Lifestyle Hack: How to Save Your Wet Smartphone if Putting in Rice Is Not Effective

Our phones often go with us on trips to the beach or out on boats. Protecting them from water is tricky.

Asurion's 2023 data shows more phones get damaged by water between June and August than any other season. So, how do you keep your phone safe from water? In some cases, putting it in a sack of rice won't solve your problem.

Use a Waterproof Pouch

Experts usually suggest using waterproof pouches to guard phones from water. Even though lots of newer phones say they're water-resistant, this only works for a short time or certain depths.

Waterproof pouches from trusted brands like CaliCase or JOTO provide extra safety and help the phone stay on the water's surface.

Water Damage Risks

Ever dropped your phone in the sink or spilled water on it? You're not alone. Studies show that 25% of phone owners deal with water damage. What happens when your phone gets wet? The Guardian might have some answers you have been searching for.

• Blurry photos because moisture gets in the camera
• Muffled or no sound
• Water visible under the screen
• Trouble charging
• Rusting parts inside
• In some cases, the phone stops working

The Misconception of Water Resistance

Phones like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy often get advertised as water-resistant. But this does not mean they are waterproof.

What does water resistance mean? The phone might survive small water exposure without harm. However, phone makers usually test their devices in clean water. They don't test in ocean or pool water, which can damage the inside of the phone.

Knowing IP Ratings

Many phones get rated with an IP code. This code shows how well they resist things like dust and liquids. Modern smartphones often have an IP68 rating. This means full protection from dust and strong water resistance.

But, not all phones are the same. The iPhone 12 survives in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Samsung Galaxy S21 stays safe at 1.5 meters for the same time.

Even IP68 might not save your phone in salty ocean water or a pool with chlorine. Testing usually doesn't cover those conditions.

How to Spot Liquid Damage

Brands like Apple and Samsung put a liquid contact strip inside the SIM card slot. The strip changes color if your phone has touched water. This often causes a loss of warranty.

Many phones also notice moisture in the charging spot. They warn users, saying not to charge until the phone dries.

How to Fix a Wet Phone

If you're phone got wet, here's what you need to do.

1. Turn it off right away. Don't push any buttons.
2. If you drop it in something dirty, rinse it in still water to clean it. Don't put it under running water as that could cause more harm.
3. Pat the phone dry using a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Gently shake to get water out of the charging port. Don't shake too hard or liquid might move inside.
5. Take out the SIM card.
6. Blow air into the ports using a compressed air duster. Heat should be avoided. It might hurt the seals and screen.
7. Put the phone in front of a fan until dry.
8. To really get all the moisture out, place it in a container with silica gel or something else that absorbs water.
9. Wait at least five hours before charging the phone again.

Still not working? Don't try to open it by yourself. Maybe go to a technician instead.