What To Do If I Drop My Phone In Water?

Accidents happen, and dropping your phone in water can be a stressful experience. Whether it slips into the sink, toilet, pool, or even gets soaked in the rain, your response in the first few minutes is crucial. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving your device from serious damage.

Turn It Off Immediately

The first and most important step is to power your phone off right away. Do not try to use it or check if it still works—doing so can cause a short circuit and worsen internal damage. If your phone is already off when retrieved, leave it off.

Remove Accessories and Dry the Surface

Take off any case, pop out the SIM card, and remove any attached accessories like chargers or headphones. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the outside of the phone. Pay extra attention to the charging port, buttons, and speaker holes.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Many people think using heat or placing the phone in rice will fix the problem. Don’t use a hairdryer, microwave, or oven—extreme heat can warp internal components. As for rice, it doesn’t actually remove moisture effectively and can introduce dust into the phone. These methods often do more harm than good.

Leave It to Dry—But Not Too Long

While letting your phone air dry is better than using rice, it’s not a guaranteed fix. Placing the device in a breathable area with indirect airflow (like near a fan) can help. However, the longer you wait to get it checked by a professional, the more corrosion can set in.

Visit a Professional Phone Repair Service

Water damage isn’t always visible from the outside. Even if your phone turns back on, hidden moisture can lead to long-term issues like battery failure, touch screen glitches, or motherboard corrosion. At Phone MD, we use diagnostic tools to assess internal damage and provide same-day repair service for most water-damaged devices. Our team will clean and dry the internal components safely and recommend repairs only when necessary.

What We Do at Phone MD

Once you bring your phone to our Waco location, we’ll start with a full inspection. Using professional-grade drying chambers and corrosion-removal solutions, we ensure that no moisture is left behind. In many cases, we can save your data and restore full functionality. If a component is damaged—like the screen, battery, or motherboard—we’ll give you a clear, upfront quote before moving forward.

Prevention Tips for the Future

While not all accidents are avoidable, there are ways to reduce the risk of water damage. Consider investing in a waterproof phone case if you spend time around pools, lakes, or in the rain. Avoid using your phone in the bathroom or near sinks, and never charge a wet phone. For added protection, back up your data regularly in case your phone can't be recovered.

Why Choose Phone MD

As a locally owned business in Waco, we care about our customers and stand behind our work. We’ve helped thousands of Texans rescue their phones from water damage, and we’re ready to help you too. Our repair services are fast, affordable, and backed by warranty for peace of mind.

Conclusion

If you've dropped your phone in water, don't panic—just act quickly and bring it to Phone MD. Contact us today or stop by our Waco location to get expert help and get your phone back in working order fast.