Dropped your phone in water? What to do (and why not rice)

Steps

1. 1

   Take it out of the water straight away

   The less time it spends in liquid, the better its chances.

2. 2

   Switch it off if it's still on

   This reduces the risk of a short circuit while water is inside.

3. 3

   Remove the case and any accessories

   Take out the SIM tray only if you can do it easily, and dry it.

4. 4

   Dry the outside with a soft, lint-free cloth

   Gently tap the phone against your hand with the charging port facing down to let liquid drain out.

5. 5

   Leave it to air-dry

   Put it somewhere dry with good airflow. A phone can take up to a day to dry properly.

6. 6

   Wait before you charge it

   Apple advises waiting at least 30 minutes before charging an iPhone with a cable after you've dried it, and longer if it still shows a liquid warning. If you can, wait until the phone is completely dry.

Things to be careful about

• Don't put it in rice. Rice doesn't dry a phone faster, and small grains or dust can get into the ports.

• Don't use a hairdryer, radiator or oven. Heat can damage the battery and screen.

• Don't use compressed air. It can push water further inside.

• Don't poke anything into the ports,. Such as cotton buds or paper towel.

• Salt water, drinks or pool water are worse than tap water. They leave deposits behind, so it's worth getting the phone checked even if it seems fine.

If this happens, try this

• If your iPhone shows a "liquid detected" alert

  Unplug the cable and leave the phone to dry. Don't override the alert unless it's an emergency.

• If the phone works but the speaker sounds muffled

  Give it more time to dry. Sound often returns as the speaker dries out.

• If the screen has lines or patches after drying

  The display may have been damaged and may need replacing.

• If the phone won't turn on after a day of drying

  Don't keep trying to charge it. It needs a closer look.

Is my phone waterproof?

Many phones are water-resistant, not waterproof. Resistance wears down over time and after drops or repairs, and it doesn't cover liquid damage under most manufacturers' warranties. Treat every soaking as a risk.