Most phone users know it’s best to keep their devices away from water. But accidents happen, and phones can get wet unexpectedly. Whether your smartphone is water-resistant or not, it’s still vulnerable to water damage.
Many people mistakenly think “water-resistant” means “waterproof,” which can be a costly misunderstanding. In reality, even the most water-resistant phones can only handle limited exposure to water for a short time before problems start.
Luckily, water-damaged devices can often be saved if you act quickly and correctly.
Is putting your phone in rice a good idea?
While rice does absorb moisture, it can’t remove all the dampness inside your phone. Even a small amount of water can corrode and damage your device’s components. Plus, rice is starchy and can stick inside headphone jacks, charging ports, and other openings, making the damage worse.
USA Today tested rice’s effectiveness and found it actually dries phones slower than just leaving them out in the open. After 48 hours in rice, only 13% of the water was absorbed, which is plenty of time for permanent damage to occur. So what should you do if rice isn’t the answer?
Turn off your phone immediately and don’t turn it back on
Water contains dissolved ions that conduct electricity well. This means water can cause short circuits inside your phone’s circuits. The first thing to do is power it off right away and don’t turn it back on until it’s completely dry. This might mean not using your phone for up to 48 hours. It’s inconvenient, but necessary to save your device.
Remove as much water as possible
Using a hairdryer might seem smart, but it can actually push moisture deeper inside and the heat can damage parts. Avoid drying your phone in direct sunlight for the same reasons.
Instead, gently shake your phone to get water out of all the ports, then wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. Remove any removable parts like cases, SIM cards, SD cards, and batteries if possible. Clean and air-dry those separately in a cool place. Don’t unscrew your phone’s casing though, as that can cause more damage and void your warranty.
To speed up drying, place your phone near a window, fan, or vent. Another great option is to bury it in a sealed container filled with silica gel packets. These absorb moisture much better than rice and will help dry your phone more effectively./.
