What Really Happens When You Drop Your Phone in Water

Water damage is one of the most common phone issues, and unfortunately, one of the most misunderstood.

When a phone comes into contact with liquid, the damage doesn’t always happen instantly. The real problem is corrosion, which occurs over time when moisture remains inside the device. Even if your phone seems to work after drying, corrosion can slowly damage internal components days or weeks later.

A common myth is placing the phone in rice. While rice may absorb some surface moisture, it does not remove liquid trapped inside internal circuits. Using heat, such as a hair dryer, can actually push moisture deeper into the phone and worsen the damage.

The safest action is to turn the device off immediately and have it professionally inspected. Early cleaning and proper treatment significantly increase the chances of saving your phone and protecting your data.