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Blog · 19 October 2026
Dropped Your Phone in Water? What to Do Right Now
A phone in the sink, the toilet or the pool is a horrible moment, but what you do in the next few minutes matters more than how long it was under. Here is what Apple, Samsung and Google tell you to do, and where their advice differs.
Quick answer: take it out, unplug it, turn it off, wipe it, tap the water out with the port facing down and let it dry somewhere cool with airflow. Don't use heat, rice or anything poked into the ports, and don't charge it until it's completely dry: Apple says to wait at least 5 hours before using a cable.
In the first minute
- Get it out and unplug it. Apple says to unplug all cables from an iPhone that has been exposed to liquid.
- Turn it off. Samsung says to power a wet Galaxy off immediately so that electrical current doesn't interact with the water, and Google gives the same step for Pixel phones. Apple's guidance for iPhone 7 and later doesn't include this step.
- Take off the case and leave the SIM tray closed: Apple says to make sure the iPhone is dry before you open it. On older phones with a removable battery, Samsung says to take out the battery, SIM and memory card.
- Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Also read: How to Get Water Out of Your Phone Speaker: iPhone & Android
Salt water, a pool or a drink
Salt, chlorine and sugar leave residue behind when the water evaporates. If a liquid other than water splashes on an iPhone, Apple says to rinse the affected area with tap water, then wipe and dry it. Samsung warns that residue from salts, sugars or chemicals can speed up corrosion and says to rinse removable parts with clean water.
Drying it properly
- Tap the phone gently against your hand with the charging port facing down, as Apple suggests, to get the water out of the port.
- Leave it in a dry, cool place with some airflow. A fan blowing cool air into the port can help, Apple says.
- Give it time. Samsung says to let a Galaxy air dry for at least 24 to 48 hours; Google says to let a Pixel finish drying on a flat surface at room temperature.
What not to do
- No heat. Apple and Samsung both warn against drying a phone with heat: no hairdryer, oven, radiator or direct sun.
- No rice. Apple says not to put an iPhone in a bag of rice, because small rice particles could damage it.
- Nothing pushed into the port. Apple says not to insert a cotton swab or a paper towel into the connector. Samsung's steps mention a cotton swab for small openings; if you follow them, only dab gently at the surface.
- No charging yet. Charging or using accessories while it's wet might damage an iPhone, Apple says.
When can you charge it?
Apple says to allow at least 5 hours before charging with a cable or connecting an accessory, and to wipe the phone dry before placing it on a wireless charger. If the phone warns that there is liquid in the port, see what the liquid detected alert means.
If the sound is muffled afterwards
Water left in the speaker grille makes calls and music sound muffled until it evaporates. Lay the phone speaker side down on a lint-free cloth, as Apple suggests, or play our free water eject sound to help push the droplets out. The full method is in our guide to getting water out of a phone speaker.
When to get it checked
Samsung recommends having the phone inspected even if it seems to work after drying, because water can stay trapped inside and cause damage later. We'd get help sooner if it won't turn on, the screen shows fog or stripes, it gets warm, or the sound still crackles after a day.
Water resistance and warranty
Water-resistant isn't waterproof. Apple and Google both say water resistance can decrease with normal wear. Apple says liquid damage isn't covered under warranty, although you might have rights under consumer law, and Google says water damage isn't covered by the Pixel warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Should I turn off my phone if it fell in water?
Samsung and Google say yes: turn it off straight away. Apple's guidance for iPhone 7 and later focuses on unplugging and drying it and doesn't include this step.
Does putting a wet phone in rice work?
No. Apple advises against it because small rice particles could damage an iPhone. A dry place with some airflow, or a fan blowing cool air, is the better choice.
How long should a wet phone dry?
Apple says to wait at least 5 hours before charging an iPhone with a cable. Samsung suggests letting a Galaxy air dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Can I charge my phone after it got wet?
Not until it's completely dry. Apple says charging while wet might damage an iPhone; a wireless charger is an option once the phone is wiped dry.
My phone works after falling in water. Is it fine?
Possibly, but Samsung recommends an inspection anyway, because water can stay trapped inside and cause damage later.
Does the warranty cover water damage?
Usually not. Apple and Google both say liquid or water damage isn't covered by their warranty, although consumer law may still give you rights.
This guide summarises the manufacturers' published advice. For your model, follow its manual or the maker's support site.
Sources
- Apple Support: About splash, water and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later
- Apple Support: If you see a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone
- Samsung: What to do if your Galaxy phone gets wet
- Google Pixel Help: Help prevent water damage to your Pixel phone