Repair guide

Phone Got Wet? What to Do Right Now

The first few minutes matter most. Here is what to do, what to avoid, and when to bring a wet iPhone or Android phone in for repair.

Get a Free Quote Call (980) 430-1213

By the Go Mobile repair team
Updated October 2026

Quick answer

If your phone gets wet, take it out of the water, turn it off, and do not charge it. Remove the case, wipe the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth, and gently tap it with the charging port facing down. Do not put it in rice or use a hair dryer or other heat. Liquid can cause corrosion inside the phone over the next few days, even if it seems to work, so have it checked by a repair shop as soon as you can. Go Mobile Charlotte NC offers water damage repair and data recovery with a free quote.

Step by step

What to do

Get it out and turn it offPower the phone off right away. Electricity plus liquid is what causes short circuits.
Do not charge itKeep it unplugged, even if it still seems to work. Charging a wet phone can damage the board and the port.
Remove the case and SIM trayTake off the case and any accessories so trapped water can escape.
Dry the outsideWipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth and gently tap it with the charging port facing down.
Leave it in a dry place with airflowSet it somewhere dry and cool. Skip the rice, the hair dryer and the oven.
Get it checked quicklyA technician can open the phone, clean off liquid and corrosion, and test it before damage spreads.

Good to know

What to avoid, and when to get help

Do not

Put it in rice. Rice does not dry the inside and can leave dust and starch in the ports.
Use a hair dryer, oven or other heat source.
Plug it in or test the charging port.
Push cotton swabs or paper towels into the ports.
Keep turning it on to check if it works.

Bring it in if

It got wet with salt water, pool water, soda or coffee
The screen flickers, shows lines or will not turn on
Speakers sound muffled or the microphone cuts out
It shows a liquid or moisture warning
It gets hot, will not charge or the battery drains fast

Need a hand?

Get a free quote at Go Mobile

Go Mobile Charlotte NC is at 5600 Albemarle Rd, Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28212, near Sharon Amity Rd and Central Ave. Walk-ins are welcome Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM.

Book a Repair Call (980) 430-1213

FAQ

Common questions

Does putting a wet phone in rice work?

No. Rice does not pull water out from inside the phone, and it can leave dust and starch in the ports. Apple also advises against it. Turn the phone off and get it checked instead.

Can water damage show up days later?

Yes. Liquid left inside the phone can cause corrosion over the next few days, even if the phone works at first. That is why a quick professional cleaning helps.

Is my water-resistant phone safe in water?

Water resistance is not waterproofing. It is tested in fresh water, it can wear down as the phone ages or gets dropped, and salt water, chlorine and sugary drinks are harder on a phone.

Can you recover data from a water-damaged phone?

Often, yes. Go Mobile offers data recovery for phones that will not turn on. Bring it in for a free quote.

Is water damage covered by warranty?

Manufacturer warranties usually do not cover liquid damage. Some insurance or protection plans do, so check your coverage. Go Mobile repairs come with a 90-day warranty.

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