Mobile PhonesPublished: Jan 4, 2026, 12:15 PMUpdated: Jan 4, 2026, 12:16 PM

Phone got wet? Best practices against water and moisture that protect the battery

What to do (and what not to do) after the device gets wet — 3 habits that make a difference in daily use

Cover illustration: Phone got wet? Best practices against water and moisture that protect the battery (Mobile phones)
By Bruno Almeida

Spilled water, got caught in heavy rain, or used your phone in a humid environment? Even devices with splash protection can suffer invisible effects, especially on the battery.

The good news is that some everyday practices make a real difference. Below, see what to prioritize right after the device gets wet — and what to avoid — with a focus on preserving battery autonomy and health.

Understand why water and moisture affect the battery

The battery is sensitive to short circuits, corrosion, and temperature variations. Moisture can enter through ports, micro-gaps, and even the speaker, reaching connectors and charging circuits.

Over time, this can cause:

- Faster battery drain - Heating during use or charging - Inaccurate percentage readings

Habit 1: Turn off and dry properly (without rushing)

If the phone really got wet, turning it off reduces the risk of short circuits. Next, proper drying is essential to avoid progressive damage to the battery.

Immediate best practices:

- Remove cases and accessories - Dry the exterior with a soft, absorbent cloth - Leave the device in a ventilated, shaded place

Avoid speeding up the process with heat. High temperatures harm battery chemistry and can deform internal components.

What NOT to do: heat, rice, and “miracle solutions”

Some popular methods seem helpful but can make the situation worse — especially for the battery.

Avoid:

- Hair dryers, ovens, or direct sunlight - Putting the phone in rice (dust can enter the ports) - Chemical products or sprays

These practices can push moisture deeper into the device or cause overheating, affecting autonomy in the medium term.

Habit 2: Wait before charging — it makes a difference

Plugging in the charger while moisture is present is one of the most common mistakes. Even small droplets can cause oxidation on charging contacts.

How to act:

- Wait a few hours before charging - If possible, use light to check the charging port - Prefer charging only when you are sure it is dry

This simple care helps maintain charging efficiency and prevents gradual loss of battery capacity.

Habit 3: Monitor autonomy in the following days

After a moisture incident, it’s worth monitoring battery behavior. Subtle changes may indicate residual moisture or early oxidation.

Watch for signs such as:

- Battery life dropping outside the usual pattern - Mild heating without heavy use - Slower charging than normal

If these symptoms persist, reducing heavy use and avoiding fast charging for a few days can help stabilize the system.

Everyday protection: prevention that preserves charge

More than reacting to accidents, prevention is the path to maintaining autonomy over time.

Some useful precautions:

- Use cases with basic splash sealing - Avoid using the phone in the bathroom during showers - Do not leave the device in stuffy, humid environments

These habits reduce continuous exposure to moisture, a silent factor that directly impacts battery health.

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