Phone dropped in water — what to do (and what NOT)

A phone dropped in water may still “work” — but oxidation starts immediately. Don’t charge while wet, don’t use rice. If it won’t turn on or won’t charge after water, stop trying and bring it in. Independent NEXX GSM service, Bucharest.

1. Do this immediately

• Get it out of the liquid, wipe the outside with a dry cloth.
• Power the phone off if it’s still on (not just sleep).
• Remove the case and SIM / microSD if they come out easily — moisture stays under the case.
• Don’t charge or plug a cable while wet or right after. Current + liquid in the port = short.
• Leave it in a dry room-temperature place with the port facing down (gravity).
• Bring it for inspection / cleaning — even if it “still works”.

2. “Port works” ≠ it’s fine

• USB-C / Lightning may still charge after moisture, but the contacts start to oxidize.
• Later symptoms: intermittent charging, cable heat, “wet / liquid detected” errors, weak audio, Wi‑Fi / mic faults.
• Board oxidation can eat traces — repair cost rises if you wait.
• IP68 phones aren’t endlessly dunk-proof: seals, drops and age reduce waterproofing.

3. What NOT to do

• Don’t put it in rice — starch gets into the port and speakers; it doesn’t dry the board.
• Don’t use a hot hair dryer / radiator.
• Don’t mash buttons or shake hard to “get water out” — you can push liquid deeper.
• Don’t open it yourself without experience (adhesive, fragile screens, batteries).
• Don’t ignore “Liquid Detected” / wet port — wait to dry + get checked; don’t force the cable.