Surely, it’s happened to all of us at some point — our phone falls into water. Whether it’s the pool, the ocean, the toilet, or somewhere else.

Maybe you didn’t know what to do when it happened, and that’s why the big question is: What should you do when your phone falls into water?

It’s always helpful to know a few tips and tricks to preserve the life of your phone, and how to keep it in the best possible condition with minimal damage.

Here’s what you should do in an emergency like this:

Tips to Save a Phone That Fell in Water

Here are some important guidelines or steps to follow:

1. Drying the phone:

Even though it may seem like a good idea, drying your phone with a hairdryer or any device that emits heat can actually be fatal. It significantly increases the risk of further damage.

The same goes for leaving it in direct sunlight — the internal components of the device could be damaged.

2. Putting your phone in the freezer:

This is one of the worst mistakes you can make after dropping your phone in water. Putting it in the cold of a freezer is a definite no, just like wrapping it in a towel and thinking that will remove the moisture from inside.

3. Don’t rush your decisions:

You don’t want to make a bad decision — but you also shouldn’t wait too long to act. Up next, we’ll look at the correct steps to take. Otherwise, the damage could become permanent and irreversible.

Steps to Save Your Phone

Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent your phone from being permanently damaged:

1. Turn off the phone:
The very first thing you should do is power off your phone, even if it seems like it’s working normally.
If you see water droplets on the surface, it’s best not to move it around too much. You want to avoid letting any water reach the internal components.

2. Take the phone apart:
Next, carefully remove the SIM card, battery (if possible), and SD card. Then gently remove any excess water or liquid.
Be extremely careful not to use tools like screwdrivers, as opening the device improperly could void any warranty.

3. Use the rice trick:
Once your phone is turned off, a widely recommended trick to absorb moisture from the internal circuits is to use uncooked rice.
Place the phone in a bag filled halfway with rice, making sure the phone is completely covered and the bag is sealed. Then, leave it in a dry, moisture-free place.

It’s best to leave it there for about 48 hours. The key is to let the rice absorb all the moisture. After that, check to make sure there’s no remaining water inside. If there’s still any moisture, put the components back into the bag and repeat the process.

Finally, if your phone still won’t turn on after this, the only remaining option is to take it to a repair technician.