Water Damage Repair: What to Do When Your Phone Gets Wet

Your phone lands in water and your stomach sinks. Fair enough. But here’s the good news: Just because a phone gets wet doesn’t mean it’s over. But the first minutes are what really count. For those who act promptly and sidestep some well-intentioned — but still not entirely recommended — “Facebook advice,” the device can many times be saved, or at least your data.

This guide explains what to do straight away, what not to do, and when it’s time to bring it to ED Mobile for proper water damage repair.

The First Minute: Do These Steps Immediately

If your phone gets wet, don’t overthink it. Do this:

* Turn it off right now (not just lock screen—power OFF).

* Unplug anything attached (charger, earphones, USB cable).

* Take the case off so water isn’t trapped.

* Remove the SIM tray (and SIM). If your phone has a removable battery (rare now), remove it too.

* Use a soft cloth or paper towel to clean the outside.

These measures reduce the risk of a short circuit. And yes — turning it off quickly really can make the difference between a small cleanup and major repair. Get details on Phone Repair in Wetherill Park.

What NOT to Do (This Is Where People Mess It Up)

Some “popular tips” can actually make the damage worse.

Don’t charge it to “see if it’s okay”

It’s risky plugging in a wet phone. Water in the charging port, or moisture inside the phone can short circuit and fry the board.

Don’t use a hair dryer

Heat can warp inner parts, harm the battery and push water deeper into the phone. It feels like it’s doing something even though it isn’t.

Don’t shake the phone hard

Shaking spreads water into areas it might not have reached—speakers, microphones, camera modules, and connectors.

Don’t put it in rice

Rice is a classic myth. It doesn’t pull moisture out from deep inside, and it can leave dust/starch in ports and grills. Messy and not very effective. Looking for a Mobile Repair Shop in Ingleburn?

How to Dry a Wet Phone the Safe Way

Once your phone is off and stripped (case + SIM tray out), follow these steps:

1) Blot, don’t rub

Use a clean cloth and gently dab the phone dry. Focus on the edges and ports.

2) Let gravity help

Hold the phone with the charging port facing downward. Gently tap on one hand to help the water drip out. Keep it gentle—no aggressive shaking.

3) Use silica gel if you have it

The best DIY method is silica gel packs (the little “do not eat” packets). Put the phone in an airtight container with several packs and leave it.

If you don’t have silica gel:

* Place the phone in a dry, well-ventilated room.

* Keep it away from direct sun, heaters, and steam.

4) Wait long enough

As annoying as it is:

* For a light splash: at least 24 hours

* For proper soaking/submersion: 48 hours (or more)

And even then, it may still need cleaning inside—because “dry” doesn’t always mean “safe”. Get details on Mobile Repair Shop in Prestons.

Not All Water Is the Same (This Part Matters)

The liquid type changes everything.

* Fresh water (rain/tap): usually the easiest to recover from.

* Pool water: chlorine leaves residue and causes corrosion later.

* Salt water: the worst—salt keeps eating components even after it dries.

* Soft drink/coffee/juice: sticky sugar residue can wreck ports, speakers, and buttons.

If it’s salt water or a sugary drink, don’t wait days hoping it “comes good”. That’s when phones get worse quickly.

“It Still Works” Doesn’t Mean It’s Fine

This is the sneaky part. A phone can be switched on and appear to be in good working order, but corrode, causing it to die a short time later. Watch for these signs:

* Screen flickering, lines, or random touches

* Speaker sounds muffled or crackly

* Microphone problem (people say you’re too quiet)

* Face ID / fingerprint stops working

* Charging is inconsistent or slow

* Phone gets hot for no reason

* Battery drains fast

* Camera fog or moisture under the lens

If any of this stuff starts to go down, well then you’ve got a pretty good indication that you need phone water damage repair before it gets worse. Looking for a Mobile Repair Shop in Liverpool?

Why Water Damage Gets Worse Over Time

Even if the phone appears dry, moisture and residue may remain inside. Over time it can:

* corrode charging connectors

* damage screen and camera connectors

* affect the motherboard (logic board)

* ruin speakers and microphones

* cause battery faults

So the goal isn’t just “dry it”—the goal is to stop corrosion early.

When You Should Bring It to ED Mobile

Bring the phone in sooner rather than later if:

* it was fully submerged

* it went into salt water, pool water, or any drink

* you tried to turn it on and it glitched

* it won’t charge properly

* the screen or sound is acting weird

* you need important data/photos

At ED Mobile, proper water damage repair usually involves opening the device, checking for corrosion, cleaning internal components safely, and testing major parts (battery, display, charging circuit, speakers, mics, cameras). That’s the stuff you can’t really do at home without risking more damage. Get details on Mobile Phone Repair in ED Park.

How Long Before You Can Turn It On Again?

Here’s a practical guide:

* Splash only (not soaked): wait 24 hours

* Soaked/submerged: wait 48 hours

* Salt water/sugary drink: get it checked ASAP (don’t rely on drying time alone)

If you’re unsure, don’t gamble. Turning it on too early is one of the top reasons phones become “unrepairable”.

What About Water-Resistant Phones (IP Ratings)?

IP ratings help, but they’re not a guarantee. Water resistance can weaken over time due to:

* drops and knocks

* heat exposure

* previous repairs (screen replacement can affect seals)

* general wear

So even an IP68 phone can still end up with water damage—especially with pressure, salt, or older seals. Looking for a Phone Repair in Bossley Park?

Simple Prevention Tips (Not Over the Top)

A few habits that actually help:

* Keep your phone away from benches near sinks (they love falling in)

* Don’t charge your phone beside the bath or kitchen tap

* Use a case that covers ports if you’re outdoors a lot

* Back up your photos regularly (cloud or computer)

* If you’re beach-going, keep it in a sealed pouch—salt air is nasty too

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Quick Actions to Save Your Phone

If your phone gets wet, staying calm is half the job. Power it off, don’t charge it, don’t cook it with heat, and dry it properly. If it was submerged or exposed to salt/chlorine/sugary drinks, ED Mobile can check and clean it properly before corrosion turns a small issue into a major one.