When a smartphone encounters liquid, a common piece of advice is to place it in a bowl of rice, but this method is now discouraged by manufacturers like Apple. Apple warns that rice particles can damage the device. Instead, experts suggest using silica gel packets, typically found in product packaging, as a more effective drying agent. These should be placed in an airtight container with the phone.
If a phone gets wet, the recommended immediate steps include drying the exterior with an absorbent cloth, removing the SIM card and tray, and if possible, the battery. Turning the device off is also advised. For iPhones, Apple suggests tapping the phone gently with the connector ports facing down to help liquid drain. Samsung recommends using a cotton bud for earphone jacks and charging ports, though Apple advises against inserting cotton buds into iPhone openings.
For liquids other than water, such as drinks or seawater, Samsung suggests rinsing the phone with clean water to remove impurities that could accelerate corrosion. All companies agree that the device should then be left to air dry in a well-ventilated area, ideally with a fan, or at room temperature as Google suggests.
Methods to avoid include using a hair dryer, compressed air, putting the phone in a freezer, or placing it on a radiator or in a tumble dryer. While wireless charging might be an option in emergencies if the phone supports it, powering up or charging with a cable should be avoided until the device is confirmed dry.
Determining when a phone is completely dry is challenging, and it's best to wait several days. Samsung recommends bringing the device to a service center for inspection even after air-drying.
Most modern phones are water-resistant, meaning they can withstand certain amounts of liquid exposure for a limited time, but they are not waterproof. Newer iPhone and Samsung models have IP68 ratings, allowing submersion for up to 30 minutes at specific depths, and they may display warnings if liquid is detected in ports.