It slipped into the sink, took a swim in the lake at the cottage, or went through the wash in a jacket pocket. Whatever happened, what you do next matters. A water damaged Android phone can often be saved, but the clock is ticking: water itself isn't the main enemy, the corrosion it leaves behind on the circuit board is.
Here's what to do right away, what to avoid, and what happens when you bring it to a repair shop.
First steps in the first few minutes
- Get it out and power it off. Hold the power button (or power and volume down on many models) and turn it off. Electricity flowing through wet components is what causes short circuits.
- Don't plug it in. Charging a wet phone is one of the fastest ways to damage the board. If your phone shows a "moisture detected" warning in the port, respect it.
- Remove the case and SIM tray. Cases trap water against the phone. Taking out the tray lets a little air in.
- Dry the outside. Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently tap the phone, port facing down, to let water drain out of the openings.
- Back up if it's still on. If the phone is working and you can't turn it off right away, a quick backup of photos and contacts can save your data if the phone fails later.
What not to do (including the rice myth)
- Don't put it in rice. Rice doesn't pull water out of a sealed phone, and it adds starch and dust to the ports. Meanwhile, corrosion keeps forming inside. It's a myth that costs people their phones.
- Don't use a hair dryer, oven or heat gun. Heat can damage the battery, the screen adhesive and the display.
- Don't shake it hard or blow into it. That pushes water deeper.
- Don't keep turning it on to "test" it. Every power-up while wet risks a short.
- Don't open it yourself. Modern Android phones are glued shut, and prying them open can crack the screen or back glass and puncture the battery.
"But my phone is water-resistant"
Many Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones have an IP rating, which means they were tested to resist water under lab conditions when new. In real life, that protection fades. Drops, worn seals, previous repairs and age all weaken it. Salt water, chlorinated pool water, soapy water and drinks are also much harder on a phone than clean fresh water. Treat any water exposure seriously, even if the phone seems fine.
Signs of hidden water damage
A phone can work for a few days after getting wet and then start acting up as corrosion spreads. Watch for:
- A moisture warning that won't clear on a dry phone.
- Muffled speaker or microphone sound.
- Fog or spots inside the camera lens.
- Screen lines, flickering or touch problems.
- Charging issues, random restarts or fast battery drain.
If you notice any of these, our guide to Android charging problems may help narrow it down, but the safest move is a professional inspection.
How water damage repair works
A technician opens the phone, disconnects the battery, and inspects the board for corrosion. The affected areas are cleaned, and then we test each part: screen, charging, speakers, cameras and so on. Sometimes cleaning alone brings the phone back. Sometimes a component, like the charging port or display, needs replacing. If the board itself is damaged, micro soldering may be needed.
Be aware that water damage is unpredictable. Repairs on liquid-damaged devices carry no warranty, because corrosion can keep developing after the repair. If the phone won't turn on and your priority is the photos inside, ask about getting data off a dead phone.
Water damage repair in Ottawa — we come to you
Speed matters with liquid damage, and that's where a mobile repair shop helps. We pick up your phone at home or work anywhere in Ottawa and Gatineau, from Orleans to Barrhaven, assess it, and drop it back off. Nothing is sent out. Most repairs are completed the same day, depending on parts availability. Our 90-day warranty covers our standard repairs, though not repairs on liquid-damaged devices.
Visit our cell phone repair in Ottawa page, then call 613-265-4349 or get a free quote. The sooner we see it, the better the odds.
Quick answers
Should I put my wet phone in rice?
No. Rice doesn't remove water from inside a phone and can leave dust in the ports. Power it off, dry the outside and get it checked quickly.
My phone is water-resistant. Do I still need to worry?
Yes. Water resistance weakens with age, drops and wear, and salt, pool or soapy water can get past seals more easily.
Is there a warranty on water damage repairs?
No. Repairs on liquid-damaged devices carry no warranty, because corrosion can continue to develop after the repair.