It happens fast — a splash in the kitchen, a drop in the sink, a slip near the pool. If your phone gets wet, the next few minutes matter. Here's exactly what to do (and what not to do) to give your phone the best chance of survival.
Step 1: Turn It Off Immediately
This is the single most important step. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Power off your phone immediately — don't check notifications, don't take a screenshot, just hold the power button and turn it off. Every second the phone stays on while wet increases the risk of a short circuit that can cause permanent damage.
Step 2: Remove the Case and SIM Card
Pop off your protective case and remove the SIM card tray using the small ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip). This allows air to circulate through the openings and any trapped water to evaporate. If your phone has a removable battery, remove that as well.
Step 3: Don't Use Rice — It's a Myth
We know you've heard the rice trick. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. Rice absorbs almost no moisture from inside a sealed phone, and it wastes precious time while corrosion quietly sets in. Worse, rice particles can get stuck in charging ports and headphone jacks. The same goes for hair dryers and ovens — excessive heat warps plastic and damages delicate internal components.
Step 4: Pat Dry and Let It Air Out
Gently pat the exterior dry with a lint-free cloth. If you have silica gel packets — the kind that come in shoe boxes or vitamin containers — place them near your phone in a sealed bag. Leave your phone in a dry area at room temperature for at least a few hours before attempting to turn it on.
Step 5: Call a Professional — The Sooner, the Better
Even if your phone seems to be working normally after drying, water damage causes corrosion that builds up over days or weeks and can kill the phone without warning. A professional technician can open the device, inspect the logic board, clean away mineral deposits, and properly dry internal components — steps you simply can't do at home.
At The Tech Next Door, we handle water damage assessments throughout the Columbus, OH area — including Westerville, Dublin, and Upper Arlington. We come to you, inspect the damage honestly, and tell you exactly what's repairable and what it will cost. Contact us today — the sooner you call, the better the outcome.