How to Fix a Water Damaged Phone

Have you ever accidentally dropped your phone in water, only to panic as it stops working? 

If so, you’re not alone—this is a common issue, but acting quickly can make all the difference. If you take immediate steps, there’s a good chance you can fix your water-damaged phone and avoid costly repairs. 

In this guide, we’ve outlined the best possible ways to get your phone back in working order. From drying techniques to cleaning tips, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to revive your device. So, let’s begin!

What Should You Do Immediately After Your Phone Gets Wet?

When your phone gets wet, acting quickly can make a big difference in preventing permanent damage. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Remove the Phone from Water

Quickly removing your phone from the water is crucial. Every second counts, as prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of water infiltrating deeper into the phone’s internal components, potentially causing irreparable harm to sensitive electronics.

Turn Off the Phone

As soon as your phone gets wet, turn it off immediately. Keeping it on can cause electrical currents to flow through wet components, leading to short circuits that could permanently damage your phone’s internal hardware.

Remove Any External Components

Take off any cases, and if possible, remove the SIM card, memory card, and battery. These parts can trap moisture, so removing them allows you to dry them separately and reduces the risk of water being trapped inside the phone.

Dry the Exterior

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dab away any visible water from the phone’s surface. Avoid rubbing or shaking the phone, as this could push water further into the internal components, making the situation worse.

Avoid Heat Sources

Never use a hairdryer, microwave, or any other heat source to dry your phone. High temperatures can warp the phone’s plastic components and cause further internal damage by expanding the water deeper into the device’s crevices.

How to Fix a Water Damaged Phone: 8 Simple Steps

Dropped your phone in water? Stay calm! Quick action and these steps can help save your device from permanent damage. Here’s how to effectively fix your water-damaged phone:

Step 1: Power Off the Phone Immediately

As soon as your phone gets wet, the first and most crucial step is to turn it off. This prevents electrical currents from flowing through wet components, which could cause short circuits and permanent damage to the phone’s internal hardware.

Step 2: Remove the Battery and Accessories 

If your phone allows, remove the battery, SIM card, and any external accessories like cases. This reduces the risk of water lingering in small crevices and allows these parts to dry separately, minimizing further moisture damage.

Step 3: Dry the Exterior Gently

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dab off any visible water from the phone’s surface. Avoid rubbing, shaking, or blowing air into the phone, as these actions can push water deeper into the device and cause more.

Step 4: Use Silica Gel or Rice

Submerge your phone in a bowl filled with silica gel packets or uncooked rice, ensuring it’s fully covered. Seal the container and let it sit for 24-48 hours. This method helps draw out moisture, but silica gel is more effective and safer than rice​.

Step 5: Use a Vacuum Cleaner

If you have a vacuum cleaner, use it on a low suction setting to gently draw moisture from the phone’s ports and openings. Be careful to hold the nozzle a few inches away to avoid damaging the internal components.

Step 6: Avoid Using Heat

Never use a hair dryer, microwave, or other heat sources to dry your phone. High temperatures can cause irreversible damage by warping components or pushing water further into the phone, making the situation worse.

Step 7: Consider Using Isopropyl Alcohol

If you have 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol, dampen a lint-free cloth with it and gently wipe the phone. Isopropyl alcohol can help displace water from the phone’s components and evaporate quickly, aiding in the drying process​.

Step 8: Give It Time

Patience is important when dealing with water damage. Allow your phone to sit and dry for at least 48-72 hours before attempting to turn it on. Turning it on too soon can lead to short circuits, which may cause further damage​.​

How to Fix the Speaker of a Water Damaged Phone with Fix My Speaker

Dealing with a water-damaged speaker can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can get your phone sounding normal again. Here’s a simple guide on how to fix your phone’s water-damaged speaker using Fix My Speaker:

Step 1: Access the Tool

Visit the Fix My Speaker website on your phone’s browser. This tool generates specific sound waves that help to eject water from the speaker grill, clearing out any remaining moisture. Simply click on the water droplet icon to begin the process.

Step 2: Play the Ejection Tone

Once you activate the tool, it will start emitting a low-frequency sound. This sound causes the water to vibrate and eventually expel from the speaker. Ensure that your phone’s volume is set to the maximum to enhance the effectiveness of the sound waves.

Step 3: Repeat if Necessary

If you notice any remaining water, you might need to repeat the process a couple of times. Each session helps push more water out, improving the speaker’s sound quality. Be patient, as it might take a few tries to fully clear the water.

Step 4: Test the Speaker

After using the tool, play some audio on your phone to check if the speaker is back to normal. If the sound is still muffled, try running the Fix My Speaker tool again or consider additional drying methods.

Step 5: Avoid Further Damage

While using Fix My Speaker, avoid applying heat or compressed air to your phone, as these can push water deeper into the device, potentially causing more harm. Stick to the sound wave method for safe water removal.

What Are the Signs That Your Phone Has Water Damage?

If your phone has been exposed to water, recognizing the signs of water damage early can help you take quick action. Here’s what to look out for if you suspect water damage.

• Unresponsive Touchscreen: If your phone’s touchscreen isn’t responding to your touch, it could mean that water has seeped into the device, interfering with the screen’s sensors. This is a common symptom of water affecting the phone’s internal circuits.
• Muffled Sound: When the audio from your speaker sounds distorted or muffled, it usually indicates that water is trapped inside the speaker grill. This can affect the quality of sound, making it quieter or unclear.
• Erratic Behavior: If your phone starts behaving unpredictably, such as apps opening or closing on their own, it could be a sign of moisture affecting the internal electronics. Water can cause short circuits that lead to these kinds of issues.
• Foggy Display: You might notice condensation under the screen or in the camera lens, which is a clear sign that water has entered the device. This foggy appearance indicates that moisture is trapped inside, potentially leading to further damage.
• Charging Issues: Difficulty charging your phone or connecting it to a computer can occur if water has entered the charging port. The moisture can interfere with the electrical connections, making it difficult for the device to charge properly.
• Battery Drains Quickly: If your phone’s battery is draining faster than usual, it might be due to water causing internal short circuits. These shorts can increase power consumption, leading to a rapidly depleting battery.
• Visible Corrosion: When you open the SIM card slot or charging port and notice green or white corrosion, it’s a clear sign of water damage. Corrosion typically forms when water interacts with the metal components inside your phone.
• Discoloration: Discoloration around the ports or under the screen often indicates water damage. This might appear as blotchy spots or unusual colors, signaling that moisture has penetrated the phone’s internal layers.
• Overheating: If your phone becomes unusually hot, it could be due to water causing internal short circuits or affecting the battery. Overheating is a serious issue that can lead to further damage if not addressed.
• Inconsistent Power: Your phone may randomly turn off, struggle to power on, or display other inconsistent behaviors if water has damaged its internal components. This inconsistency is often a sign that water has compromised the device’s functionality.

What Should You Avoid Doing After the Phone Gets Wet?

When your phone gets wet, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can cause further damage. Here are things you should never do after your phone has been exposed to water:

Don’t Turn It On

Resist the urge to turn your phone on immediately after it gets wet. Turning it on too soon can cause electrical shorts as the water inside the phone interacts with its circuits, leading to permanent damage.

Avoid Using Heat Sources 

Do not use hair dryers, microwaves, or any other heat sources to dry your phone. Excessive heat can warp the phone’s components, push water deeper into the device, and potentially cause more harm than good.

Don’t Shake or Blow Air into the Phone

Shaking the phone or blowing air into its ports might seem like a quick fix, but it can actually push water further into the device. This can cause water to reach areas that were previously dry, worsening the damage.

Avoid Charging the Phone

Never plug your phone in to charge if it’s wet. Charging a wet phone can lead to electrical shorts, potentially frying the internal components and making the damage irreversible.

Don’t Press Any Buttons

Refrain from pressing buttons or keys on your phone after it gets wet. Pressing buttons can push water further inside the phone, particularly into sensitive areas, increasing the risk of internal damage.

Avoid Opening the Phone

Unless you’re experienced in phone repairs, avoid opening the phone yourself. Improper handling can introduce more moisture or dirt into the device, and you might accidentally damage delicate components while attempting to dry it out.

Avoid Leaving It in a Humid Area

Don’t leave your wet phone in a humid environment. Humidity can prevent the phone from drying properly and may even cause further moisture buildup inside the device.

Don’t Ignore the Issue

If your phone shows signs of water damage, don’t ignore it, hoping it will fix itself. Delaying proper drying or repair can lead to corrosion and long-term damage, making the phone unusable.

DIY Water-Damaged Phone Repair: Know When to Fix It Yourself and When to Call a Professional

When your phone gets water damaged, it’s essential to know whether you can fix it yourself or if it’s time to call a professional. This guide will help you decide the best course of action.

Light Drying and Cleaning

• When to Try DIY:
  If your phone had a quick splash or was only briefly submerged, you might be able to fix it yourself. Start by turning off the phone immediately and drying it with a soft cloth. You can then use silica gel packets to help absorb any remaining moisture. This approach is safe for minor water exposure.
• When to Call a Professional:
  If your phone was fully submerged or if you see water under the screen, it’s best to get professional help. Professionals have specialized tools to safely open your phone, dry out the internal components, and repair any damage, preventing long-term issues.

Checking for Internal Damage

• When to Try DIY:
  If you’re comfortable with basic phone maintenance, you can carefully remove the back cover and check for moisture or condensation to assess internal water damage. If you notice minor condensation or wetness, gently dry it out using a soft, lint-free cloth.
• When to Call a Professional:
  If you’re not confident about opening your phone or if it’s sealed, it’s safer to leave it to the professionals. Opening a phone incorrectly can void the warranty and lead to further damage. Experts can disassemble your phone correctly and ensure every part is thoroughly dried and repaired if necessary.

Fixing Speaker and Audio Issues

• When to Try DIY:
  If water has affected your phone’s speaker, causing muffled sound, you can try using a sound-based tool like “Fix My Speaker” to push the water out. This method is non-invasive and can effectively clear minor water-related audio issues.
• When to Call a Professional:
  If the sound remains distorted after using DIY methods, or if your phone has other symptoms like unresponsive buttons or overheating, it’s time to consult a professional. Persistent audio issues can indicate deeper water damage, which requires expert attention.

Dealing with Charging Problems

• When to Try DIY:
  If your phone isn’t charging after getting wet, first ensure the charging port is dry. You can gently use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting to remove moisture or let it air dry for several hours. Sometimes, this is enough to restore charging functionality.
• When to Call a Professional:
  If drying the port doesn’t help, or if you see any corrosion, it’s important to seek professional help. Water in the charging port can cause short circuits, which might lead to more severe internal damage if not properly addressed.

Assessing Long-Term Damage

• When to Try DIY:
  After drying out your phone, monitor its performance over the next few days. If it seems to be working fine, you’ve likely avoided any long-term issues. Make sure to back up your data regularly in case any hidden problems arise later.
• When to Call a Professional:
  If your phone starts showing signs of slowing down, battery issues, or random shutdowns after water exposure, it’s best to have it checked by a professional. Water damage can cause gradual deterioration of internal components, and early intervention can save your phone from more extensive damage.

Conclusion

So far, we’ve walked through the key steps to fix a water-damaged phone, from immediate actions to drying techniques. These steps can significantly improve your chances of saving your device. 

If your phone’s speaker is affected, Fix My Speaker can help remove water and restore sound quality. 

However, if the damage is severe, trying to fix it at home may not be enough. In such cases, it’s important to seek professional help to ensure your phone is fully repaired and functional again.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I use a hairdryer to dry my phone?

No, using a hairdryer can push moisture deeper into the phone and cause more damage. It’s better to air-dry the phone or use a desiccant like silica gel.

Can I charge my phone if it’s still wet?

No, charging a wet phone can cause short circuits and further damage. Wait until the phone is completely dry before attempting to charge it.

Should I disassemble my phone to dry it out?

Disassembling your phone can help dry it faster, but it’s risky and can void your warranty. It’s safer to let professionals handle disassembly.