Top 10 Tips to Prevent Water Damage in Your Smartphone

Today in the world, smartphones are not just communication tools—they are lifelines. If you own a smartphone, your phone has information, memories, and private details you can't do anything without. Yet, one errant splash or dunk can destroy it all. While some of the more recent smartphones have some sort of water resistance, no smartphone is waterproof.

At Fone4u, we have water-damaged phones pouring into our shop. So, we are passing on these top 10 expert tips to help you not ruin your phone with water—and save yourself unnecessary anguish and costly repairs.

1. Get to Know Your IP Rating—But Don't Depend on It Blindly

All the top phones present now, including the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, are IP68 rated. What this means is that the phones can survive underwater conditions for up to 30 minutes at certain depths.

However, water resistance degrades over time due to use. A tiny crack, an old seal, or even a substantial fall can compromise this defense. So, avoid intentionally exposing your phone to water despite its highly rated IP.

2. Employ a Waterproof Case When Engaged in Outdoor Activities

Head to the beach, pool, or rain hike? Don't just rely on the inherent water resistance of the phone. A certified waterproof case is your best bet. Picks by LifeProof, Catalyst, and Spigen offer premium protection to expensive devices like the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Google Pixel 4.

These protectors offer full submersion protection and are ideal for harsh weather or wet conditions.

3. Do Not Charge A Wet Phone

Even if your phone is likely to make it through a splash or brief submersion, never charge the phone when wet. Charging port water will short out the phone and destroy it forever. This applies to all flagship phones, regardless of brand.

Let the phone dry completely, and use a soft cloth or air-dry method to remove moisture before plugging it in.

4. Avoid Steam and High Humidity

Water damage is not exclusively splashing and dropping. Steam and high humidity—like in the bathroom when you have a hot shower—can seep into your phone's internals over time. Even phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or OnePlus 12 aren't immune to that.

If you shower with YouTube or music playing, listen to it on a waterproof Bluetooth speaker instead of bringing your phone into the bathroom.

5. Handle with Care Near Pools and Beaches

Dropping your phone near pools or oceans is among the most frequent reasons for water damage. Saltwater is, in particular, very corrosive and damaging to internal phone parts, even on IP68-rated phones such as the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 15.

Always keep your phone secured in a zipped bag or leave it in a dry area when going for a swim.

6. Wipe Off Rainwater Immediately

Stuck in an Irish rain shower with your Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or iPhone 15 Pro? Dry the surface off quickly and dry out speakers and ports of any moisture. Rainwater may not seem to do any harm, but prolonged exposure, much less in wind and cold, will result in internal corrosion.

7. Don't Believe Rice—Try Silica Gel Instead

If your phone ever does get wet, don't bury it in rice—this old legend will do more harm than good. Rice dust can clog ports and isn't very effective.

Turn your phone off, gently pat it dry with a cloth, and place it in an airtight container with silica gel packets, which absorb moisture more efficiently and rapidly.

8. Keep Your Phone Safe During Workouts

Sweat is yet another often-neglected fluid villain. When running with your Xiaomi 14, cycling with your OnePlus 12R, or at the gym, keep your phone in a sweat-proof pouch or armband.

Eventually, sweat can seep into ports and ruin things—especially if you wear your phone on your waistband or sports bra.

9. Avoid Do-It-Yourself Water Exposure Repair

If your phone is subjected to a water accident, do not attempt to open it at home. Opening the phone with the wrong tools or without the right knowledge will do more harm than good.

Instead, go to professionals like Fone4u—the leading mobile repair destination in Ireland. Our experts provide fast, reliable service to assess and repair water damage issues accurately.

10. Avail of Phone Insurance that Covers Water Damage

Last but not least, prevention is the key—but sometimes accidents will happen. Purchase phone insurance that covers against liquid damage, especially when you are working with premium models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or S24 series, Google Pixel 9 Pro, or iPhone 16 or 15 series.

Despite having all protective measures in place, one miscalculation or rainy day can leave you footing a massive bill for repairs. Insurance, along with healthy living, offers reassurance.

Final Thoughts

No matter if you're holding an Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, or OnePlus flagship, water damage is an expensive and real danger. Prevention is the best medicine—and if something goes awry, you don't have to lose your head.

Fone4u offers amazing smartphone repair services all across Ireland, from water damage tests to part replacement and top advice—having your device in your hands again as good as new. Don't let catastrophe strike. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and let Fone4u be your number one provider for all your smartphone needs.