What Do You Do When Your Phone Gets Wet: A Step-By-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• Knowing how to dry a wet phone quickly can help you avoid short circuits and further complications.
• Drying out a wet iPhone is a simple four-step process.
• Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture completely; do not rely on uncooked rice to dry your phone.

We've all been there. That heart-sinking moment when your phone takes that unwanted plunge into a pool or even a batht tub. Thankfully, acting quickly in these situations can save your phone (and your wallet!) from a world of trouble.

Find out what to do when your phone gets wet and learn how to save a wet phone with this quick ZAGG guide.

The Common Culprits

As comical as it might sound, the bathroom is one of the most common places where phones get wet. According to a USCellular survey, around 28% of Americans have, at some point, dropped their iPhones in the toilet.

Next up is the kitchen. Thankfully, figuring out what you should do when your phone gets wet in the kitchen is a lot easier, surrounded as you are by towels and, of course, rice. We'll go into more detail about the infamous rice solution later on.

Why Quick Action Matters

Time is not on your side when your phone gets wet. In fact, water damage is more of a progressive threat that only does more damage as time goes on. That's why knowing what to do when an iPhone gets wet is so essential.

Preventing Short Circuits

Water entering your phone can cause short circuits by bridging motherboard connections. If your phone is left untouched in this scenario, the short circuit can generate heat and damage other internal components. What you do when your phone gets wet can mean all the difference between a completely unusable phone and one that works perfectly.

Corrosion & Oxidation

If you don't know how to dry a wet phone properly, you're leaving it open to long-term threats like corrosion and oxidation. This process starts almost immediately when your phone's internal components come into contact with water.

Step-by-Step Guide To Drying Your Phone

Whether you're wondering what to do when your Samsung gets wet or your Pixel does, this guide has you covered.

Step 1: Power Down Your Device

What do you do when your phone gets wet? The first step is almost always to turn your phone off if possible. Powering your phone down will significantly reduce the risk of a short circuit. Simply hold down the power button until your phone fully powers off.

Step 2: Remove Accessories, Case, & SIM Card

Once you've powered down your phone, your next move should be to take out any accessories that might be attached to it. This could be anything from a wireless power bank to a battery case.

When it comes to the 'what to do when my phone gets wet?' question, most people tend to forget about the SIM card altogether. Remove your SIM card and SD card (if you're using one) as soon as possible to keep them in good working order.

Step 3: Gently Dry with a Soft Cloth

What you do next when your phone gets wet is a lot simpler. Grab a microfiber cloth and wipe down your phone thoroughly. Wipe away any visible water from the screen, buttons, ports, and speakers.

You'll want to avoid applying pressure that could squeeze water back into the openings of your phone, while still being careful to absorb as much moisture as possible. Learning how to dry a wet phone is a balancing act.

Step 4: Choose The Right Drying Method

Here's the truth: using uncooked rice just doesn't work. In fact, it can cause rice dust to damage your phone's internals. The rice-drying myth has been thoroughly debunked by Apple and Samsung by now. So what do you do instead when your phone gets wet?

Pick up a few silica gel packets to get the job done. Fill a ziplock bag with a bunch of silica gel packets, then put your phone in there with them. Leave it undisturbed for up to 72 hours, and it should absorb all the moisture it can.

Tips for Preventing Water Damage

Get a Screen Protector, ASAP

A screen protector can do a lot to stop water, or particularly harmful chemicals, from coming into direct contact with your screen. The best screen protectors, like ZAGG's Glass Elite series, even offer additional features like privacy screens, blue light filtration, and anti-glare technology.

Pick a Waterproof Case

Phone cases, by definition, need to have openings for functionality. However, a rugged phone case can go a long way in terms of durability if you're someone who frequently drops their phone.

Rugged cases can outlast repeated water exposure and retain their strength to protect your phone from bumps and falls. Now that you know what you should do when your phone gets wet, all that's left is a great case that can keep up with the nastiest of aquatic accidents.

Prioritize Water-Resistant Devices

If you're someone who needs to use their devices near water and knows how to dry a phone, you should ideally prioritize devices that are rated for water-resistance. Look for the IP67 or IP68 certification when you're shopping for your next phone. Even if you don't know what to do when your phone gets wet, you can rest assured knowing your phone's up to the challenge.

Protect Your Phone with ZAGG

Whether it's a rugged phone case or a durable screen protector, ZAGG has your phone covered with the right accessories. Get stylish designs, a lifetime warranty, and unbelievable protection today, and shield your phone from everything beneath the water and above it.