How to Fix a Water-Damaged Phone

Dropping your phone in water happens faster than you think — one slip at the pool, a quick fall off the boat, or a soaked pocket in the rain. If your device just took an unexpected swim, don’t panic. Acting fast can be the difference between a quick recovery and long-term damage. And if your phone doesn’t bounce back after these steps, you can always get same-day help. Pull Up® Phone Repair offers fast, mobile iPhone repair in Atlanta, and we come directly to your location.

Here’s exactly what to do — and what not to do — when your phone gets wet.

Fast Fix (Do This Immediately)

• Shut the phone down fast — water and power don’t mix.
  
• Remove the case, SIM card, and accessories so air can reach the internal components.
  
• Dry with silica gel packets — not rice.
  
• Give it time to fully dry before turning it back on.
  

Summer is the peak season for water-damaged phones, but it can happen any time of year. Even “waterproof” or “water-resistant” phones have limits. Waterproof pouches can help, but if your phone ends up underwater, follow these steps right away.

How to Get Water Out of Your Phone

1. Remove It From the Water Immediately

Every second matters. The longer it sits in liquid, the deeper moisture travels into the ports and circuitry.

2. Turn the Phone Off

Power increases the chance of internal short-circuiting. Leave it off until the drying process is complete.

3. Take the Case Off

A case traps moisture. Remove it so the phone can breathe.

4. Remove the SIM Card and Accessories

If possible, remove:

• SIM card
  
• MicroSD card
  
• Battery (only if your phone allows removal)
  

If you’re not sure how to remove the SIM card, Pull Up® can handle that during a repair.

5. Dab the Phone Dry — Don’t Rub

Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot the surface. Rubbing can push water deeper into small gaps and openings.

If the phone was fully submerged, you can gently vacuum around ports to pull moisture out — but never use heat.

6. Do NOT Put It in Rice

Rice can introduce dust, starch, and debris into your charging port and speakers. It also works far less effectively than people assume.

Use Silica Gel Instead

Place the phone in a sealed bag of silica gel packets (like the packets found in new shoes). Leave it for 24–48 hours.

7. Keep It Out of the Sun

Direct heat can warp parts and damage the battery. Keep the phone in a cool, dry place while it dries.

8. Turn It Back On (After It’s Fully Dry)

After at least 24–48 hours, turn the device back on.

If it doesn’t power on, charge it fully and try again. If it powers on but acts strange, monitor it for the next several days — some issues don’t show up immediately.

Signs Your Phone Has Water Damage

Here’s how to check if liquid made it inside:

• Visible moisture or dried streaks under the screen
  
• Corrosion around charging ports or buttons
  
• A triggered Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) — typically located in the SIM tray, headphone jack, or battery compartment.
  
  • If it’s red or maroon, water reached the internals
    

Common Questions About Wet Phones

Does Rice Fix Water-Damaged Phones?

No. Rice may absorb some moisture, but it can also lodge debris into ports and create more problems. Silica gel is far safer and far more effective.

Can You Blow-Dry a Wet Phone?

Do not use a blow dryer. Heat can permanently damage internal components and won’t reach the moisture trapped deep inside.

How Do You Get Water Out of a Charging Port?

1. Turn the device off
   
2. Remove the case
   
3. Remove the battery (if possible)
   
4. Dab dry
   
5. Use compressed air to gently blow moisture out
   
6. Let it sit with the port facing downward
   

How Do You Get Water Out of Phone Speakers?

• Use a cotton swab to gently wick out water
  
• Turn the phone off
  
• Stand it upright with speakers facing downward
  
• Let gravity do its work
  

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait If Your Phone Won’t Recover

A wet phone can sometimes be saved at home — but if it continues freezing, won’t charge, won’t turn on, or shows signs of corrosion, it needs professional attention. Pull Up® Phone Repair specializes in fast, mobile repairs throughout the Atlanta area.

Skip the store wait, avoid long turnaround times, and get your device fixed right where you are. If you need reliable phone repair in Atlanta, book your mobile repair today and get back up and running.