ADVERTISEMENT
**Good Tips for Handling a Phone Stuck in Water: What to Do and What Not to Do**
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take when your phone is stuck in water and share some tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes.
### Step 1: **Act Quickly! Time is of the Essence**
1. **Turn Off the Phone**:
If your phone is still on after the water incident, power it down immediately. If it’s turned off already, don’t try to turn it on. This prevents electrical shorts, which can occur when power is running through wet components.
2. **Remove the Phone from Water**:
Get your phone out of the water as soon as possible. The longer it stays submerged, the more water it will absorb, which increases the chances of damaging internal parts like the battery or screen.
### Step 2: **Dry the Exterior**
1. **Wipe the Phone Down**:
Use a lint-free towel or cloth to gently blot the exterior of the phone. Avoid wiping, as this can push water into the device, especially around the buttons, ports, and screen edges.
### Step 3: **Dry the Internal Components (Optional)**
If you’re comfortable with disassembling your phone (or if it’s an old device), you can remove the battery to prevent any potential short circuiting. If you don’t feel confident doing this, it’s best to skip this step and leave it to the professionals.
Many people have heard the “rice trick”—placing the phone in a bowl of rice to absorb moisture—but there’s a better way:
1. **Use Silica Gel or a Desiccant Pack**:
Instead of rice, it’s more effective to use silica gel packets, which are designed to absorb moisture. You can find these packets in boxes of shoes, electronics, and other products. Seal your phone and the packets in an airtight bag or container for 24-48 hours. This method is much more effective than rice at absorbing moisture from the device.