Phone Got Wet? Do This First (and Skip the Rice)

Living a few minutes from English Bay means phones and water meet more often than we’d like — a wave at the beach, a spilled coffee on the seawall, or the classic bathroom drop. What you do in the first few minutes matters most.

Step 1: Power it off

Electricity and water inside a phone are what cause the real damage, through short circuits and corrosion. Turn the phone off even if it seems to be working fine.

Step 2: Don’t plug it in

Resist the urge to check whether it still charges. Plugging in a wet phone — or a wet cable — is one of the fastest ways to damage the charging port and the board behind it. Many iPhones will show a “Liquid Detected” alert on the connector; if you see it, unplug and wait. Apple recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before trying again, and longer if the alert keeps appearing.

Step 3: Dry the outside

• Take off the case and pop out the SIM tray.
• Wipe the phone with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Hold it with the charging port facing down and tap it gently against your hand to let water drain out.
• If it was salt water, pool water or a sugary drink, Apple suggests rinsing the affected area with a little clean tap water first, then drying it — residue left behind can corrode parts over time.

Step 4: Let it air-dry somewhere dry

Leave it in a dry spot with some airflow. A fan blowing cool air nearby is fine.

What not to do

• Don’t put it in rice. Apple specifically advises against it — small grains and starch can get into ports, and rice doesn’t draw water out from inside the phone.
• No hair dryers, ovens or heaters. Heat can damage the battery and screen and warp adhesives.
• No compressed air or cotton swabs in the ports — they can push water and debris further in.
• Don’t shake it hard — that can spread water around inside.

“But my phone is water-resistant…”

Ratings like IP67 and IP68 are tested in controlled conditions with fresh water. Seals age, drops can weaken them, and salt water, chlorine and drinks are harder on phones than lab tests. Water resistance helps, but it isn’t a guarantee — especially after a screen or back-glass crack.

Signs you need a water damage check

• The phone won’t turn on, or keeps restarting
• Fog or moisture under the screen or camera lens
• Muffled speakers or microphone
• Charging problems or a persistent liquid warning

Even if it seems fine, corrosion can show up days or weeks later. Bringing it in quickly gives it the best chance. Find us on Davie Street or send a quote request.