Devices can unexpectedly end up in a puddle, a snowbank, or simply get soaked by rain. When moisture touches a phone, there are practical steps to rescue it. The guidance comes from a teacher in the Information Protection Department at RTU MIREA, who discussed the topic with socialbites.ca.
Modern smartphones often come equipped with moisture defense features. The strongest protection ratings are IP67 and IP68, meaning some models can survive complete immersion in water for a limited time. This level of resilience gives users a buffer, but it is not a guarantee. Most devices fall into a middle ground, handling light splashes or brief exposure to rain, yet a full submersion demands swift, careful action to prevent lasting damage. The goal is to preserve both function and data, especially when a phone is your primary link to work, banking, and daily life.
If a phone gets wet, the first step is to power it off and remove any case or cover. This helps air circulate and reduces the risk of trapped moisture causing a short when power is restored. Do not attempt to charge the device during the drying process. Next, wipe the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth and avoid aggressive rubbing that could push moisture into openings.
Keep the device out of heat sources like hair dryers or heaters. Gentle air movement helps, so place the phone in a dry room with a small amount of airflow, perhaps aided by a fan or air conditioner. Gently shake the device to encourage water to escape from charging ports and speakers, then remove the SIM card and memory card if possible. Allow the phone to remain in a dry environment for a full 24 hours, or longer if the device remains unresponsive, the expert advised.
After the drying period, power the device back on and test core functions such as the display, touch screen, speakers, microphone, camera, and vibration. If there are issues, consider a professional diagnostic at an authorized service center. A careful inspection can reveal internal moisture or corrosion that isn’t immediately obvious from a casual check.
Common home tricks, like placing a phone in rice, often fail. Rice can draw surface moisture, but it does not remove moisture settled inside the device and may even introduce dust or particles that cause corrosion or connector problems over time. A safe, time-tested approach focuses on controlled drying, clean ports, and professional verification when there are lingering symptoms.
A note about wearables: a smartwatch recently recovered after ending up at sea underscores that even water exposure does not always spell the end for a device. In that case, the team involved highlighted careful handling and appropriate recovery steps as key factors in restoring function. With wearables increasingly integrated into daily routines, protecting them from moisture remains a practical priority for users who rely on these devices for health tracking, notifications, and quick access to information.