How to Get Water Out of Your Phone

If you are wondering how to get water out of your phone, you’ve come to the right place. Even if your phone is drenched, there are DIY tricks you can try at home to prevent any permanent damage and bring your phone back to life.

Don’t waste any more time and follow the steps below:

5 Steps to Get Water Out of Phone

1. Power Off Your Phone Immediately

When panic sets in, the first thing most of us will try to do is check to see if the phone still works. That is one of the first mistakes most people make. The longer your phone is still on, the bigger the risk of an electrical short circuit occurring that could cause even more damage to it.

Even if your phone appears to be working, it won't take long before the water inside it reaches sensitive connections and causes permanent damage.

So, if your phone is still on, press and hold the power button until the screen goes black. If your phone is off, don't try turning it on or charging it until it's completely dry. This may seem like an obvious step, but it can be easy to forget it in the heat of the moment.

2. Dry Your Phone with a Lint-Free Cloth

First, remove your phone case or other accessories that might be attached to your device. This may include things like a screen protector, pop socket, etc. Any of these items could potentially hold water against your phone's surface and cause further damage.

Next, use a lint-free cloth, preferably microfibre, to gently dab the outside of your phone. Make sure to remove as much water from all sides and edges as possible. Avoid rubbing the phone, as this can push the water further into the phone's internal components.

If you don't have a microfibre towel on hand, a paper towel or any other dry washcloth should do the trick.

If the device was fully submerged, you could also try using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to suck out any water from the charging port, headphone jack, and other tiny openings on your phone. Just make sure not to put the vacuum too close to your phone, or you could end up damaging it.

Note: Do not blow-dry your phone. The heat will only serve to cause further damage.

3. Remove the SIM Card, Micro-SD Card, and Battery (if Applicable)

Most phones today don't come with removable batteries. If that applies to your phone, skip this step. However, if you have a removable battery, take it out as soon as possible.

The same goes for your phone's SIM card, micro-SD card, and other removable parts. Even if you don't think these parts of your phone got wet, it's best to play it safe and dry them off as well. Use the same lint-free cloth to remove any water and set them aside to dry.

4. Dry Your Phone From the Inside

Once you've removed as much water from your phone as possible, it's time to dry it out from the inside.

Putting a drenched phone into a bowl of uncooked rice is widely believed to draw the water out and recover it. But does putting your phone in rice work?

Sadly, studies have shown that this method is less effective than most people think. However, if rice is all you have at the moment, it is best to use instant rice, as it is far more absorbent than regular dry rice.

Here are some other everyday household objects that are excellent moisture-absorbents:

Silica gel packets

Silica gel packets are those small packets of clear beads that come in shoe boxes, purses, and other new products. They are designed to absorb moisture and humidity, so if you happen to have a full stash, bury your phone in a zip-lock plastic bag full of them and let it sit there for at least 48 hours. Note: If you want to prepare in advance, you can also order a pre-made moisture-absorbing kit made especially for drying out wet electronics. These kits also use desiccant to absorb moisture and are supposedly capable of extracting a full teaspoon of water in under two hours. This is one of the most effective methods you can use, assuming you've bought a pre-made kit in advance.

Damp crystals

If you don't have any silica gel packets or a pre-made drying kit, another option is to use damp crystals. Also known as dehumidifiers, damp crystals are used to stop problems like dampness and mildew and are commonplace in most homes. They contain a chemical called calcium chloride, which attracts moisture from the air, making it an ideal substance for drying out your phone. To use damp crystals, simply bury your phone in a bag with the crystals, seal the bag, and put it in a warm, dry place for 24 to 48 hours.

Crystal cat litter

Crystal cat litter is also made from silica gel and has been proven as one of the best ways to dry out a phone. If you have a cat, chances are you already have some cat litter at home. If not, it can easily be purchased from most supermarkets or pet stores. To use this method, follow these steps:

Get four to five cups of crystal cat litter and pour it into a large container.
Place your phone in the container and ensure it's completely covered by the litter.
Allow your phone to sit in the container for 24 to 48 hours before removing it.

Note: Be sure to use the crystal form of cat litter, not the clay kind, as clay could make things even worse.

What If I Don’t Have Any of These Items?

If you don't have any of these items readily available and can't make your way to the store, your best bet is simply to let your phone air dry.

To do this, just place your phone on a towel in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Allow it to sit for at least 48 hours so that any internal moisture has time to evaporate.

You can also use a cool fan to speed up the drying process, but be careful not to blow any dust or other particles into your phone. Putting your phone next to a dehumidifier can also help speed up the drying process.

5. Wait for Two to Three Days

Your phone should be completely dry after two to three days. Try to resist the urge to turn it on in the meantime. If there is still water inside, it could damage your phone beyond repair.

After two to three days, go ahead and try charging your phone. If it does turn on, be sure to back up all your important data as soon as possible. There is always a chance of water damage causing problems down the line.

And that's it! With little luck, your phone will be as good as new. Still, keep an eye on it in the next few weeks. If you notice some features not working as they did before, schedule a professional repair.

What If I Dropped My Phone in Salt Water?

If you’ve been unlucky enough to drop your phone in salt water, chances are it will suffer irreparable damage. Salt water is much more corrosive than regular water and can cause serious damage to your phone, both inside and out.

So, what can you do if you've dropped your phone in salt water?

Just as with fresh water, the first thing you'll want to do is turn your phone off as soon as possible. Saltwater is highly conductive, so the chances of your phone short-circuiting are much bigger.

Next, experts recommend immersing your phone in distilled water with a pinch of baking soda to neutralise the salt water and prevent it from causing further damage. Of course, you need to remove the battery first.

Wrap Up

We hope you found this guide on how to get water out of your phone helpful. Remember, prevention is always better than the cure — next time, try not to let your phone get wet in the first place.

Moreover, it is a good idea to invest in a waterproof phone case to protect your phone from accidental spills and splashes. These cases are inexpensive and can be found online or at most electronics stores.

What has worked best for you when it comes to drying out your wet phone? Let us know in the comments below!