Canary Camera and Water Damage: What to Do Next
Accidents happen. A Canary Pro gets knocked into a spill, or a Canary Flex is exposed to a torrential downpour. When electronics and water mix, the results are often disastrous, but quick action can sometimes save the device. This guide will explain what to do immediately after your Canary camera has been exposed to water to maximise its chances of survival.
Important: Understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof. The Canary Flex is weather-resistant, meaning it can handle rain and splashes. The indoor Canary Pro and Canary View have no water resistance at all. None of the models are waterproof, so they cannot be submerged in water.
## Step 1: Immediate Action - Cut the Power
This is the most critical step. If your Canary camera gets wet, electricity is its worst enemy, as it will cause short circuits on the internal components, leading to permanent damage.
- For Plugged-In Devices (Canary Pro, View, or plugged-in Flex): Immediately and safely unplug the device from the wall outlet. Do not touch the device or the plug if there is a lot of standing water. If necessary, turn off the power at the circuit breaker first.
- For Battery-Powered Canary Flex: If your Flex is running on battery, press and hold the power button on the back until it powers down completely.
Do NOT be tempted to power it on to "see if it still works." This is the fastest way to destroy it.
## Step 2: Dry the Exterior
Once all power is disconnected, you can begin the drying process.
- Use a soft, absorbent cloth (like a microfibre towel) to gently wipe down the entire exterior of the camera.
- If it's a Canary Flex, remove it from any magnetic base or stand to dry all surfaces.
- Pay special attention to seams, ports (like the USB charging port), and any openings. Gently dab these areas to wick away as much moisture as possible.
## Step 3: The Long Wait - Internal Drying
The water you can't see is the most dangerous. Even if the outside feels dry, moisture is trapped inside. You need to give it time to evaporate completely.
- Find a Dry, Ventilated Spot: Place the Canary in a warm, dry area with good air circulation.
- Use a Desiccant (Recommended): The most effective method is to place the camera in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag with several desiccant packets. Silica gel packets (the kind you find in new shoe boxes or with electronics) are excellent for this. They are designed to absorb moisture from the air.
- The Rice Method (Alternative): If you don't have silica gel, you can submerge the device in a bowl of uncooked, instant rice. While popular, this method is less effective than silica gel and can introduce dust into the device's ports.
- Be Patient: Leave the camera in the container with the desiccant or rice for at least 48 to 72 hours. Do not rush this process.
## Step 4: The Moment of Truth
After several days of drying, you can attempt to power the device back on.
- Inspect the charging port for any signs of corrosion (a green or white crusty build-up). If you see any, the chances of recovery are very low.
- If the port looks clean, plug it in and see if any indicator lights turn on.
- If it powers on, test all functions: video streaming, microphone, speaker, and night vision.
## Managing Expectations
It's important to be realistic. Water damage is very serious for complex electronics. Corrosion can begin to form on the circuit boards almost instantly. While these steps give you the best possible chance of saving your device, there is no guarantee of success. If the camera does not power on or functions erratically after drying, it has likely suffered permanent damage. In this case, your only option is to contact Canary support to discuss replacement options, as water damage is not typically covered by the warranty.