Your phone has just fallen into water, and right now you’re probably staring at it with your heart in your mouth. Maybe it slipped from your hand while you were busy with chores. Maybe your child tossed it into a bucket without warning. Or maybe the rain caught you, and before you could react, it slid right into a puddle.
That sinking feeling you have is real. This phone is not just a phone, it carries your contacts, your banking apps, your photos, your work, your chats. The thought of losing all of that in one moment is overwhelming.
But take a breath. A wet phone is not always a lost phone. With the right steps and by avoiding the wrong ones, there’s still a good chance of saving it.
At The Phonepreneur Global, we’ve walked through this with countless people, and we know what works. Here’s a simple, proven guide to help you rescue your device when water gets the better of it.
Step 1: Remove the Phone Immediately
Don’t wait, don’t hesitate. The longer your phone sits in water, the more damage seeps inside. Pull it out quickly. Don’t try to test if it’s “still working” while it’s in there, that only makes things worse.
Step 2: Power It Off
If it’s still on, shut it down completely. Water and electricity don’t mix. Leaving it running can short the entire board.
Step 3: Take Out SIM, Memory Card, and Case
Take out your SIM cards. Remove the memory card and the phone case. Pat them dry with a clean cloth.
Need a new SIM tray, charger, or case after damage? Shop accessories at The Phonepreneur.
Step 4: Dry It the Right Way (Skip the Rice Myth)
Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe away water. Don’t shake the phone violently as that just forces liquid deeper. Don’t blow into it either. Keep it gentle.
You may have heard that putting your phone in rice helps to draw out moisture. The truth is, that method is more of a myth than a fix. Brands like Apple now warn against it because tiny rice particles or dust can get lodged in your charging port or speaker grills, creating even bigger problems.
So what should you do instead?
Place the phone in front of a fan or somewhere with steady airflow.
Leave it in a dry, ventilated place for at least 24–48 hours.
This is a safer and more effective method than leaving it in rice.
Don’t Make These Mistakes
Many people end up killing their phones by doing the wrong things. Avoid these:
- Don’t charge it immediately. You’ll fry the circuits.
- Don’t put it in direct sunlight or use a hairdryer. Excess heat will damage the battery and screen.
- Don’t keep pressing buttons. That can push water further into the system.
Test After 48 Hours
When you’ve given it enough time, insert the SIM and switch it on.
- If it powers up, you’ve saved it.
- If it doesn’t, it may need professional repair for the battery, screen, or board.
Bring it to us at The Phonepreneur Global, Computer Village, Ikeja, or contact us online. We’ll check if it can be revived or guide you on getting a solid replacement.
Bonus: Water-Resistant Phones
Some newer phones have water resistance ratings.
- iPhones from 12 upwards
- Samsung Galaxy S20 upwards.
They can handle splashes or quick dips, but they are not indestructible. Don’t take them for granted.
Ready to upgrade? See our 5G and water-resistant phones.
Rounding Off…
When your phone falls into water, panic doesn’t help. Acting fast, shutting it down, and drying it properly does. If it survives, you’ve saved money and stress. If it doesn’t, don’t waste more time with roadside guesswork, get professional advice.
At The Phonepreneur Global, we don’t only sell phones, we help you take care of them. From kids’ tablets to creator bundles to flagship 5G devices, we deliver original tech across Nigeria , with free delivery on Lagos Mainland orders above ₦500,000.
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