Water damage to a phone can happen instantaneously if a critical component is short-circuited, or it can develop gradually over days or weeks as internal corrosion sets in. The speed and severity depend heavily on whether the phone is on, the type of liquid, and its water-resistance rating.
As the water slowly permeates the contact points in a device, damage can show days, weeks, and even months after exposure – so, even if your device appears to be working fine, consider following our advice for drying water-damaged phones as a precaution.
Mild Exposure: 1–2 hours for essential cleaning and basic testing. Moderate Exposure: 2–4 hours for charging port or battery replacement. Severe Damage: 24–48 hours for complex logic board corrosion restoration.
In some cases, water damage happens instantly—sudden events like burst pipes, flooding, or roof leaks can soak floors, walls, and furniture within minutes. However, slow leaks from plumbing, poor drainage, or hidden moisture buildup may take days or even weeks before visible signs appear.
Whether it's an accidental spill, a drop in the pool, or exposure to rain, water can cause significant damage to your device. Understanding how water damage occurs and how to prevent it can save you time, money, and frustration. Here's what you need to know about smartphone water damage and how to protect your device.
Look for the visual presence of water or evaporation (or dried water markings) behind the screen. Check for corrosion marks visible at ports. Check the Discolored Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI). The LDI is typically located in the headphone jack, battery compartment, or SIM tray slot.
In many cases, water damage can be reversed. Even in cases where it can't be reversed, there are restoration steps that can bring your property back to its original condition.
Minutes: Water spreads, immediate water damage effects begin. 24 Hours: Drywall bulges, furniture swells, initial mold and mildew growth. 48 Hours: Structural damages including warping of wood. After a Week: Increased mold, biohazard concerns, risk of structural failure.
After 3 Days: The consequences at this stage become more severe, and the damage may no longer be minimal. Act with urgency to dry everything affected and stop the leak to ensure the property's stability and safety. After 7 Days: After a week of untreated water exposure, your property may be in critical condition.
Fresh water damage often appears as dark, wet patches or streaks that contrast with the surrounding areas. These stains are typically darker when the damage is fairly new, as the moisture has not yet had time to dry out. Over time, the stains will fade and may take on a yellowish or brownish hue.
As tempting as it may be to check if it still works, turning the phone on too soon can cause more damage. It's best to wait 24 to 48 hours, with 48 hours being the safer window for most situations, especially if the phone was fully or partially submerged.
Which mobile is fully waterproof? No mobile phone is fully waterproof. Devices with IP68 or IP69 ratings offer the highest water resistance available. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max can survive water exposure under controlled conditions.
Water in the charging port usually takes a few hours to one full day to dry completely, depending on how much got in and the humidity in your environment. To speed things up, power off your phone and stand it upright in a dry, well-ventilated spot.
Understanding the iPhone liquid contact indicator
The sixth and perhaps most little-known sign that your iPhone is experiencing issues would be a red Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI). Most, if not all, modern models have a tiny light located on the charging port or SIM tray that turns red when exposed to liquid.
Use Built-In Diagnostic Tools (For Android or iPhone)
Most Android phones (like Samsung) have a built-in test menu—just dial *#0*# and run the checks. For iPhones, you can use Apple Diagnostics online or through the Apple Support app to run a hardware scan.
Does water damage happen immediately? Water damage does happen quickly, so it's important to act fast. If left unaddressed, excess moisture can become destructive within 24 hours. Mold and mildew can begin growing 24-48 hours after a water leak forms.
Water Stains on Walls or Ceilings
These stains often appear as yellow or brown patches, usually found under windows, near plumbing fixtures, or on bathroom or kitchen ceilings. Causes can range from roof leaks to plumbing issues within the walls or poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Water quickly gets into materials like drywall and flooring, causing them to swell, warp, and change color. But not all damage happens right away. Leaks that aren't fixed can cause big problems over hours or days. It's key to act fast to prevent worse damage.
Myth: Water Damage Will Resolve Itself Over Time
This is a dangerous misconception. Water damage does not simply disappear on its own. In fact, the longer water sits, the more extensive the damage becomes. Mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours, and structural issues may worsen over time.
Is Water Damage Always Visible? Many homeowners believe that water damage is immediately noticeable. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Hidden water damage can occur inside your walls or ceiling, under flooring, or behind large appliances.
Your device has a LDI (Liquid Damage Indicator) strip inside its SIM or SD card tray that changes colors when your phone or tablet has been exposed to water or other liquids.
Water can seep into the internals of your device through any small openings—be it the charging port, headphone jack, or even the speakers and buttons. This moisture can corrode metal components and short-circuit electrical pathways, leading to permanent damage if not addressed promptly.
Do NOT blow compressed air on the phone. I would go for 48 hours drying time, but few users have the patience for this. Consider 24 hours as an absolute minimum, but longer would be better.