What should I do with a wet mobile device?¶

A wet mobile device requires immediate attention to both safety and evidence preservation.

Why this matters¶

The dangerous assumption is that the phone should be switched on, charged or placed in rice to see whether it still works. Those actions can cause further damage, electrical risk and evidential change.

What to record and do¶

Record the device as found. Photograph the condition, liquid, location, cables, ports and any visible screen or indicator.

Do not press buttons repeatedly, connect power or attempt to test functionality.

If the device is powered on and safe to approach, record the visible state without unnecessary interaction.

Do not heat, dry, dismantle or clean it using improvised methods.

Keep the device away from conductive materials and prevent loose components from shorting.

If the battery is swollen, hot, smoking or damaged, prioritise safety and obtain appropriate emergency or technical support.

Record the type of liquid where known, the time of exposure, how the device was recovered and any actions already taken by others.

Preserve detached SIMs, memory cards and accessories separately with clear continuity.

Specialist advice should guide packaging, drying, transport and examination. The correct approach may depend on whether the liquid was fresh water, salt water, contaminated or corrosive.

Do not assume that a device which appears dead cannot be recovered.

Keep the device in the position found where practical and avoid sealing it in a way that traps heat or creates pressure on the battery. Record who handled it before specialist transfer and any change in temperature, smell or appearance.

Operational takeaway¶

Do not power, charge, heat or improvise with a wet phone; record its condition, manage safety and obtain specialist handling advice quickly.