings. Switch off, wipe the outside with a damp cloth of clean water, dry it, and seek repair advice. Do not use bleach or alcohol to clean it, except for a screen safe wipe.

Steam and humidity¶

A phone left in a steamy bathroom or a sauna may show a moisture warning. Move it to a cool, dry place and let it rest. If it was heated, do not charge it until it cools to room temperature.

When to turn it on again¶

Patience is the best treatment. Most manufacturers say to wait before charging, to let the inside dry.

1. Duro o kere ju wakati 24 fun foonu funrarẹ. Diẹ ninu awọn itọsona sọ gun ti foonu naa ba wa ninu omi tabi fara si ohunkohun miiran yatọ si omi tutu.
2. Check the charging port. Look inside with a torch. If you see moisture or dirt, wait longer.
3. If the phone shows a "liquid detected" warning when you plug it in, unplug and wait. Apple says to disconnect and let the device dry, and it may take up to 24 hours or more, though the exact guidance depends on the model. For more detail, see charging port liquid detected, corrosion override and wireless charging.
4. Try a wall adapter and a cable you trust. Avoid cheap, damaged cables.
5. If the phone turns on, test it carefully. Check the screen, touch, speakers, microphone, camera, charging, Wi-Fi and fingerprint or face unlock.
6. Back up right away if it works. A rescued phone can fail later, so copy your photos and contacts to the cloud or a computer.
7. If it does not turn on, do not keep trying. Leave it for another day, then take it to a repair shop.

Wireless charging may be an alternative for phones that support it. It avoids the wet port, though it is not a guaranteed solution and the phone still needs to be dry.

Signs of hidden damage¶

Even if the phone works, look for problems over the next days and weeks.

• Foggy or spotted camera lenses.
• Muffled speakers or microphones.
• A screen with colour patches, lines or ghost touches.
• Charging that stops and starts, or a "liquid detected" message that keeps appearing.
• Fast battery drain or a hot battery.
• Foonu ti o tun bẹrẹ funrararẹ.
• Buttons that stick or fail.
• Awọn idogo alawọ ewe tabi funfun han ninu atẹ SIM tabi awọn ebute oko oju omi.
• Atọka ọrinrin ti o ti yipada awọ. Ọpọlọpọ awọn foonu ni awọn ohun ilẹmọ kekere ti o tan pupa tabi Pink nigbati o tutu.

If you see any of these signs, back up your data and take the phone for a check.

Protect your data first¶

Your photos, messages and accounts are worth more than the phone. If the phone is wet and not working, start protecting them straight away.

If you have a backup¶

Good. Sign in to your Apple or Google account on another device, and check that the latest backup includes photos and contacts. A new or borrowed phone can restore from it later.

If you do not have a backup¶

• Do not keep powering the phone on and off. Each attempt can cause more damage.
• Ask a repair shop about data recovery. Many shops can recover data from a damaged phone, though it may cost more than a simple repair.
• Check cloud services. Photos may already be in a cloud account, and contacts may be synced to your email.
• Check messaging apps. Some apps keep their own cloud backups. Sign in on another device to see.
• Check your computer. Old backups on a laptop may exist.
• Do not wipe or reset the phone unless you have a backup or you accept the loss.

Lock the phone if it may be lost or in the wrong hands¶

If the phone fell into the sea, a river or a drain and you cannot retrieve it, treat it like a lost phone. Use Find My or Find Hub to lock it, contact your carrier, and follow the steps in lost or stolen phone while away from home. Remember that cards stored in a mobile wallet may need to be removed or frozen.

Accounts and two factor codes¶

If the phone is dead, you may not receive text codes or have your authenticator app. Use backup codes, or move the number to a new SIM. If you used an eSIM, you may need help from your carrier. Read eSIM idẹkùn lori foonu ti o fọ, sọnu tabi omi ti bajẹ lakoko irin-ajo ati ohun elo ti o jẹri ti sọnu lakoko igbesoke foonu tabi fifọ iboju.

Itọsọna ipinnu¶

flowchart TD
    A["Phone has been in water"] --> B["Take it out and switch it off"]
    B --> C["Remove case, SIM tray and cards"]
    C --> D["Mu ese ki o si tẹ omi jade pẹlu awọn ebute oko oju omi ti nkọju si isalẹ"]
    D --> E{"Was it salt water, sewage or a sugary drink?"}
    E -- "Bẹẹni" --> F["Rinse the outside with clean water, dry it, go to repair soon"]
    E -- "Rara" --> G["Leave it in a dry room with airflow for 24 hours"]
    G --> H{"Does it turn on after waiting?"}
    H -- "Bẹẹni" --> I["Back up your data and watch for problems"]
    H -- "Rara" --> J["Do not keep trying and visit a repair shop"]
    F --> J
    I --> K{"Any signs of hidden damage?"}
    K -- "Bẹẹni" --> J
    K -- "Rara" --> L["Keep using it with a backup"]

Table: myths and facts¶

When to seek repair¶

Take the phone to a qualified repair shop, or to the manufacturer, if any of the following apply.

• The phone does not turn on after a day of drying.
• It was exposed to salt water, sewage or sugary drinks.
• It was submerged for more than a few seconds, or in deep water.
• It turned on but shows odd behaviour, a "liquid detected" message or hidden damage.
• The screen, camera, speaker or microphone is damaged.
• Batiri naa gbona, wú tabi sisan ni iyara.
• O nilo data ti o gba pada.

Yiyan iṣẹ atunṣe¶

1. ** Kan si olupese akọkọ. *** Beere nipa awọn ilana ibajẹ omi, awọn ero iṣẹ ati iṣeduro. Paapa ti omi bibajẹ ko ba bo, wọn le funni ni atunṣe isanwo tabi rirọpo.
2. Ṣayẹwo iṣeduro rẹ. Awọn akoonu inu ile, iṣeduro irin-ajo, awọn anfani kaadi kirẹditi ati awọn ero gbigbe nigba miiran bo awọn foonu.
3. ** Ṣe afiwe awọn ile itaja atunṣe agbegbe. *** Wa awọn atunyẹwo to dara ati agbasọ ọrọ ti o han gbangba. Beere boya wọn ṣe iwadii aisan ọfẹ.
4. ** Beere nipa data. ** Sọ fun wọn pe data rẹ ṣe pataki, ki o beere bi wọn ṣe tọju rẹ. Ile itaja olokiki kan ko nilo awọn ọrọ igbaniwọle rẹ fun atunṣe rọrun, botilẹjẹpe diẹ ninu awọn idanwo nilo foonu lati ṣii.
5. ** Beere nipa atilẹyin ọja lori atunṣe. ** Ọpọlọpọ awọn ile itaja fun 30 si 90 ọjọ.
6. ** Ṣe iwọn idiyele naa.** Ti atunṣe naa ba jẹ ipin nla ti idiyele foonu tuntun, rirọpo le jẹ yiyan ti o dara julọ.

Ṣaaju ki o to fi fun¶

Yọ SIM rẹ ati kaadi iranti kuro. Paa Wa Mi tabi Wa Ipele nikan ti ile itaja ba nilo rẹ, ki o tan-an pada lẹhinna. Ṣe akiyesi awoṣe, nọmba ni tẹlentẹle ati IMEI.

Ya awọn fọto ipo foonu naa. Maṣe fi koodu iwọle rẹ lọwọ ayafi ti o ba gbọdọ yi awọn ọrọ igbaniwọle rẹ pada lẹhinna ti o ba ṣe.

Dabobo owo rẹ ati idanimọ ti foonu ba wa ni okú¶

Ti foonu ko ba gba pada ati pe o gbẹkẹle rẹ fun ile-ifowopamọ, iṣẹ tabi gbigbe, gbe awọn igbesẹ wọnyi.

1. Gba SIM ti o rọpo tabi eSIM. Olutaja rẹ le gbe nọmba rẹ si ẹrọ titun kan.
2. Lo foonu fun igba diẹ. Foonu ipilẹ tabi foonu atijọ le di aafo naa.
3. Yi awọn ọrọ igbaniwọle pada lati kọnputa ti o gbẹkẹle. Ṣe eyi ti o ba ro pe foonu ti fi silẹ ni ibikan ti awọn miiran le gba.
4. Check your bank. If your banking app was on the phone, make sure no one else can use it. Contact the bank if you are unsure.
5. Restore from backup. Do this on the new phone, then turn on Find My or Find Hub and automatic backups.
6. Update your emergency details. If your number changed, update your family and your emergency card.

Prevention: keep phones away from water¶

• Use a waterproof pouch when near water. At the beach, on a boat, at a pool or in the rain, a cheap sealed pouch is worth it.
• Do not use the phone in the bath or shower. Steam, soap and dropping it are real risks.
• Keep the phone away from the edge of a sink, bath or toilet.
• Use a case with a good seal if you work outdoors.
• Check your phone's water resistance rating and its limits.
• Avoid fresh water myths. Do not rely on a "waterproof" label.
• Back up often. Turn on automatic backups so that a dunked phone does not mean lost photos.
• Keep a paper card with numbers. See imurasilẹ-ajo foonu.
• Consider insurance for a costly phone.
• Keep a lanyard or wrist strap for boats and kayaks.

Awọn ipo pataki¶

Phone in a flood or after a storm¶

If your phone was in floodwater, treat it as contaminated. Flood water carries sewage and chemicals. Wipe the outside carefully with a safe wipe, and keep the phone off. Your safety comes before the phone. Read iṣan omi for what to do when water enters a home.

Phone dropped into the sea or a lake from a boat¶

Retrieval may be impossible. Do not put yourself at risk to dive for it. Lock the phone remotely, contact your carrier and use the lost phone steps. If it is a shallow, safe pick up, recover it, switch it off and rinse with fresh water as soon as you can.

Child dropped the phone in the toilet¶

Switch it off, take it out with gloves, and wash your hands and the child's hands. Wipe the phone as described above. Do not use heat, and take it for a professional clean.

Wet phone and a trip or event¶

If you must travel or attend something without it, move your key contacts and tickets to paper, or use a friend's device. A basic prepaid handset can fill the gap.

Smartwatches, earbuds and tablets¶

The same rules apply. Switch them off, dry the outside, and wait. Do not charge them while wet.

Awọn apẹẹrẹ ṣiṣẹ¶

Dropped in the kitchen sink with dishwater¶

Lift it out, switch it off, and take off the case. Rinse nothing under the tap. Wipe the outside with a soft cloth, tap the port side down against your palm, then leave it on a towel in a dry room. Soap leaves residue, so take it to a repair shop if it does not work normally after a day.

Dropped in a swimming pool with a rated phone¶

The phone may be fine, but chlorine is harsher than tap water. Switch it off, wipe it, dry the port and leave it for several hours before you charge it. Watch the speaker and microphone for muffled sound over the next days.

Dropped in the sea at the beach¶

Switch it off at once. Rinse the outside lightly with clean fresh water, being careful not to soak the ports, then dry it and take out the SIM tray. Do not turn it on to check. Go to a repair shop the same day if you can, because the salt keeps working after the water dries.

Rain in your pocket during a long walk¶

A short soaking is usually less serious. Switch the phone off, wipe it dry, and wait. Keep it away from heat. If it works after a day and no warning appears, back it up and carry on, with a waterproof pouch from now on.

Phone slipped into a bath with someone in it¶

Never reach for a plugged in device in water, and never grab a charging phone from a bath. If the phone was on charge, unplug the cable at the wall first, or switch off the power at the breaker, before you touch anything wet.

Only then lift the phone out. Electric shock in water is dangerous, so see electric shock if anyone felt a tingle or was hurt.

Awọn aṣiṣe ti o wọpọ lati yago fun¶

• Switching the phone on to check if it works.
• Charging it too soon.
• Using rice, heat or compressed air.
• Ignoring salt water or other liquids.
• Believing the water resistance rating guarantees safety.
• Not backing up after it recovers.
• Leaving the SIM and case on.
• Ignoring a hot or swollen battery.

Awọn orisun ṣayẹwo¶

• Apple Support: what to do if your iPhone gets wet, liquid detected in the charging port, and water resistance information.
• Samsung Support and Google Pixel Help: water resistance, IP ratings and advice for wet devices.
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): the IP rating standard for dust and water ingress.
• Consumer agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC, United States) and the UK Government consumer guidance, on repairs and warranties.
• Fire services guidance on lithium ion battery safety, including advice on swollen or overheated batteries.

Manufacturers update their advice with each model, so check the support page for your phone.

Awọn ibeere ti a beere nigbagbogbo¶

Should I put a wet phone in rice?¶

No. Phone makers including Apple advise against it, because rice does not remove water well and can leave dust and starch inside the ports. Switch the phone off, dry the outside with a soft cloth, take out the SIM tray and leave it in a dry room with airflow.

How long should I wait before charging a wet phone?¶

Wait at least a day, and longer if the phone was in salt water or you see moisture in the port. Charging while wet can cause a short circuit and permanent damage. If the phone shows a liquid detected warning, unplug it and let it dry further.

My phone is water resistant, so do I need to do anything?¶

Bẹẹni, ti o ba wa ninu ohunkohun miiran ju omi mimọ mimọ, tabi fun igba pipẹ, tabi ti o ba dagba. Idanwo resistance omi lori awọn foonu tuntun ni omi tuntun, ati pe o rọ ni akoko pupọ. Gbẹ foonu naa, duro ṣaaju gbigba agbara ati ki o wo awọn ami ti ibajẹ.

Ṣe MO le fipamọ awọn fọto mi ti foonu naa ko ba tan bi?¶

O ṣee ṣe. Ṣayẹwo boya awọn fọto wa tẹlẹ ninu akọọlẹ awọsanma tabi afẹyinti kọnputa kan. Ile itaja titunṣe le tun ni anfani lati gba data pada, nitorinaa ma ṣe gbiyanju lati yi foonu pada tabi tunto.

Jẹmọ awọn itọsọna¶

• Baje tabi omi ti bajẹ foonu
• Foonu ti o sọnu tabi ji nigba ti o kuro ni ile
• Foonu tabi awọn bọtini sọ silẹ si isalẹ sisan omi iji, ọpa elevator tabi ile-igbọnsẹ to ṣee gbe
• Omi ibudo gbigba agbara ti ri, ipata idojuk ati gbigba agbara alailowaya
• Awọn iṣan omi