Water damage is one of the most common ways that phones become broken. According to statistics, over 2 million smartphones are damaged by water each year in the US alone. If your phone gets wet, one of the first questions you’ll ask is “How long should I wait before charging my phone?”
Should you charge a water damaged phone right away?
It’s natural to want to plug in your phone and try charging it immediately after water exposure. However, experts strongly advise against charging a water damaged phone right away. Doing so can cause short circuits and completely fry the phone’s internal components.
When water gets inside your phone, it can cause electrical malfunctions by bridging connections that aren’t meant to be connected. These shorts can permanently damage the circuitry. Attempting to charge at this stage compounds the problem by sending electricity through already compromised connections.
How does water damage a phone?
Water is very conductive, which means electricity can pass through it easily. When water gets inside your phone, it can “bridge” connections between components that are not meant to touch, causing short circuits.
Some ways water exposure damages phones and electronics:
- Shorts out printed circuit boards
- Corrodes metallic components
- Interferes with on-off signals
- Triggers unwanted on/off switching
- Disrupts capacitance necessary for touch screens
Many of today’s smartphones have some level of water resistance. However, they are only designed to withstand fresh water splashes and brief submergence, not being soaked or immersed in other liquids.
Factors that influence water damage
Several key factors influence the type and severity of water damage to phones:
- Water temperature – Hot water can accelerate corrosion of metal components
- Salinity – Saltwater is more conductive than freshwater and causes more shorts
- Minerals – Minerals in tap water can leave conductive deposits
- Pollutants – Soaps, juices and other contaminants increase water conductivity
- Pressure – High pressure water jets push water further into devices
- Immersion time – Longer immersion means more water penetration into electronics
How long to wait before charging after water damage
Experts universally recommend waiting at least 48-72 hours before attempting to charge a water damaged phone. Here’s why you should wait:
- Allows moisture to fully evaporate from all components
- Reduces conductivity of any residual water/mineral deposits
- Allows corrosion to stabilize so shorts don’t worsen
- Gives any damaged areas time to dry out and solidify
- Prevents electricity from passing through weakened areas
Charging too soon risks further damage, while waiting 48-72 hours gives the phone its best chance of survivial with minimal damage.
Other guidelines for water damaged phones:
- Do not try to turn on or operate buttons right away
- Remove SIM card, memory card and other removable pieces
- Do not try drying phone in heat sources like ovens or dryers
- Allow phone to air dry thoroughly before charging
How to dry out a wet phone
Proper drying is crucial to reduce water damage after phone water exposure. Here are effective methods to dry a wet phone:
1. Absorb excess moisture
Use a microfiber cloth or soft towel to gently blot or wipe away any pooled or standing water. Try to absorb as much external moisture as possible.
2. Disassemble if possible
Take apart the phone to remove the battery, SIM card and other removable pieces. This allows better drying and reduces risk of shorts.
3. Air dry
Allow phone to sit in a dry location with good airflow at room temperature. Position device to allow moisture to drain out openings.
4. Use desiccant packs
Place phone in a sealable bag with desiccant packs to actively absorb moisture. Desiccant packs contain hygroscopic material that pulls in and traps ambient water vapor.
5. Try a dry box/chamber
Special dry boxes with desiccant materials can thoroughly dry out phones when used properly. Some models actively heat chambers to accelerate drying.
DIY methods to avoid
Some common DIY drying techniques can actually damage phones further. Avoid these methods:
- Microwave – can overheat and melt components
- Oven – dangerously high heat and uneven drying
- Hair dryer – can push water further into phone
- Vacuum desiccation – vacuum pressure can damage components
Air drying, desiccant packs and dry boxes are recommended over DIY heat drying methods.
Signs your phone suffered water damage
Watch for these common signs of water damage on your phone:
| Visual signs | Functional signs |
|---|---|
| Water droplets visible | Won’t power on |
| Condensation under screen | Display not responding |
| Corrosion around ports or buttons | Buttons not working |
| Mineral deposits from tap water | Speakers/microphone fail |
| Fogging inside camera | Charging port malfunction |
Severe water damage often requires professional repair or replacement. But phones with mild to moderate water exposure can often be revived with proper drying.
Professional phone water damage repair
For severe cases of water damage, professional phone repair is recommended. Experts use specialized tools and techniques to dry and restore water damaged phones.
Cleaning methods
Techs open up devices to clean out water deposits and corrosion, clean components with alcohol, and use compressed air to thoroughly dry interior spaces.
Component replacement
Damaged ports, connectors and microphones may need replacement. Techs can solder new components into place on the motherboard.
Ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic baths use high frequency vibrations to dislodge particles while cleaning delicate electronics.
Conformal coating
Reapplying protective conformal coating creates a water-resistant barrier and prevents future water damage.
Professional phone repair provides the best chance of saving a phone from extensive water damage. But costs can range from $100 to over $500 depending on damage level.
Water damage prevention tips
While no phone is 100% waterproof, you can take steps to reduce everyday water risks:
- Use a protective case designed to withstand water.
- Avoid exposing phone to water when charging.
- Don’t use phone while washing hands or leaving a steamy bathroom.
- Be cautious using phone outdoors during rain or snow.
- Avoid setting phone on sink edges close to water.
Practicing basic phone water safety helps minimize this common cause of smartphone damage.
Conclusion
If your phone gets wet, avoid the temptation to charge it right away. Allow 48-72 hours of thorough drying time before attempting to power on or charge a water damaged phone. Use desiccant drying kits or dry boxes if possible to actively pull moisture out of the device. Look for signs of water entry like condensation under the screen, foggy camera lens, or non-responsive buttons. Severe water damage requires professional phone repair for any chance of restoring your device. But many phones can recover fully after light water exposure if dried and handled properly. Just be sure to wait at least 2-3 days after getting wet before charging or powering up your phone.