Accidental spills happen in the blink of an eye—one minute you’re enjoying a glass of water, coffee, or juice, and the next, your phone is swimming in it. For most people, smartphones have become essential for work, communication, payments, travel, entertainment, and daily tasks. So when water damage occurs, panic naturally follows. But here’s the good news: a wet phone doesn’t always mean a dead phone. Acting quickly—and correctly—can significantly increase the chances of saving the device and avoiding costly repairs or replacements.

Water damage is one of the most common smartphone emergencies, yet many users unintentionally make mistakes that worsen the issue. The key lies in knowing what to do immediately, what to avoid at all costs, and when to seek professional help. This ultimate checklist will walk you through every step to fix Water Damaged Phone after accidental spills, whether it fell in the sink, got splashed at the pool, or absorbed a spilt beverage. From emergency actions to drying techniques and long-term care, this guide is designed to help you rescue your device quickly and safely. Follow each step carefully, and you might just save your phone from permanent damage.

Act Fast—Water Damage Gets Worse Every Second

Time is your biggest enemy when water enters a phone. The longer the liquid sits inside, the more it corrodes internal components, damages circuits, and leads to short-circuits. As soon as the spill happens, grab your phone immediately—seconds matter.

If your phone was submerged, remove it from the water right away and keep the screen facing downward to minimise internal seepage.

Turn Off the Phone Immediately

If the phone is still on, shut it down instantly. Using the device while it’s wet can cause electrical failures that permanently destroy internal parts.

Do not press random buttons or try to test it. Turning it off is your best protective measure.

Disconnect Accessories and Remove Protective Case

Remove any added accessories such as:

Phone case
Charging cable
Earphones
SIM tray cover
Holders or attachments

Cases trap moisture. Taking everything off allows water to escape and prevents more damage.

Remove the SIM Card and the SD Card

Water can damage your SIM and SD card, causing data loss. Remove them immediately and wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. Leave all ports open for ventilation.

Gently Wipe the Exterior—Avoid Shaking

Pat the exterior dry using a microfiber towel or clean cotton cloth. Never shake the phone, as this can push water deeper into the internal components.

Avoid blowing into ports, too, as this forces moisture further inside.

Use Gravity to Drain Excess Water

Hold the Fix Water Damaged Phone with the ports facing downward to encourage natural drainage. Tilt it gently—do not swing—to remove as much water as possible.

Place it on a dry surface where moisture can escape from the openings.

Do NOT Use a Hair Dryer or Heat Source

A common and dangerous mistake is using:

Hair dryers
Heaters
Oven warmth
Microwave (never!)

High heat can melt delicate components and damage the battery. It does more harm than good. If warm air is needed, only use cold air from a small fan.

Skip the Rice Myth—It Doesn’t Actually Fix Water Damage

Many people believe rice dries out a wet phone, but studies show it’s barely more effective than air-drying.
Rice:

Does not absorb moisture trapped deep inside
Leaves dust particles that enter the device
Gives a false sense of security

Instead, use proper drying methods or silica gel packs if available.

Use Silica Gel Packets (Highly Effective)

If you have silica gel packets—the ones found in new shoe boxes, electronics, or bags—place your phone in an airtight container with several packets. They absorb moisture far better than rice and work more efficiently.

Let it sit for at least 24–48 hours.

Leave the Phone to Dry Naturally for 24–48 Hours

Patience is key. Place the phone:

In a cool, dry room
Near good airflow
Near a fan
On an absorbent towel

Let it air-dry for one to two days. Rushing this step can ruin the device permanently.

Do Not Attempt to Charge the Phone Too Soon

Charging a wet phone is extremely dangerous. It can fry internal circuits instantly.

Only try to power the phone back on after it has dried for at least 48 hours. If you’re unsure, get a technician to inspect it first.

Test the Phone After Drying

Once you’ve waited, power the device on. Check for:

Touchscreen responsiveness
Speaker sound
Charging functionality
Camera clarity (no fogging)
Microphone quality
The battery is draining unusually fast

Any irregularities mean the internal components may still be damaged.

Watch for Hidden Damage Over the Next Few Days

Even if the phone seems fine initially, fix cracked phone screen often appears later.

Watch for:

Phone overheating
Delayed touchscreen
Randomly shutting down
Camera haze
Distorted audio
Charging issues

If any of these symptoms appear, your phone may need professional repair.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

If your phone:

Won’t turn on
Won’t charge
Has distorted audio
Has display issues
Overheats
Shows moisture indicators

…it’s time to bring it to a certified repair expert. Water damage is complicated, and specialists have the tools to properly clean corrosion, treat the motherboard, and replace affected parts.

Bottom Line

A water-damaged phone doesn’t have to be the end of your device. Acting quickly, avoiding common mistakes, and following the correct drying techniques can make all the difference. However, accidental spills can cause internal damage that isn’t always visible. If your phone still isn’t functioning properly after following this checklist for Fix Water Damaged Phone, the safest option is to trust a professional repair service.

For fast, reliable, and expert water-damaged phone repairs in Australia, visit Dr Ballu Mobile Expert—a trusted specialist in bringing dead or damaged smartphones back to life. Our trained technicians offer diagnostics, component repair, motherboard treatment, and complete restoration services designed to save your device and your data.