You just dropped your phone in water — your heart skips a beat, right? Whether it’s a puddle, sink, or (we’ve all been there) a toilet, water and phones don’t mix well. But don’t panic!

At The Phone Shop, Ottawa, we’ve helped countless customers recover their devices from unexpected water mishaps.

This complete guide explains how to fix a water-damaged phone safely, what not to do, and when it’s time to seek professional water damaged phone repair services.

Step 1: Act Fast — Every Second Counts!

When your phone falls in water, the most important thing is speed. The longer your phone stays wet, the higher the risk of short-circuiting.

Here’s what to do immediately:

• Turn it off right away. Even if it looks fine, electricity and water don’t mix.

• Remove accessories like the case, SIM card, and memory card.

• Don’t press any buttons — doing so can push water deeper into the device.

• Dry it gently with a soft cloth or towel. Avoid shaking it or using paper towels that can leave lint.

• If your phone isn’t turning on after water damage, don’t try to charge it — that can make things worse. Instead, follow the next steps carefully.

Step 2: Skip the Myths — Rice Won’t Save Your Phone

You’ve probably heard the classic trick: “Put it in a bowl of rice.” Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest myths about how to fix a wet phone.

Here’s why rice doesn’t work:

• It absorbs surface moisture but not the water inside tiny components.

• It can leave behind dust and starch that further damage your device.

• It delays the proper drying and cleaning process your phone actually needs.

So, what’s the better alternative?

Use silica gel packets (the little “Do Not Eat” packs that come in shoe boxes). They’re designed to absorb moisture much faster and more effectively than rice.

Step 3: Use Gentle Drying Techniques

After removing the SIM and battery (if possible), gently pat the phone dry. Then follow these safe drying steps:

• Place the device in a dry, ventilated area.

• If you have a small fan, use it to circulate air.

• Let the phone sit for at least 24–48 hours before turning it back on.

Pro tip: Do not use a hair dryer or microwave. The heat can melt sensitive internal components or screen adhesives.

Step 4: Know the Signs of Hidden Water Damage

Even if your phone turns back on after drying, water damage can still cause issues later.

Watch out for these warning signs:

• Touchscreen not responding properly

• Camera fog or lens spots

• Speaker sounds muffled

• Battery draining faster than usual

• Device overheating

• Phone not turning on after water damage despite charging

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time for a professional inspection.

Step 5: Visit an Expert for Water-Damaged Phone Repair

Water damage is tricky — it seeps into parts you can’t see.

That’s where trained technicians at The Phone Shop Ottawa come in.

We provide expert water-damaged phone repair for both iPhone and Android models. Our team uses advanced tools to safely clean, dry, and restore your device’s functionality.

Our process typically includes:

1. Internal cleaning using ultrasonic technology to remove corrosion.

2. Component-level testing to identify what’s been affected.

3. Replacement of damaged parts, such as charging ports or logic boards if needed.

4. Moisture diagnostics to ensure your phone is 100% safe to use again.

Whether you need an iPhone water damage fix or Android phone water damage repair, we handle it all with precision and care.

Step 6: What Not to Do After Water Exposure

Here’s a list of common mistakes that can turn minor water damage into a permanent disaster:

•  Don’t turn it on immediately.

This can short-circuit the motherboard.

•  Don’t plug it in to charge.

Electric current + moisture = fried circuits.

•  Don’t use heat sources.

Hair dryers or ovens may cause internal warping.

•  Don’t ignore it if it starts acting strange.

Even minor glitches can grow into serious hardware issues over time.

If you’re unsure what to do, search for “emergency phone repair near me” — or better yet, visit The Phone Shop, your trusted Ottawa phone repair shop.

Step 7: Can Water-Damaged Phones Be Repaired?

This is one of the most common questions we get:

“Can water-damaged phones be repaired?”

The answer depends on how much water entered and how quickly you acted.

If the damage is light and handled quickly, your phone can usually be saved.

If the phone stayed underwater for a long time or was powered on while wet, the repair may require replacing major components.

At The Phone Shop, we’ve successfully restored devices even after being submerged for hours — but early action is always the key!

Step 8: Special Care for iPhone Water Damage

Apple’s newer iPhones have improved water resistance, but that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof.

Even a few seconds of exposure can still damage internal circuits.

Our iPhone water damage fix service includes:

• Logic board and Face ID inspection

• Cleaning corrosion under microchips

• Replacing water-damaged screen or battery

• Restoring full charging and audio function

Whether it’s an iPhone 11 or a 15 Pro Max, our certified repair experts know exactly how to handle delicate Apple components.

Step 9: Android Phone Water Damage Repair — What to Expect

Android phones vary by brand and design, so Android phone water damage repair often requires specialized knowledge.

At The Phone Shop Ottawa, we handle major brands like Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.

Our technicians open the device, clean the circuit board using isopropyl alcohol, test internal parts, and replace damaged sensors or connectors.

Most Android phones can be fully restored if brought in within 24 hours of the incident.

Step 10: Preventing Future Water Damage

Here’s how to protect your phone from another watery disaster:

1. Invest in a waterproof case (especially if you’re near pools or kitchens often).

2. Avoid charging near sinks or bathtubs.

3. Use a zip-lock pouch when using your phone near the beach or rain.

4. Back up your data regularly — just in case the next accident is worse than expected.

Prevention is the best repair!

Why Choose The Phone Shop in Ottawa?

When you need emergency phone repair near me, you don’t have time to gamble on quality.

Here’s why The Phone Shop Ottawa stands out:

• Certified technicians experienced in water-damaged phone repair
•  Transparent pricing and honest diagnosis
•  Fast turnaround with same-day repair options
• Repairs for all major brands (Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, and more)
•  Conveniently located near Sandy Hill and ByWard Market

We understand the stress of losing your phone, so we treat every repair as if it were our own device.

Final Thoughts — Don’t Let Water Win!

Water damage doesn’t always mean the end of your phone’s life.

With the right actions — and expert help from The Phone Shop Ottawa — your device can often be revived safely.

So, the next time you panic and wonder, “My phone fell in water, what do I do?”, remember this:

Act fast, stay calm, avoid myths, and head straight to your trusted repair shop.

Visit The Phone Shop near Sandy Hill, Ottawa, for reliable and affordable water-damaged phone repair — because saving your phone is what we do best.