What to Do If You Drop
Your Phone in Water

Water damage is one of the most common phone repair issues we see at Mobex. Whether it's a toilet drop, a spilled drink, or a tumble into a puddle — the panic is real and the clock is ticking. Here's exactly what to do.

Immediate Steps: What to Do Right Now

• 1
  Get it out of the water immediately The longer it's submerged, the worse the damage. Even IP-rated "waterproof" phones should be removed from water as fast as possible — their seals aren't permanent.
• 2
  Power it off immediately If the phone is still on, turn it off now. Don't try to check if it's working or take photos first. Running electricity through wet components causes short circuits that destroy the motherboard.
• 3
  Remove the case, SIM card, and (if possible) the battery Pop out the SIM tray and remove any protective case. If you have an older phone with a removable back, take out the battery — this kills the power circuit instantly. Modern phones (iPhone, most Samsung) don't have removable batteries, so just power off and leave it.
• 4
  Gently shake out excess water Hold the phone with the ports facing down and gently shake or tap to dislodge water from the charging port, speaker grilles, and headphone jack. Don't blow into the ports — your breath contains moisture.
• 5
  Pat dry with a soft cloth — then leave it Dab the exterior gently with a dry, lint-free cloth. Get into the crevices around the port and buttons as best you can. Don't rub vigorously or use kitchen roll, which can leave fibres inside.
• 6
  Bring it to a repair shop as soon as possible Professional ultrasonic cleaning removes corrosion and mineral deposits from the logic board far more effectively than anything you can do at home. The sooner it's in for a clean, the higher the recovery rate.

What NOT to Do

The Rice Myth: Why It Doesn't Work

The "put it in rice" advice has been circulating since the early 2000s and it simply doesn't work — not in the way people think. Rice does absorb ambient humidity, but it can't draw moisture out of the internal components of a sealed smartphone. Worse, waiting 24–48 hours while rice "does its thing" gives corrosion time to spread across the logic board.

A 2023 study by a major phone manufacturer confirmed that uncooked rice was one of the least effective drying methods tested. Silica gel packets (the small packs you find in shoeboxes) are marginally better, but still don't address internal corrosion.

The only effective treatment for water-damaged internals is professional ultrasonic cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, which dissolves mineral deposits before they corrode the board.

Does My "Waterproof" Phone Need Repair?

Many modern phones carry IP67 or IP68 ratings — iPhones from the XR onwards, Samsung Galaxy S-series, and many flagships. These ratings indicate resistance to water ingress up to a certain depth and duration (e.g., IP68 = 1.5m for 30 minutes).

However, there are important caveats:

• IP ratings are tested in fresh water — seawater, chlorinated pool water, and drinks all cause faster corrosion.
• The seals degrade over time. A 3-year-old phone has less effective water resistance than a new one.
• Cracked screens and previous repairs compromise sealing even if it's not obvious.
• Manufacturer warranties don't cover water damage even on IP-rated phones — Apple and Samsung explicitly exclude it.

If your "waterproof" phone behaved oddly, shut down, or got wet in anything other than fresh tap water, bring it in for a check. Catching early corrosion before it spreads is far cheaper than a full board repair.

What Does the Repair Involve?

At Mobex, water damage recovery involves opening the device, assessing which components have been affected, and performing an ultrasonic clean of the logic board using IPA (isopropyl alcohol). This removes mineral deposits and oxidation that cause short circuits and component failure.

After cleaning, we test all functions: screen, touch, cameras, speakers, microphone, charging, and cellular. If any components have been damaged by corrosion, we'll advise you on what's needed and the cost before doing anything further.

Recovery rate is high when treated quickly — phones brought in within a few hours have a much better outcome than those that have been sitting for days. There are no guarantees with water damage, but early intervention gives the best chance.