Water and phones don’t mix. Even models with water resistance can suffer from internal moisture, which accelerates battery wear and gradually reduces battery life.
If your phone got wet — rain, sink, excessive sweat, or steam — acting correctly in the first hours makes a difference. This checklist focuses on basics that beginner users can apply without tools.
1) Turn it off and avoid charging for a few hours
The instinct is to turn the device on to “see if everything is fine”. This is a common mistake.
- Turn off the phone as soon as possible. - Do not connect a charger, power bank, or USB cable. - Avoid wireless charging: the coil heats up and worsens oxidation.
Electric power + moisture increase the risk of short circuits in components connected to the battery. Even if the phone turns on, forcing its use can reduce maximum capacity in the following days.
How long should you wait before charging?
In everyday situations, wait at least 12 to 24 hours in a dry, ventilated environment. If there was immersion or visible water entry, ideally wait longer.
2) Dry the outside the right way (no heat)
Drying it improperly can be worse than not drying it at all.
- Use a dry cloth to remove water from the screen, sides, and back. - Remove the case, pop socket, and accessories that trap moisture. - Leave the device in a position that helps water drain out (charging port facing down).
Avoid hair dryers, ovens, direct sunlight, or placing it on a router. Excessive heat degrades the battery and can warp internal components.
3) Forget rice and focus on ventilation
Rice is popular, but it’s not the best everyday option.
- Grains do not effectively draw out internal moisture. - Dust and residue can get into the ports.
Prefer: - A dry environment with air circulation. - Silica gel (if available), placed near the device — without direct contact with the ports.
Less residual moisture means less abnormal energy consumption in the following days.
Warning signs that impact battery life
Even after drying, pay attention for a few days:
- Battery draining faster than normal. - Mild heating without heavy use. - Slower charging or charging interruptions.
These signs indicate internal moisture affecting circuits connected to the battery.
What not to do, even if it “works”
Some practices seem to help, but they come at a cost later:
- Turning the phone on repeatedly to test it. - Charging “just a little”. - Using heavy apps right after contact with water.
Preserving the battery often means knowing how to wait. In everyday use, these three simple precautions prevent silent loss of battery life and extend the phone’s lifespan.
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