How can I save a smartphone that got wet or dropped in water?

Several instinctive reactions to a wet phone actually make the damage worse. Knowing what not to do is just as important as the recovery steps themselves.

Turn the phone off immediately (or leave it off) and remove it from the liquid. Take out the SIM tray, SD card, and battery if removable. Pat the exterior dry with a microfiber cloth, paying attention to ports and openings.

If DIY drying fails or the phone was submerged in saltwater, chlorinated water, or sugary liquids, a professional repair shop with water damage experience is the best option. These liquids leave corrosive residue that passive drying cannot address.