The immediate panic that sets in when your smartphone—your central hub for work, communication, and memories—takes an unplanned dip is universal. Despite the sophisticated water-resistance ratings (like IP67 or IP68) prominently featured on most modern flagship devices, it is a crucial technical distinction that these phones are resistant, not completely waterproof.
The internal adhesive seals can degrade over time, and a drop into saltwater, a sugary beverage, or even prolonged submersion in fresh water can bypass these defenses, leading to disastrous corrosion of the delicate logic board and battery contacts. Because a phone's internal circuitry relies on a precise, clean flow of electricity, the introduction of conductive, corrosive liquid is the single most dangerous event your device can face.
The key to a successful recovery across virtually all smartphone makes and models—from a high-end Samsung Galaxy to a durable Google Pixel or an Apple iPhone—is not just what you do, but how fast you do it. The clock starts ticking the moment the device makes contact with the liquid, and every second counts in preventing permanent, irreversible damage to the mainboard components.
🤔 Do you know the critical steps that can halt the immediate damage and dramatically increase your phone's survival rate?
Halting the Damage: Your First 60 Minutes After Water Exposure
The recovery process must focus on two primary goals: cutting off all power to prevent a short circuit, and removing the moisture to stop corrosion. Follow these authoritative steps immediately to maximize your chances of saving your submerged smartphone:
1. Power Off, Immediately, No Exceptions
If your phone is still on, power it down right away. Do not attempt to use it, unlock it, or test any functions. If it is off, do not try to turn it back on. Electricity is the catalyst that turns simple water contact into severe corrosion by causing immediate short circuits. Never plug in or attempt to charge a wet phone, as this can cause permanent damage to the logic board.
2. Disassemble and Dry the Exterior
Quickly remove the phone from the liquid and take off all external components: the protective case, the SIM card tray, and the microSD card (if applicable). Use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently blot and wipe down the device’s exterior, paying close attention to the ports, speaker grilles, and buttons. Do not shake the phone, as this can spread the liquid deeper into the internal components.
3. Avoid the Myths (Rice and Heat)
Contrary to popular, yet ineffective, advice, do not put your phone in a bag of uncooked rice. Rice is slow to absorb deep moisture and can leave behind dust and starch particles that clog ports and accelerate internal damage. Do not use a hairdryer, oven, or direct sunlight; excessive heat can melt internal components, warp adhesive seals, and push moisture further inside.
4. Use Effective Desiccants
The best home remedy is to use silica gel packets (often found in new product packaging). Place your phone, with its ports facing down, in a sealed, airtight container or Ziploc bag with a substantial number of silica gel packets. Leave the device completely undisturbed for a minimum of 48 hours. A well-ventilated area with a fan blowing across the device (ports facing down) is a secondary option.
⚠️ A Critical Disclaimer on DIY Water Damage Repair
While these initial steps can mitigate damage, they are only first aid. Water damage is often a delayed-onset problem; the real corrosion happens internally over days or weeks, even if the phone appears to work initially. If your phone was exposed to anything other than clean water (like salt water, soda, or pool water), it is essential to have the logic board professionally cleaned with high-concentration Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to neutralize corrosive residues.
If your phone doesn't power on after 48 hours, or if it exhibits erratic behaviour, charging issues, or distorted sound, the risk of permanent component failure is high. At this point, attempting a DIY fix is counterproductive. We strongly recommend you bring your device to a professional for advanced diagnostics and repair.
Why Professional Decontamination is Your Safest Bet
For many people, the data—the photos, contacts, and irreplaceable files—is more valuable than the device itself. That's why, after a water incident, a professional repair service is often your best course of action. Technicians at Sydney CBD Repair Centre are equipped with specialised tools like ultrasonic cleaners and vacuum drying apparatus, which are necessary to decontaminate and recover the main logic board. Unlike a temporary home dry-out, a professional liquid damage service includes a complete physical teardown, cleaning of corrosion, and microscopic inspection of the circuit board.
Don't risk frying your device or losing your data by turning it on prematurely or attempting to charge it. Bring your submerged phone straight to the experts who can perform a thorough assessment and offer the best chance of recovery or, failing that, professional data retrieval. As a six-time winner of the Top 3 Mobile Phone Repair in Sydney award and the winner of The Best Phone Repair Store in City Of Sydney (Quality Business Awards 2025), Sydney CBD Repair Centre uses only genuine, OEM-specification parts, ensuring that if your phone can be saved, it will be restored to reliable, functional condition. You can find our expert team at Suite 201, Level 2/661 George St, Haymarket, or call us at (02) 8011 4119.
People also search for:
Professional water damage phone repair Sydney
How much does water damage phone repair cost
Silica gel vs. rice for wet phone
Data recovery from dead water damaged phone
Signs of water damage on a phone
What to do if my iPhone fell in salt water
The effects of corrosion on a smartphone logic board
Where to take a water-damaged Samsung phone
