If you’ve accidentally dropped your phone in water, you know how stressful it can be. However, getting your device wet doesn’t always mean it’s ruined. Whether your phone has fallen into a pool, a puddle, or the sink, knowing how to fix a water-damaged phone can make all the difference.
This guide will show quick and effective steps to rescue your phone from water damage. With expert-backed tips, you’ll learn how to debunk common myths about drying methods and when to call professional help. By following these steps, you’ll be equipped to minimize damage and increase the chances of restoring your phone to working order.
Step1: Remove the Phone from the Water Immediately
The first and most critical step in fixing a water-damaged phone is to remove it from the water as quickly as possible. Every second your phone stays submerged increases the risk of water seeping into its internal components, which can lead to severe damage.
Acting immediately minimizes liquid penetration and improves the likelihood of saving your phone. Speed is essential in reducing the damage, whether your phone falls into a pool, sink, or puddle.
Once you’ve removed the phone, avoid shaking it or blowing on it, as this can push water deeper into the sensitive areas. Instead, follow proper drying methods to ensure minimal harm and prevent further issues. 
Step 2: Power Off Your Phone Immediately
Water can easily conduct electricity and interfere with your phone’s internal components, increasing the risk of short circuits if the phone remains on. By powering it down immediately, you significantly reduce the chances of electrical damage and improve the odds of successfully saving your phone.
Resist the urge to check if the phone is still functioning. Instead, leave it powered off throughout the drying process until all moisture has been removed. Attempting to turn it on too soon can cause permanent, irreversible damage to critical internal parts, making repairs much more difficult or even impossible. 
Step 3: Blot the Phone Dry
After turning off your phone, the next essential step in fixing a water-damaged phone is to blot the device dry gently. Use a soft, absorbent material, like a microfiber or paper towel, to carefully dab the phone’s exterior.
Focus on sensitive areas, such as the charging ports, buttons, and other openings where water might have seeped in. Avoid rubbing the phone, as this can force water deeper into the internal components, potentially causing more damage.
The goal is to soak up as much surface moisture as possible without applying too much pressure. 
Step 4: Assess the Damage to find the best solution
Once you’ve taken immediate steps, it’s time to assess the extent of the water damage. This is a critical part of how to fix a water-damaged phone, as it helps you determine if further action is needed.
Check for Visible Water Damage Signs
When your phone is exposed to water, internal moisture can cause condensation or fogging to appear behind the screen. Recognizing these signs early is crucial in how to fix a water-damaged phone. Here are key indicators to watch for:
- Condensation Patterns: If water has entered your phone, you may notice small droplets or fog-like patches inside the screen, often visible along the edges or corners where the display meets the frame. This fogging signals that moisture is trapped between the layers of the display.
- Blurry or Cloudy Display: A cloudy or blurry screen, particularly in areas where water is present, can be another sign of internal moisture. This happens when water distorts the light passing through the screen, impacting visibility.
- Fogging Behind the Camera Lens: Moisture inside the device can also spread to the camera lens, causing fogging that impacts photo quality. Internal moisture could be to blame if your photos appear cloudy or blurry.
Inspect the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI)
Most smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, are equipped with a Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI), a small strip or sticker inside the phone that changes color when exposed to moisture. Inspecting the LDI is essential in fixing a water-damaged phone, indicating whether water has penetrated the device.
How to Find and Inspect the LDI:
- Location: LDIs are usually located in easily accessible areas, such as the SIM card tray, charging port, or near the battery. For iPhones, the LDI is typically found inside the SIM card slot. Depending on the model, LDIs may be located under the battery or near the headphone jack in Android devices.
- What to Look For: The LDI is normally white or silver. When exposed to moisture, it turns red or pink. If you notice this color change, it confirms water damage inside your device.
- Why It Matters: Checking the LDI helps determine the extent of water damage and can also be important for warranty claims. Most manufacturers void warranties if the LDI indicates water exposure, even if the phone works normally from the outside.
By inspecting the Liquid Damage Indicator, you can quickly assess whether your phone has been affected by water and decide whether to proceed with DIY drying methods or seek professional help.
Step 5: Remove External Components (SIM Card, Case, etc.)
One of the first steps in effectively drying a water-damaged phone is to remove external components such as the SIM card, phone case, and SD card (if your device has one). It is crucial to fix a water-damaged phone because it improves airflow and reduces the risk of moisture being trapped inside it. What to Remove:
- SIM Card and SD Card: Both the SIM card and SD card can hold moisture inside their trays. Removing them helps prevent further damage and allows these components to dry separately from the phone.
- Phone Case: A phone case, especially a waterproof or protective one, can trap moisture against the phone’s surface. Removing the case allows better air circulation, helping your phone “breathe” and dry out more efficiently.
- Battery (if removable): For older models with removable batteries, taking out the battery is vital. Water can easily seep around the battery compartment, so removing it lets internal components dry faster and more effectively.
Immediately removing external components improves your chances of successfully drying out and recovering your phone from water damage. 
Step 6: Blotting Excess Moisture
After water exposure, blotting excess moisture is a crucial step in how to fix a water-damaged phone. Proper blotting removes surface water and minimizes the risk of further damage.
However, aggressive methods like rubbing or heat can push water deeper into the device and harm delicate components. Follow these steps for safe and effective blotting: Step-by-Step Instructions for Blotting:
- Use a Soft, Absorbent Cloth: Choose a microfiber towel or soft, lint-free cloth that absorbs water without scratching the screen or pushing moisture into cracks. Paper towels work in a pinch, but avoid abrasive materials that can damage the phone.
- Gently Dab, Don’t Rub: Blot the surface gently instead of rubbing. Rubbing can drive water deeper into sensitive areas, like the charging port, headphone jack, or speaker grills, causing further internal damage.
- Focus on Key Areas: Pay attention to areas where water can easily enter, such as the SIM card slot, charging port, headphone jack, and buttons. Blot these areas carefully to remove surface moisture.
Why Aggressive Drying Methods Should Be Avoided:
- Avoid Heat: Using a blow dryer or placing the phone in direct sunlight can warp internal components and melt plastic. Excessive heat can cause more damage than the water itself.
- No Rubbing or Shaking: Rubbing or shaking the phone to remove water can cause moisture to spread to other parts of the phone, increasing the risk of short circuits and internal corrosion.
By following these best practices for blotting, you can safely remove excess moisture from your phone and improve your chances of restoring it without further damage.
Step 7: Test the Phone
Once you’ve completed the drying process, the next step in fixing a water-damaged phone is to test whether it has recovered. This step is crucial for determining whether the device is functional or needs further repairs. Steps to Test Your Phone:
- Reassemble the Phone: If you removed external components such as the SIM card, SD card, or battery (on older models), carefully reinsert them. Ensure the phone is completely dry before attempting to power it on.
- Power On the Phone: Turn the phone on. If it powers up successfully, it’s a good sign that the drying process worked. If it doesn’t, try charging it for a short period, then attempt to turn it on again. If the phone still doesn’t respond, further repairs may be necessary.
- Check for Performance Issues: Even if the phone powers on, you should test for lingering issues:
- Display: Look for discoloration, fogging, or areas of the screen that are unresponsive to touch.
- Sound: Play audio or make a call to check if the speakers and microphone are functioning correctly.
- Charging: Connect your phone to a charger to ensure the charging port works properly.
- Connectivity: Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks to ensure the phone can connect to services without issues.
- Camera: Take a few pictures to check if the lens is clear and operational.
- Monitor Over Time: Monitor your phone’s performance for a few days. Some issues, like rapid battery drain or audio glitches, may not appear immediately but can emerge with continued use.
Signs of failed water damage phone repair
After attempting to repair a water-damaged phone, several indicators can signal that the repair was unsuccessful. Being aware of these signs helps you determine if professional intervention is needed:
Screen Issues
- Persistent dark spots or discoloration on the display
- Touch screen becoming unresponsive in certain areas
- Screen flickering or showing vertical/horizontal lines
Battery Problems
- Rapid battery drain even with minimal use
- Phone getting unusually hot during charging
- Battery not holding charge properly
Functionality Issues
- Apps crashing frequently or running slowly
- Camera showing blurry or distorted images
- GPS and sensors not working correctly
If you notice any of these signs after attempting to fix your water-damaged phone, it’s crucial to seek professional repair services immediately.
At Phone Repair Centre, we provide phone repair services, including phone water problems. Please book an appointment with us below.
FAQs: Common Questions About Water-Damaged Phones
Can water-damaged phones be repaired at home?
While there are several methods to dry a water-damaged phone at home (such as using silica gel packets, compressed air, or letting it air-dry), repairing internal damage usually requires professional tools and expertise. If drying methods don’t restore your phone to full functionality, it may need professional repair for components like the motherboard, battery, or display.
Debunking Common Myths About Fixing Water-Damaged Phones?
Let’s debunk some of the most common myths surrounding water-damaged phones:
- Putting Your Phone in Rice: Rice absorbs surface moisture but isn’t effective for internal water. Silica gel is better, as rice may leave residue or dust.
- Using a Blow Dryer: Heat can warp components and push water deeper. Air-drying in a cool place or using a vacuum is safer.
- Water-Resistant Phones: They aren’t waterproof; seals wear out, and water can seep in. Always dry thoroughly after exposure.
- Turning the Phone On Too Soon: This can cause short circuits. Wait until it’s fully dry before powering on..
What are the signs of internal water damage?
Internal water damage can manifest in several ways:
- Unresponsive touchscreen or malfunctioning display
- Distorted audio from the speakers or microphone
- Connectivity issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data
- Charging problems, such as slow charging or no response when plugged in
- Corrosion around the charging port or SIM tray: If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that water has penetrated your phone’s internal components.
How can I tell if my phone has water damage if I don’t see any signs?
Even if there are no visible signs of water damage, you can check the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) inside your phone. Most phones have LDIs in areas like the SIM card slot or battery compartment. If the LDI has turned red or pink, water has entered the phone, even if it’s not immediately apparent.
What if my phone seemed to be working fine after it got wet?
Even if your phone seems to function normally after water exposure, it’s essential to keep monitoring it. Water can cause corrosion inside the device over time, leading to issues. Problems like battery drain, screen discoloration, or connectivity glitches may appear later. If the phone has been submerged in water for a significant period, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional.
Is saltwater more damaging than freshwater?
Yes, saltwater can be more harmful to your phone than freshwater. Salt is highly corrosive and can cause internal components to rust faster. If your phone was submerged in saltwater, rinse it briefly with fresh water (while it’s powered off) and immediately follow the drying process to minimize damage.
In conclusion, dealing with water damage to your phone can be stressful. However, taking quick and effective action can greatly improve your chances of recovery.
If the damage is severe or if you’re unsure what to do next, it’s best to consult a professional repair service. At Phone Repair Centre, we specialize in restoring water-damaged devices and can provide tailored solutions to meet your needs.
For expert repairs, check out our iPhone screen repair, Samsung screen repair, and Google Pixel repair services. Protect your investment and get your phone back to optimal performance with our professional help!
