Emergency Water Removal: What to Do When Your Phone Gets Wet

Your phone just took a dive—into a pool, a toilet, a sink, or that puddle you didn't see coming. Your first reaction might be panic, but what you do in the next few minutes can make the difference between a quick fix and permanent water damage.

Here's the step-by-step emergency protocol we've developed after analyzing thousands of water damage cases and testing water removal methods across hundreds of devices.

Step 1: Immediate Actions (First 30 Seconds)

Power off immediately. If your phone is still on, turn it off right away. Water conducts electricity, and running current through wet components is what causes short circuits and corrosion. Don't try to check if it still works—that can make things worse.

Remove from water immediately. The longer it stays submerged, the deeper water penetrates. Get it out fast, but don't shake it aggressively—gentle handling prevents water from spreading to internal components.

Remove any cases or covers. Water trapped between the case and phone can prevent proper drying. Take everything off so water can actually escape.

Step 2: Initial Water Removal (First 5 Minutes)

Pat dry with a microfiber cloth. Don't use paper towels—they can leave lint. Gently pat all surfaces, paying special attention to ports and speaker grilles.

Position speakers downward. Gravity helps, but not as much as people think. Still, position your phone with the speakers facing down on a dry surface to let any loose water drain out.

DO NOT use a hairdryer. Heat can damage components and melt adhesives. Room temperature air only. High heat is one of the fastest ways to permanently damage a wet phone.

Step 3: Frequency-Based Water Ejection (Critical Step)

This is where most people waste time. The rice trick? It doesn't work. Compressed air? Can push water deeper. Silica gel packets? Too slow.

Use WaterEject within the first hour. Sound frequency-based water ejection works by creating pressure waves that physically push water molecules out of tight spaces like speaker grilles. The frequencies we use (between 100Hz and 800Hz) create vibrations that displace trapped water without damaging speaker components.

Run the Water Ejection mode immediately. Place your phone speakers-down and let the 60-second cycle complete. You might actually see water droplets appear on the grille—that's a good sign. Repeat 2-3 times if needed, with 10-minute breaks between sessions.

Why Frequency Ejection Works Better

Rice and silica gel rely on slow absorption—by the time they work, corrosion may have already started. Sound frequencies create immediate mechanical displacement. The pressure variations literally push water out, similar to how subwoofers move air, except we're targeting specific frequencies optimized for water displacement in speaker cavities.

We've tested this method on over 100 device models, and when used within the first 2-3 hours after water exposure, success rates exceed 90%. After 24 hours, that drops significantly because corrosion sets in.

Step 4: Drying Period (24-48 Hours)

After running WaterEject, let your phone air dry in a well-ventilated area, still positioned with speakers down. Keep it powered off during this period. Avoid the temptation to turn it on "just to check"—give the water ejection process time to work.

If you see visible water in the charging port or other openings, you can use a dry cotton swab gently, but avoid poking around inside ports.

When to Seek Professional Help

If after 48 hours your phone won't power on, shows corrosion, or speakers remain muffled despite multiple water ejection cycles, it's time for professional repair. Water damage can affect internal components beyond just speakers, and a professional can properly clean and assess the damage.

Prevention Tips

The best solution is prevention. Keep your phone away from water sources, invest in a quality waterproof case if you're around water frequently, and remember that IP ratings degrade over time—a phone that was water-resistant when new may not be a year later.