LG G5 Fell in Water? Fix & Drying Guide
If your LG G5 got wet, the immediate answer is: power it off, remove the battery, and dry it thoroughly—the G5 is not officially waterproof, so quick action matters. This guide explains exactly what to do after a water spill, how the G5’s removable battery helps, and what to avoid so you don’t damage the phone further.
Is the LG G5 Waterproof?
No, the LG G5 does not have an official IP rating for water resistance. Unlike some flagships of its era, LG did not advertise the G5 as waterproof or even splash-proof. The phone has a unibody metal design with a removable battery, which means there are seams and openings where water can enter. The lack of an IP rating means the manufacturer does not guarantee protection against dust or water, so you should treat any exposure to liquid as a risk.
Immediate Steps After Water Exposure
Speed is critical. The longer water sits inside, the more corrosion can occur. Follow these steps in order:
- Power off immediately. Press and hold the power button and select “Power off.� If the screen is unresponsive, hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to force a shutdown.
- Remove the battery. The G5 has a removable back cover. Take off the back and pop out the battery. This cuts power to the circuits, reducing the chance of short circuits.
- Remove the SIM and microSD cards. Take them out and dry them with a soft cloth.
- Shake out excess water. Gently shake the phone (battery removed) to dislodge water from ports and crevices. Do not swing it violently.
- Dry the exterior. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe down all surfaces, including the battery contacts and the SIM tray area.
- Leave it to air dry. Place the phone in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 24–48 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or heater—heat can warp components.
What NOT to Do
Many well-meaning tips can actually cause more harm. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not turn it on to “test� it. Even after a few hours, moisture may remain. Testing too soon can short-circuit the board.
- Do not use rice. Rice is not a desiccant that effectively draws moisture from inside a phone. It can leave starch dust in ports. Instead, use silica gel packets if available, or just air dry.
- Do not charge it. Charging a wet phone can cause electrolysis and damage the battery or charging circuit.
- Do not use compressed air. It can push water deeper into the speaker or microphone mesh.
- Do not disassemble beyond the battery. The G5’s mainboard is not meant for user service; opening it further may void any warranty and risks damaging ribbon cables.
How the Removable Battery Helps
One advantage of the LG G5 is its removable battery. In many sealed phones, water can short-circuit the battery even when the phone is off. With the G5, you can physically disconnect the power source within seconds. This reduces the risk of electrochemical corrosion on the motherboard. It also allows you to inspect the battery for swelling or water ingress. If the battery got wet, do not reuse it—replace it with a new one. A wet battery can fail later or even swell.
Drying Methods That Actually Work
After removing the battery, you need to draw moisture out of the internal components. Here are effective methods:
- Silica gel packets. Place the phone (battery removed) in a sealed container with several silica gel packets. These absorb moisture more effectively than rice.
- Airflow. Set the phone in front of a fan on low speed. Moving air accelerates evaporation without heat damage.
- Open the back cover. Leave the back cover off to allow air to reach the battery compartment and internal connectors.
- Patience. Wait at least 48 hours. Even if the phone appears dry, moisture can linger under chips and in connectors.
Common Problems After Water Damage
Even with prompt drying, some issues may appear. Recognizing them early can help you decide whether to repair or replace:
- Corroded charging port. The USB-C port may not charge or may charge intermittently. Cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and a toothbrush can help, but only if you are careful and the phone is off.
- Speaker or microphone muffled. Water can leave residue on the speaker mesh. After drying, gently brush with a soft, dry toothbrush. If the sound remains distorted, the speaker may need replacement.
- Screen discoloration or touch issues. Water can damage the LCD or digitizer. If you see blotches or unresponsive areas, the screen assembly likely needs replacement.
- Battery drain or swelling. A wet battery may lose capacity or swell. If the back cover bulges, replace the battery immediately.
- Camera fog. Condensation inside the camera lens can blur photos. This often clears after a few days of drying, but if it persists, the camera module may need service.
Should You Repair or Replace?
If the phone does not turn on after thorough drying, you have two options. A professional repair shop can attempt to clean the motherboard with ultrasonic cleaning, which may revive the phone. However, water damage repair is not always successful, and the cost can approach the value of a used G5. If you have important data, a repair attempt may be worth it. Otherwise, replacing the phone is often more practical. Remember that water damage is typically not covered by warranty, so you would pay out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hairdryer to dry the LG G5?
No. Hairdryers produce heat that can warp plastic parts, damage the adhesive holding the screen, and even melt internal connectors. Use cool air or a fan instead.
How long should I wait before turning it on?
Wait at least 48 hours after drying. If you used silica gel, 24 hours may be enough, but longer is safer. Turning it on too soon is the most common cause of permanent damage.
Does the LG G5 have a water damage indicator?
Yes, most phones have a small white sticker that turns red or pink when exposed to moisture. On the G5, it is often near the battery or SIM slot. This indicator is used by repair centers to determine if water damage occurred.
What if the phone turns on but the screen is blurry?
Blurry or foggy screen usually means moisture is trapped inside the display. Continue drying with the battery removed. If it doesn’t clear after a few days, the screen may need replacement.
Is it safe to put the phone in rice?
Rice is not recommended. It does not absorb moisture effectively from inside a sealed device, and rice dust can get into ports. Silica gel packets or simply air drying are better.
Can I charge the phone after it dries?
Only after you are confident it is completely dry. Check the charging port for any residue or corrosion. If it looks clean, you can try charging. If the phone gets warm or the battery swells, stop immediately.
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