Dropping your phone in water is a heart-stopping moment. Whether it fell in the toilet, the sink, or got soaked in the rain, the next few minutes are critical. This guide from Protech Repair in Cheam tells you exactly what to do — and what to avoid — to give your phone the best chance of survival.
Quick Answer: What Should I Do If My Phone Gets Wet?
Remove your phone from water immediately, power it off straight away, do not charge it, do not press any buttons, do not use a hairdryer, and bring it to a professional repair shop as soon as possible. Time is critical — the faster you act, the higher the chance of saving your device.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Phone Gets Wet
1. Get It Out of the Water Immediately
Every second counts. The longer your phone is submerged or in contact with water, the deeper the liquid penetrates. Pick it up immediately.
2. Power It Off Right Away
If the phone is still on, turn it off immediately. Do not wait to see if it works first. Water and electricity together cause short circuits that can permanently damage the logic board. Pressing buttons on a wet phone forces water deeper into the device.
3. Remove the SIM Card and Any Accessories
Eject the SIM card tray and remove any cases, screen protectors, or accessories. This helps air circulate around the phone and allows it to dry faster.
4. Pat Dry With a Soft Cloth
Gently pat the outside of the phone dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Tilt the phone at different angles to encourage water to drain out of the ports. Do not rub vigorously as this can push water further in.
5. Do NOT Put It In Rice
The rice method is a popular myth. Rice does not draw moisture out of electronics effectively. It can introduce starch dust into the charging port and make things worse. Rice simply delays treatment — time that could be used getting a proper professional repair.
6. Do NOT Use a Hairdryer or Heat Source
Direct heat can warp the logic board, melt adhesive seals, and damage the battery. Never use a hairdryer, oven, or microwave to dry your phone. If you must use airflow, use a fan on cool setting only.
7. Bring It to Protech Repair in Cheam As Soon As Possible
The most important step. Protech Repair offers professional water damage treatment using ultrasonic cleaning and board-level diagnostics. The sooner you bring the phone in, the better the outcome. Even phones that appear dead after water damage can often be saved.
What Happens During Professional Water Damage Treatment?
At Protech Repair in Cheam, our water damage treatment includes a full teardown of the device, ultrasonic cleaning of the logic board to remove mineral deposits and corrosion, inspection and testing of all components, and reassembly with a full function test. This process significantly improves recovery chances compared to home remedies.
Is My Phone Waterproof?
Many modern iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones have an IP rating, which means they offer some resistance to water. However, IP ratings are tested under laboratory conditions. Saltwater, chlorinated water, and soapy water are more damaging than fresh water. Water resistance also degrades over time and after repairs. An IP rating is not a guarantee — water damage is still very common in “waterproof” phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a water damaged phone be repaired?
Yes, in many cases water damaged phones can be repaired. The key factors are how quickly the phone is brought in for treatment, what type of liquid caused the damage, and whether the logic board has suffered corrosion. Protech Repair in Cheam has a strong track record of recovering water damaged devices.
How much does water damage repair cost in Cheam?
Water damage treatment at Protech Repair in Cheam starts from £59. The exact cost depends on the extent of the damage. We offer a free initial diagnosis before quoting — you pay nothing if we cannot save your device.
How long does it take to fix a water damaged phone?
In most cases, water damage treatment is completed the same day. More severe cases involving heavy corrosion may require additional time. Our technicians will give you a realistic timeframe after the initial assessment.
What if my phone turns on after getting wet but then dies?
This is very common. A phone may appear to work initially after water contact but then fail over the following hours or days as corrosion develops on the logic board. If your phone got wet — even if it currently works — bring it in for a check to prevent longer-term damage.
Emergency Water Damage Repair in Cheam
Act fast and bring your water-damaged phone to Protech Repair at 3 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8TL. No appointment needed. Free diagnosis, no fix no fee. We serve Cheam, Worcester Park, Sutton, Epsom, Morden, Carshalton and all of South London.
Call: 020 3411 4022 | WhatsApp: +44 7543 637893
