Phone Fell in Water? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

Phone Fell in Water? What to Do in the First 10 Minutes

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Acting fast and calmly gives your phone the best chance. Here is exactly what to do in the first 10 minutes.

Minute 0 to 1

Pull the phone out immediately. The longer it stays underwater, the more water can get in.

Minute 1 to 3

  • Do not press buttons over and over
  • Do not plug it in
  • Remove the case and any accessories

Minute 3 to 5

Wipe the phone with a lint-free cloth. Tap it gently with the ports and speakers facing down.

Minute 5 to 10

If the phone is working, run Water Eject 2 to 3 times. Then leave it in a dry place with airflow, ports facing down.

Next 24 hours

Do not charge with a cable until you are sure the port is dry. Check it after a few hours. Most water-resistant phones recover.

Special cases

LiquidExtra step
Salt waterRinse the outside briefly with fresh water, then dry
Pool (chlorine)Rinse briefly with fresh water, then dry
Soda or juiceWipe sticky residue with a damp cloth, then dry
ToiletWipe with an alcohol wipe on the outside, then dry

The rice myth

Rice does not dry phones faster than open air, and it can leave starch and dust in ports. Skip it.

When to get a repair

If the phone will not turn on after a day, gets hot, or shows screen problems, take it to an authorized repair shop.

FAQ

Should I turn my phone off?

If it was off, keep it off. If it is on and working, turning it off is fine and can reduce risk while it dries.

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