In case the phone fell into water there is a high risk of short circuits due to the electrical conductivity of water. This does not only cause damage to the parts but can also lead to an overheating of the battery. Therefore the first  action we should take is to

#Immediately remove the battery

Do not try to operate the device. It will make things worse for sure.

###Remove all water

After having removed the battery we have to get rid of all the water in the device.

1. Remove all parts (SIM card, memory cards, headsets)
2. Open the case and dismantle as many parts as you can but try to remember to be able to get them back together again. You may need to use a fine screw driver for this. Keep the screws in a safe place and note down where they go.
3. Remove gross water drops with a dry towel or handkerchief.
4. Patiently let the device dry at room temperature **for several days** (time needed depends much on the environmental humidity where you live).

###Remove salt or sugar

In case it fell into salt water, soup or beverage we have to remove salt or sugar too to avoid later corrosion or short circuits. This can be done by immersing all parts **except the battery** in a bath of distilled water.

###Accelerate the drying process

There are several ways to accelerate the drying process. Use any but do not use the sun, an oven or a hair dryer - the heat may damage your device.

1. Put all parts in an air tight bag with a **water absorbing substance** for some days (at least 2). This could be rice or [silica gel bags][1] (which come in the packages of many electronic devices) but **do not use salt** because of its corrosive potential.
2. Immerse all parts (**except the battery**) in [isopropyl alcohol][2]. This will solve all remaining water and it then evaporates much faster than water alone. There is a small risk however to damage non-alcohol resistant glued parts by this.
3. Professionals use a vacuum chamber for rapid water removal but we mortals may have no access to that.

###What if the device still does not work?

Well, then you should know that you are not alone. Only a fraction of phones will survive from being drowned. Unfortunately due to moisture detectors within the devices your warranty will be void in any case.

Sadly from newer devices the battery can no longer be removed. Therefore the chances for rescue are much smaller.

  [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silica_gel
  [2]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcohol