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Emergency tips5 min read·August 2026

What to do when your phone gets wet

Don't panic. And please — don't put it in rice. Here's what to actually do in the first 30 minutes.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons people come to us in a panic. The good news is that acting quickly and correctly can make a real difference to whether your phone survives.

Step one: get it out of the water immediately and turn it off. Don't try to check if it still works — powering on a wet phone can cause short circuits.

Remove the case, SIM card, and any accessories. Gently pat the phone dry with a soft cloth. Don't shake it — that can push water further inside.

Now, about the rice myth. Rice does absorb moisture, but it's not particularly effective for phones, and the starch dust can actually cause further damage. A better option is silica gel packets (the little sachets you find in shoe boxes), or simply leaving the phone in a warm, dry place with good airflow.

Leave it for at least 24–48 hours before attempting to turn it on. If it doesn't power up, or you notice any unusual behaviour, bring it to us. Water damage is often repairable — but the sooner you act, the better the outcome.

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