Phone Got Wet? Here's Exactly What to Do (and What NOT to Do)

Whether it slipped into the sink, took a swim in the toilet, or got caught in a rainstorm — water and phones don't mix. But what you do in the first few minutes can make the difference between a full recovery and a dead device.

Step 1: Get It Out and Power It Off

The longer your phone sits in liquid, the worse it gets. Pull it out immediately and turn it off right away. Don't try to check if it still works — powering on a wet phone can short-circuit internal components.

Step 2: Remove What You Can

• Take off the case
• Remove the SIM card and tray
• If your phone has a removable battery, take it out
• Shake out any visible water gently (don't blow into ports)

Step 3: Pat It Dry

Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently dry the outside. Pay attention to the charging port, headphone jack, and speaker grills.

Step 4: Bring It to a Pro — Fast

The best thing you can do is get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. A professional can open the device, clean the internals, and assess the damage before corrosion sets in.

At iRepairThis, we charge a $60 flat rate for liquid damage cleanup, plus the cost of any parts that need replacing. We'll be honest about what we find — if it's not worth repairing, we'll tell you.

Can You Recover Data from a Water-Damaged Phone?

Sometimes, yes. If the phone won't turn on but the board isn't corroded, we can often recover photos, contacts, and files. Our data recovery service starts at $49.99.

The key factor: how long the phone sat wet before getting help. The sooner you bring it in, the better the odds.