A moment of inattention while frolicking on the beach or during a river ride and disaster strikes: a mobile phone, smart watch, or even a backpack with a tablet goes into the water. But if you react quickly and correctly, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. How to save "drowned" electronics?
What is the chance of saving wet electronics and what determines it?
If you don't make unnecessary mistakes and act as soon as possible, you have a good chance of saving your drowned mobile phone or other electronics.
In addition to quick reaction and the correct procedure for "first aid," it is also important what liquid your electronics fall into.
One of the biggest enemies is seawater, as it contains many minerals and salts that increase electrical conductivity, and after drying, small salt crystals can remain inside.
Sweet liquids (e.g., sweetened drinks) are also problematic because sticky deposits can form in the electronics after drying.
Act quickly even when soaked in chlorinated pool water.
How to proceed step-by-step when electronics are submerged
When your device falls into water, every second literally counts, as does avoiding unnecessary mistakes. If you want to increase the chance of recovery, we recommend proceeding as follows:
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Remove the electronics from the water as quickly as possible.
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If the device is on, turn it off.
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If any accessories (e.g., charger) are attached to the electronics, disconnect them immediately.
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If the device's design allows it, remove the battery.
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If it's a phone, remove the SIM card, and possibly the memory card.
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Thoroughly wipe the surface of the device with a damp cloth.
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Let the electronics dry completely (place them in a dry and well-ventilated area, ideally at room temperature).
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Wait at least 24–48 hours for the device to dry thoroughly. Do not turn it on before then.
TIP: If your phone is submerged, also let all water drain from the connectors. These openings are where most liquid enters the device.
Which common mistakes to watch out for
Immersion in water alone is stressful for electronics, but if you make a few additional mistakes, it can have irreversible consequences. What should you primarily avoid?
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Do not use the device during the drying process and keep it turned off.
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Do not charge the electronics while drying.
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Do not use a hairdryer or other hot air for drying, as this could damage the electronics.
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Do not rely on placing the electronics in a bowl of rice (explanation below).
INTERESTING FACT: For a long time, there has been a myth circulating online that your drowned electronics can be saved if you immerse them in a bowl full of rice. However, this simple advice does not work. While rice can absorb some moisture from the air, it does not remove water from the places where it causes the most damage (i.e., inside the electronics).
How to tell if electronics are not okay and need servicing
Sometimes even a quick intervention is not enough, and only professional device servicing will help.
Typical signs of malfunction include spontaneous electronic restarts, charging problems, a non-functional speaker, or overheating and camera fogging.
We also recommend seeking service assistance if the device has been underwater for a longer period (e.g., 30 seconds or more).
Similarly, do not delay sending for repair if the electronics fall into salty, sweet, or chlorinated liquid. As we mentioned above, this trio can cause a lot of trouble.
Thanks to FIXED gadgets, you will avoid device submersion and repairs
The best rescue is one that doesn't have to happen. If you know you'll be near water (by the sea or lake, with friends on the water, or at a festival where it might rain), it's a good idea to prepare your electronics in advance for potential risks.
At FIXED, we have several gadgets that will keep your phone, watch, and other devices dry at all times.
For example, waterproof cases such as FIXED Float and FIXED Float Max with IPX8 certification protect the phone from water while allowing its comfortable use even through the transparent film. Thanks to the floating design, the phone does not sink to the bottom if it falls into the water.
For storing other valuables, you'll find the FIXED Float Twin with two separate pockets useful.
Do you carry more equipment to the water? Check out the waterproof bags FIXED Float Bag or FIXED Dry Bag, which protect electronics, documents, and personal belongings from rain, splashing water, or humidity.
TIP: For travel, water sports, or excursions, we also recommend the FIXED Dry Belt. It's a waterproof waist pouch with IPX8 certification. Your phone and other small items will be close at hand and safe. The FIXED Dry Tab case is perfect for a tablet.
What about mobile phone water resistance?
In the specifications of some smartphones, you will find information that they are water-resistant and have IP67 or IP68 certification. However, this does not mean that you can safely throw your phone into the water.
This water resistance most often applies to clean freshwater and under laboratory conditions (i.e., it does not apply to seawater, hot water, or, for example, pool water).
Furthermore, the phone's seals wear out over time, so always do your best to prevent the device from coming into contact with liquids.
We keep our fingers crossed that you won't have to deal with any drowned smartphones or other electronics.
