Water-resistant phones are everywhere now, but let’s be honest, they’re not completely immune to water damage. Even a brief dip in a puddle or an accidental spill can leave your phone acting up or, worse, completely unresponsive. In fact, studies show that around 1 in 4 people have damaged their smartphone with water or another liquid.
If you’ve accidentally dropped your phone in the sink, spilt a drink on it, or even been caught in the rain, you might notice muffled audio, fog in the camera lens, liquid under the screen, charging issues, or corrosion developing inside. So what now? Is your phone finished, or can it be saved?
In this article, we’ll explain how to fix a water damaged phone, what steps you can take at home, and when it’s time to hand it over to the professionals. If your phone has suffered water exposure, read on, this guide could save your device.
Can A Water Damaged Phone Be Repaired?
Yes, in most cases, water damaged phone repair is absolutely possible. While water-resistance has improved in newer smartphones, a full submersion or spill can still cause serious problems.
Apple and other big brands often exclude water damage from their warranties, meaning a repair through them could cost a small fortune. That’s where we come in. At Imfixed, we offer affordable and expert liquid damage phone repairs, giving your device a second chance without the high cost.
If you own an iPhone made after 2006, you’ll find a Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) in the SIM card tray. It turns red if your device has come into contact with water. If that’s the case, it’s time to act fast.
What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage?
If your phone has been exposed to liquid, follow these steps straight away:
- Remove it from the water instantly.
- Turn it off and keep it off.
- Take off the case and remove the SIM card.
- Dry the phone gently using a soft cloth – never rub it.
- Avoid shaking, heating, or blowing on the device.
- Place it in a sealed bag of silica gel (avoid rice – we’ll explain why below).
- Leave it off and untouched for at least 48 hours.
You may have heard about using uncooked rice to dry out your phone, it’s popular advice, but not ideal. Rice can leave dust and starch behind, which might damage ports or get lodged inside. Silica gel packs are a far better choice and are readily available online.
How To Tell If Your Phone Is Water Damaged
There are several indicators that suggest liquid exposure:
- Moisture or fog under the screen.
- Corrosion around the charging port or SIM tray.
- A red Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) near the headphone jack or SIM tray.
- Distorted sound from speakers or microphone.
- Issues with charging or unresponsive touchscreen.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to stop using the phone immediately and begin the drying process.
How To Remove Water From Specific Parts
Charging Port:
- Power off the phone.
- Remove the case.
- Use a soft cloth to dry.
- Let it air out naturally with the port facing downward.
- Use compressed air carefully if needed.
Speakers:
- Dab gently with a cotton swab.
- Keep the phone upright with the speakers facing down.
- Allow 48 hours for drying.
Note: Avoid using a hairdryer or placing your phone near heat sources like radiators, this can damage the internal components.
How To Dry Out A Water Damaged Phone
Method 1: Silica Gel Packs
- Place your device in an airtight container filled with silica gel for 48 hours.
- It’s more effective than rice and safer for your phone.
Method 2: Emergency Liquid Rescue Kits
- Available online, these kits claim to neutralise minerals in the water.
- Your phone is placed in the solution for a few minutes, then left to dry for 24 hours.
Method 3: Compressed Air
- Gently blow compressed air into the ports to push out water.
- Do not blow air with your mouth, this adds more moisture.
Method 4: Vacuum
- A small vacuum nozzle can help suck out trapped moisture if used cautiously.
Even if your phone powers back on after drying, be vigilant. Corrosion can develop over time and may cause performance issues later.
When Should I Visit A Professional?
If your phone doesn’t turn on after a full charge, or if key features like sound, camera, or touch are failing, it’s time to bring it to the experts.
At Imfixed, we provide professional water damage repair with a free diagnostic. Our experienced technicians will assess the extent of the damage and offer you an affordable solution, no hidden charges.
We never recommend jumping straight to a new device. In many cases, your phone can be repaired for a fraction of the cost.
Check our water-damaged phone repair services to find your model and book your repair today.
What Does Water-Damaged Phone Repair Cost?
Big brands like Apple and Samsung charge premium prices for liquid damage repair. At Imfixed, our repairs are both cost-effective and transparent.
You can use our website to select your phone brand, model, and issue, and we’ll provide you with a clear price – no surprises. We also offer a price match promise, so if another UK repair service offers a lower price, we’ll match it.
All of our work comes with a 12-month warranty, giving you peace of mind.
Trust Imfixed For Your Water-Damaged Phone Repair
Whether it’s rain, spills, or full submersion, liquid damage doesn’t mean the end of your phone. At Imfixed, we’ve seen it all – and we’ve fixed it all.
You can:
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Book online for postal repair across the UK.
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Visit our Bolton shop.
- Or request a pick-up and drop-off service within Greater Manchester.
Don’t delay, moisture can corrode internal components over time. Let Imfixed handle it professionally.
Call us on 01204 520520 or email info@imfixed.co.uk. We’re always here to help.
