Dropped Your Phone in Water? Do These 5 Things Immediately

Whether it took a swim in the pool, the toilet, or a cup of coffee, water and phones don't mix. The good news: with quick action, many water-damaged phones can be saved. The key word is quick — every minute counts. Here's exactly what to do.

1. Get it out of the water and power it off

Retrieve your phone as fast as possible and turn it off immediately. Leaving it on while wet is the fastest way to cause a short circuit that permanently damages internal components. Do not press buttons more than necessary.

2. Don't charge it — whatever you do

Plugging in a wet phone is the single most damaging thing you can do. Sending power through water-contaminated circuitry can fry the logic board. Resist the urge to charge it.

3. Dry the outside and remove what you can

Gently wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. If your phone has a removable case, SIM tray, or (on older models) a removable battery, take those out to help moisture escape. Hold the phone upright so water drains away from the internals rather than pooling inside.

4. Skip the rice — it's a myth

We have to say it: the bag-of-rice trick doesn't work the way people think. Rice draws moisture slowly and inconsistently, and dust or starch can get lodged in your ports. Meanwhile, corrosion is already forming inside. Rice gives you a false sense of security while damage spreads.

5. Bring it to a professional fast

The best thing you can do is get it to a repair shop quickly. We can open the device, properly clean and dry the internals, remove corrosion, and assess the damage before it becomes permanent. The sooner you act, the higher the chance of a full recovery.

• Act within the first few hours for the best results.
• Keep the phone powered off until a technician can inspect it.
• Back up your data later — don't risk powering on to do it now.
• Even if it seems fine, hidden corrosion can cause failures weeks later.

Water emergency? Call our Starkville or Philadelphia location right away, or bring your device straight in. Fast action gives us the best chance to save it.