How to Eject Water from an Android Device: A Guide to Protecting Your Phone

Android smartphones are advanced, versatile devices designed to handle a range of everyday tasks. However, one of the most common and unexpected challenges users face is accidental exposure to water. Whether it’s from dropping your phone in the pool, spilling water on it, or getting caught in the rain, water damage is a significant concern for many users. Fortunately, many modern Android devices come with water resistance ratings (such as IP67 or IP68), but even these devices may need some extra help in the event of water exposure.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to safely eject water from your Android device, the features that help with water expulsion, and tips for avoiding water damage in the future.

1. Understanding Water Resistance in Android Phones

Before delving into how to eject water from your device, it’s important to know the water resistance rating of your phone. Water resistance is a feature that helps protect your phone from water damage, but it doesn’t make your device completely waterproof.

Common water resistance ratings for Android phones include:

  • IP67: This rating means your phone can handle submersion in water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) for about 30 minutes.
  • IP68: A higher rating than IP67, indicating that the phone can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter, typically up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for 30 minutes or more.

Despite these protections, water can still seep into components like speakers, microphones, or charging ports. That's where features like "Water Eject" come into play.

2. Using the Water Eject Feature on Android Devices

Some Android smartphones come with built-in features that can help expel water from the device. These features are usually found in devices with higher-end specifications or are specific to certain models, such as Samsung Galaxy devices. Samsung phones, for example, have a feature called Water Eject that uses sound waves to expel water from the phone’s speaker grills.

Steps to Eject Water Using the Built-In Feature (Samsung Example)

  1. Activate the Water Eject Feature:

    • For Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI, you can find the Water Eject feature in the Samsung Members app or Samsung's "Water Lock" mode.
    • Alternatively, you may be able to trigger the feature directly from the Settings or Quick Settings menu.

  2. Trigger Sound Waves:

    • Once activated, the phone will emit a series of vibrations and sound waves designed to help push water out of the phone’s internal components, particularly the speaker grills.
    • You may hear a series of loud, high-pitched sounds as the phone works to expel the trapped water.

  3. Wait for the Process to Complete:

    • The entire process typically lasts around 10-20 seconds, depending on the amount of water present.
    • Afterward, you can check the speaker and other openings to ensure that no water remains trapped.

  4. Dry the Exterior:

    • After using the feature, gently wipe the device with a dry cloth to remove any remaining water droplets on the exterior.

3. Manually Drying Your Android Device

In case your device does not have a built-in water ejection feature, you can take a few manual steps to ensure your phone is thoroughly dried.

Steps to Dry Your Android Device After Water Exposure:

  1. Turn Off the Device:

    • The first thing to do when your phone comes into contact with water is to turn it off immediately. Powering down your phone helps minimize the risk of short-circuiting the internal components.

  2. Remove Accessories:

    • Take off the phone case (if any) and any attached accessories, such as headphones or external chargers. This will allow you to dry all parts of the phone more effectively.
    • Also, remove the SIM card and SD card if possible.

  3. Dry the Exterior:

    • Use a dry, clean cloth or microfiber towel to carefully wipe down the exterior of the phone. Focus on the edges, camera lenses, and ports, including the charging port, headphone jack, and speaker openings.

  4. Use Compressed Air:

    • If you have access to a can of compressed air, use it to blow out any remaining water from small crevices like the charging port or speaker grills. Hold the can upright to avoid spraying moisture back into the device.

  5. Place the Phone in a Dry Environment:

    • After wiping the device down, place it in a dry environment. Some people recommend putting the phone in a bag of uncooked rice or using silica gel packets to absorb any remaining moisture. However, this is a controversial method and is not always recommended, as rice dust could potentially clog ports.

  6. Leave It to Dry:

    • The best approach is often to let your phone dry naturally. Place the device in a warm, dry area (but not under direct heat or sunlight) for 24-48 hours. This ensures that all water is evaporated from inside the device.

4. Preventing Water Damage in the Future

While modern Android devices have improved water resistance, it’s always a good idea to take steps to avoid water exposure in the first place. Here are some tips:

  1. Invest in a Waterproof Case:

    • If you're going to be around water frequently (such as at the beach, pool, or while traveling), consider getting a waterproof phone case. These cases provide an extra layer of protection and can help shield your device from submersion.

  2. Avoid Exposure to Water:

    • Always be mindful of where you place your phone. Avoid using it near pools, sinks, or in the rain, as exposure to water can cause damage, even if your phone has a high water resistance rating.

  3. Enable Water Lock or Water Eject Mode (If Available):

    • Many premium devices like Samsung Galaxy phones have a "Water Lock" or "Water Eject" mode to prevent water from entering the device in the first place. Check the settings of your phone and enable this mode when near water to enhance your device's resistance.

  4. Use a Screen Protector:

    • Some screen protectors have a water-repellent coating that helps shield your device from water exposure. While not foolproof, they provide an additional layer of defense.

  5. Regular Backups:

    • In case the worst happens and your phone is severely damaged by water, always back up your important data to the cloud or an external drive. This way, if your phone needs to be replaced, you won’t lose your contacts, photos, and important files.

5. Conclusion

Water damage can be one of the most distressing issues for Android users, but with the right steps, you can often save your device and prevent permanent damage. Many modern Android phones come equipped with water resistance and features like Water Eject to help mitigate the effects of accidental exposure.

If your phone lacks a built-in water ejection feature, it’s essential to act quickly and dry the device using the right methods. Always remember to back up your data, invest in a waterproof case for extra protection, and take extra care when using your phone near water.

By staying proactive and knowing what to do in case of water exposure, you can help ensure that your Android device remains in good condition for years to come.