What To Do if You Drop Your Phone in Water

Most of us have gone through this or if you are among the few lucky ones, don’t be so happy because most probably this will happen to you too sooner or later.

Whether in the toilet, swimming pool, kitchen sink or river (the adventurous ones), the first obvious thing you do or will do if you drop your phone in water is to switch it on and see if everything is working.

This is the worst thing you can possibly do to your phone. Never ever do this. Here is what to do if you drop your phone in water:

1) Remove the Battery: The first and the foremost thing you should do is remove the phone battery IMMEDIATELY. If your phone’s battery is non-removable like that of iPhone or Moto X or G, turn off your phone immediately if it’s still on.

WHY? Actually, water itself does not damage your phone but its the short circuit that takes place on the circuits in side your phone. When you drop your phone in water, the circuit inside gets wet and since water is a good conductor, current can pass freely anywhere resulting in short circuit hence damaging the components inside your phone.

When you remove the battery, there is no source of power hence no current and no short circuit.

2) Wipe and Dry: Take a dry cloth or a towel and wipe and dry the external parts of the phone. You can even shake your phone to remove any remaining water inside the phone.

Also: You can use a blow dryer but not for too long as the heat from the dryer may damage the components of your phone.

3) Soak in Rice: Place your phone (not the battery) in a bowl or bag full of uncooked rice from your kitchen, seal the bowl or bag (preferably a zip-lock bag) and keep it for at least 24 hours. For best results keep it for 2 to 3 days.

WHY? Rice has the ability to absorb moisture and it will absorb the remaining moisture from the circuits inside your phone.

Best Alternative: If you know and can get Silica Gel Packets, its great. Fill a small plastic bag (preferably a zip-lock bag) and fill it with Silica Gel packets and put your phone inside. Do not open it for at least 24 hours.

4) Hope and Pray: Take out your phone from the packet of Rice or Silica Gel Packets after two to 4 days, insert your phone battery and turn on your phone. Hopefully your phone will work.