Android Water Damage Repair UK: What To Do & Recovery Guide 2026

Phone dropped in water? The next few hours are critical. Here's what to do immediately, what NOT to do (rice doesn't work), and your realistic recovery chances for Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones. For complete Samsung repair options including screens and batteries, see our Samsung repair guide.

Did You Know?

Our Android Water Damage Recovery Results (2025)

• • 156 water-damaged Androids treated - all brands
• • Overall recovery rate: 68% full functionality restored
• • Within 24 hours: 79% recovery rate
• • After 48+ hours: 47% recovery rate (corrosion sets in)
• • IP68 phones still fail: 34% of water damage cases had IP rating
• • Data recovery: 91% successful even when phone couldn't be saved

Data from celltech repair logs, January-December 2025

Time Is Critical

Water damage worsens every hour. The faster you act, the better your chances of recovery. Don't wait to see if it "dries out"—get professional help within 24-48 hours.

What To Do Immediately

1. Remove from water immediately
2. Power off the phone (don't try to turn it on to check)
3. Remove SIM and SD cards if possible
4. Shake gently with ports facing down to remove excess water
5. Pat dry with absorbent cloth
6. Don't charge until fully dried or checked professionally

What NOT To Do

• Don't use rice: Ineffective and dust/starch can cause more damage
• Don't use a hairdryer: Heat can damage components
• Don't put in oven or microwave: Obvious but people try it
• Don't shake vigorously: Can spread water to dry areas
• Don't try to charge: Can short circuit wet components
• Don't press buttons repeatedly: Can push water deeper

The Rice Myth

Studies show rice is no better than leaving a phone in open air. Silica gel packets are slightly better, but professional ultrasonic cleaning is the only reliable solution for significant water exposure.

Understanding IP Ratings

Many modern Androids have water resistance, but there are limitations:

What IP Ratings Don't Cover

• Salt water (beach, sea)
• Chlorinated water (pools)
• Hot water (bath, hot tub)
• Soapy water (washing up)
• Pressurised water (showers, jets)
• Older phones (seals degrade over time)

Assessing the Damage

Minor Exposure (Splash, Brief Drop)

• Phone still works normally
• No visible moisture in ports or camera
• Speakers may sound muffled (usually clears)
• Action: Dry naturally, monitor for 24-48 hours

Moderate Exposure (Dropped in Sink, Brief Submersion)

• Phone may still work but behave oddly
• Charging issues
• Touch screen glitches
• Action: Professional assessment recommended

Severe Exposure (Toilet, Pool, Extended Submersion)

• Phone won't turn on or shows white screen
• Visible water under screen — may need screen replacement
• Corrosion visible in ports
• Action: Professional repair required urgently

Recovery Success Rates

Professional Repair Process

1. Disassembly: Phone completely taken apart
2. Ultrasonic cleaning: All components cleaned in specialised solution
3. Inspection: Check for corrosion and damaged components
4. Component replacement: Replace damaged parts if needed
5. Testing: Full function test before return

UK Repair Costs

Data Recovery Options

If your priority is recovering photos and data, this is sometimes possible even when the phone itself can't be saved. We can often extract data from water-damaged phones that won't boot.

Frequently Asked Questions

My phone worked fine after getting wet, then stopped working days later—why?

Corrosion. Water leaves mineral deposits that corrode components over time. A phone can work for hours or days after water exposure, then fail as corrosion spreads. This is why professional cleaning is important even if the phone seems fine initially. For Samsung-specific guidance, see our Samsung water damage guide.

Should I claim on insurance or pay for repair?

Depends on your excess and no-claims bonus. Water damage repair often costs less than typical insurance excesses (£50-150 vs £50-250). Get a repair quote first.