Mobile phone dropped into the water: This is how the rescue works

If your iPhone or other cell phone has fallen into the water, it is worthwhile to act quickly. With our tips, you may be able to save your cell phone. In this practical tip, we explain what you have to do.

Mobile phone dropped into water - what to do?

If your cell phone has fallen into the water, you should immediately implement the following points.

1. If your device is still switched on, switch it off immediately. Now open the back cover and - if possible - remove the battery, the memory card and the SIM card. Place them on a dry cloth.
2. Carefully dry any visible water on the back of the phone with a cloth. Take a bag of rice (uncooked and dried) and carefully put your phone in it. Close the bag and leave it like this for a day or two. The rice absorbs the moisture. Of course you can also use silica gel.
3. If you have waited for the time, you can test whether your cell phone is working again. There are cases where the owners are already happy about your saved smartphone, but such water damage can have a negative effect months later.

iPhone dropped into the water

If your iPhone has fallen into the water, you should also react quickly:

1. Take the iPhone out of the water source as quickly as possible and switch it off if necessary. If the iPhone is connected to a charging cable and a socket, make sure that you do not come into contact with the water. This can result in an electric shock.
2. Dry your phone from water by gently dabbing it with a dry cloth. If necessary, take it out of the case, but do not switch it on again immediately. This can damage the battery.
3. Put your iPhone in an airtight bag of rice and leave it there for at least 48 hours. After removing it, you can check if you could save your phone.
4. Apple does not guarantee water damage with its smartphones. In the warranty conditions you will find a section that mainly excludes water damage. Chlorinated water or salted sea water is excluded, but clear fresh water is not.

You can go wrong

Unfortunately, you can do a lot wrong in the heat of your rescue attempt. Here are some things you shouldn't do:

• Do not dry your smartphone or individual parts with a hair dryer, heater or similar and protect it from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can destroy the device or only distribute the water even more in the hardware.
• Do not leave your cell phone on, otherwise you risk a short circuit.
• While the methods mentioned can work, there is no guarantee that they will. If you want to be on the safe side, take your smartphone with you to an expert and have it checked there.
• Caution is better than forbearance - this saying can also be used on this topic. As a precaution, you can take out a cell phone insurance that covers water damage. So you are on the safe side in the event that your cell phone ends up in the water and can no longer be repaired.