What to do if your smartwatch gets wet?
Welcome to the Blackview store, which offers rugged smartwatch, kids watch with SIM card, kids watch with GPS, youth smart watch, smartwatch for seniors under $49, etc. Hope this guide helps.
Smartwatches are built to live on your wrist through workouts, rain, handwashing, and the occasional splash. Many models advertise water resistance, which creates a sense of security that they can survive anything involving moisture. In reality, water resistance is not the same as waterproofing, and exposure to liquids—especially under pressure or over long periods—can still cause damage to delicate internal components. Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can make the difference between a fully functional device and an expensive replacement.
- Read also: How to restart smartwatch without screen?
Moisture affects more than just the screen and casing. Tiny openings for microphones, speakers, buttons, and charging contacts allow water to enter and remain trapped. Once inside, it can corrode metal, short-circuit circuits, degrade adhesives, and cloud sensors. Even if the watch appears to work immediately after getting wet, hidden damage can develop over time. A careful, methodical response reduces the risk of long-term failure.
The first priority is to remove the smartwatch from your wrist and power it off immediately. Electricity and water together accelerate internal damage, so shutting the device down limits the chance of a short circuit. If the watch is connected to a charger, disconnect it right away. Leaving a wet device connected to power is one of the fastest ways to destroy the battery and mainboard.
Next, remove any accessories such as straps, especially fabric, leather, or silicone bands that can hold moisture against the casing. Dry the exterior gently using a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid pressing buttons or rotating the crown while the device is wet, as this can push water deeper into the housing. If visible droplets are present around openings, lightly dab them rather than shaking the watch aggressively, which can spread moisture internally.
Understanding the type of liquid involved is crucial. Clean tap water is less harmful than saltwater, chlorinated pool water, soap, or sugary drinks. Salt and chlorine accelerate corrosion, while soap and detergents break down protective seals. If the watch has been exposed to anything other than fresh water, gently rinse it under a small stream of clean water while it is powered off. This helps remove corrosive residues before they cause damage. After rinsing, dry the exterior again with a cloth.
Proper drying requires patience. Place the smartwatch in a dry, well-ventilated area at room temperature. Position it so that gravity helps moisture escape from speaker and microphone openings. A small fan nearby can improve airflow, but avoid direct heat sources such as hair dryers, radiators, or ovens. Excessive heat can warp seals, damage the battery, and push moisture deeper inside. Leave the device undisturbed for at least 24 hours before attempting to power it on.
The common advice of burying electronics in rice is not ideal for smartwatches. Rice absorbs some ambient humidity but does little to remove trapped internal moisture, and dust particles can enter ports and speaker grills. Silica gel packets are far more effective if available. Placing the watch in a sealed container with silica gel for a day or two helps draw out residual moisture more efficiently than rice.
After the drying period, inspect the device carefully before turning it back on. Look for fogging under the display, distorted sound from the speaker, unresponsive buttons, or charging issues. These signs indicate that moisture may still be present or that corrosion has begun. If any of these symptoms appear, professional service is safer than repeated power attempts, which can worsen internal damage.
Prevention remains the most reliable strategy. Check the manufacturer’s water-resistance rating and understand its limits. Avoid wearing the watch in hot showers, saunas, or while diving unless it is specifically rated for those conditions. Heat and pressure weaken seals over time. Regularly inspect the casing for cracks, worn gaskets, or loose buttons, as physical damage compromises water resistance even if the original rating was high.
Acting quickly and calmly after exposure to water preserves both the hardware and the sensors that make a smartwatch valuable for health tracking and notifications. Most damage occurs not at the moment of contact with water, but during the minutes and hours that follow when moisture remains inside a powered device. A structured response—powering off, cleaning, drying, and inspecting—greatly improves survival chances.
Treating a smartwatch as water-resistant rather than waterproof encourages better habits and longer device life. With proper care and an informed recovery process, many watches can continue functioning normally even after an accidental soaking.