First Things First: Don’t Freeze—Move!
It happens faster than you can curse. One second you’re scrolling, the next you’re fishing your phone out of the sink, bathtub, or even the ocean.
Your heart sinks with it, right? I get it. But here’s the truth: the next 60 seconds will decide if your phone survives or becomes an expensive paperweight.
The key? Stay calm, act fast, and follow a plan that actually works—not internet myths.
The Short Version (For the Panicked)
Do right now:
- Power it off. No “just one quick check.”
- Remove the case, SIM, and (if your model allows) the battery.
- Gently blot water with a soft cloth—don’t scrub.
- Let it dry somewhere airy or in a box with silica gel packets.
Avoid like the plague:
- Charging it “just to see.”
- Hairdryers, ovens, or microwaves.
- Shaking it like a maraca.
- The famous bowl of rice (more on that myth in a moment).
Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Phone
1. Cut the Power Immediately
Think of water in electronics like lightning in a swimming pool—it’s the instant damage that kills, not the water itself.
- For iPhone: hold the power button until you can slide it off.
- For Android: hold the power button, select “Power off.”
If it was charging when it fell in, unplug it right away—safely.
2. Deal With the Outside First
Lay the phone on a clean towel. Pat it dry with a microfiber cloth or even a tissue if that’s all you have. The goal is to keep more water from sneaking inside.
3. Take Off What You Can
SIM tray out. Memory card out.
If you own an older Samsung or similar Android with a removable battery, now’s the time to pull it. Every little opening helps air get in and moisture get out.
4. Dry the Inside—The Right Way
Forget the rice bowl trick. It’s slow, leaves tiny particles behind, and won’t pull moisture from deep inside.
Better options:
- Seal the phone in a box or bag with silica gel packets.
- Set it near (not on) a fan for steady airflow.
- Leave it in a cool, dry place—patience is your friend here. 24 hours is good; 48 is better.
Ocean mishap? Saltwater is brutal. While the phone is still off, lightly rinse the outside with fresh water to wash away salt crystals, then dry as above.
5. The Moment of Truth
After your wait, power it up.
- Does it charge?
- Is the screen responsive?
- Do calls and sound work?
If the speaker sounds muffled, play low, bass-heavy audio or use a water-eject app to push out the droplets.
If it stays dead—do not plug it in. Take it to a repair shop for professional cleaning.
The Myths That Kill Phones
| Bad “Advice” | What Really Happens |
|---|---|
| “Put it in rice” | Absorbs poorly, leaves dust inside |
| “Use a hairdryer” | Heat damages parts, pushes water deeper |
| “Shake it” | Spreads water into fragile circuits |
| “Just turn it on to check” | Can fry the electronics instantly |
Special Situations
- Dropped Samsung in water – Even water-resistant models lose sealing over time. Treat it like any other phone.
- Dropped phone in ocean – Rinse exterior with fresh water, dry immediately.
- Dropped phone in toilet – Follow drying steps, but clean it thoroughly (and safely) afterward.
Quick FAQ
Should I put my phone in rice?
Nope. Use silica gel or airflow instead—it’s faster and cleaner.
How long should I let it dry?
At least 24 hours. If you can manage 48, even better.
What about saltwater?
Rinse the outside with fresh water before drying—it’s the only way to remove corrosive salt.
Speakers sound muffled—help?
Play bass-heavy sound or use a tone-generating app to vibrate out the moisture.
Hairdryer?
A guaranteed way to turn “maybe broken” into “definitely broken.”
Final Word
If your phone fell in water—whether it’s the toilet, pool, or the ocean—the first minute is everything. Skip the myths, follow the steps, and you’ll give your device the best shot at survival.
More tips on how to protect and extend the lifespan of your gadgets can be found in our “Technics and Gadgets” section.
