Does Water Damage to Phone Happen Instantly?

When it comes to water damage to phones, the impact isn't always immediately visible. In fact, it can take days, weeks, or even months for the effects of liquid damage to become apparent. According to DryBox president David Naumann, the sooner a phone dries, the better chance it has of surviving a dive unscathed. He claims that within 36 hours, the chances of success are three out of four.

After that, it drops to less than 50%.It's important to note that while some newer phones are water resistant and can withstand a quick drop in a bucket or toilet, none are waterproof. To help absorb some of the moisture from a water-damaged phone, some experts suggest using raw rice. A study suggests that 25% of smartphone users have damaged their device with water or some other type of liquid. Water resistance only implies that the device can withstand some exposure to water before substantial damage occurs. When your smartphone is wet, water quickly enters the device in a variety of ways and causes serious damage.

It's important to clean any damp parts and be careful not to spread water, as this could cause water to penetrate the physical characteristics of the devices. Salts in ocean water are very corrosive to electronic devices and can damage a phone much more quickly. Water damage to cell phones develops slowly over time, but instead of years, it will take days or weeks. The only answer to the question “how long does it take to repair a water damaged phone” may be less than expected.