Your Samsung Phone and Water: A Guide to First Aid
It's a moment of pure panic: your expensive Samsung smartphone slips from your grasp and plunges into water. Whether it's a swimming pool, the kitchen sink, or worse, the toilet, the immediate moments after are critical and can determine whether your device can be saved. Many people's first instinct is to try a number of common 'fixes' that, unfortunately, can do more harm than good.
This guide will provide you with a clear, factual, and safe set of steps to follow if your Samsung phone has suffered water damage. We'll also debunk some persistent myths (like the infamous 'bag of rice' trick) and explain what the IP ratings on your device really mean. Acting quickly and correctly is your best chance of minimising the damage.
The First, Most Critical Steps to Take
Do not underestimate the importance of these initial actions. What you do in the first few minutes can make all the difference.
### 1. Power It Down Immediately
This is the single most important step. If the phone is still on, turn it off now. Do not wake the screen to check if it's working. Water and electricity are a disastrous combination. An active electrical current running through wet circuitry is what causes short circuits, leading to permanent component damage.
### 2. Do Not Plug It In
Under no circumstances should you attempt to charge the phone. Plugging it in sends a powerful electrical current into the device, which will almost certainly cause irreversible damage to a wet motherboard.
### 3. Remove Everything You Can
- SIM Card and Tray: Eject the SIM tray to allow air to get inside the device.
- MicroSD Card: If you have one, remove it immediately.
- Case/Cover: Take off any protective case to prevent it from trapping moisture.
### 4. Gently Dry the Exterior
Use a soft, lint-free cloth (a microfibre cloth is ideal) to gently pat the outside of the phone dry. Pay attention to the ports, buttons, and seams. Do not use paper towels, as they can shred and leave particles behind.
The Drying Process: Dos and Don'ts
Now that you've performed the initial first aid, it's time to let the device dry. Patience is key here.
### What You SHOULD Do:
- Air Dry: Place the phone in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can stand it up on its side, with the charging port facing down, to encourage any water to drain out.
- Use a Fan: Positioning the phone in front of a cool fan can help to circulate air and speed up the evaporation process.
- Silica Gel: If you have them, silica gel packets (the kind found in new shoe boxes or packaging) are excellent at absorbing moisture. Place the phone in an airtight container with several of these packets.
### What You SHOULD NOT Do:
- Do Not Use Rice: This is the most common myth, but it is ineffective and potentially harmful. Rice dust, starch, and small grains can get lodged in the charging port and headphone jack, causing new problems. Rice is simply not an effective desiccant for this purpose.
- Do Not Use Heat: Never use a hairdryer, oven, radiator, or microwave to dry your phone. Excessive heat can damage the delicate internal components, melt adhesives, and warp the screen.
- Do Not Shake the Phone: Shaking the device can spread the water further inside, pushing it into components that might have otherwise remained dry.
Assessing the Damage and Next Steps
After you have let the phone dry for at least 48 hours, you can attempt to turn it on. If it powers on and functions normally, you may have been lucky. However, be vigilant for any strange behaviour in the coming days, as corrosion can be a slow process.
If the phone does not turn on or exhibits problems (e.g., a flickering screen, non-functional speakers), the internal components have likely been damaged. At this point, your best option is to take it to a qualified repair professional. They can open the device, properly clean any corrosion, and assess which components need replacing. Be aware that water damage is typically not covered under standard manufacturer warranties.