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FAQ: Can you recover data from a water damaged phone?

03/10/2026•3 minute read
Blue gloved hands working on an open hard drive, with Payam Data Recovery logo and service icons

Short answer

Yes, we can. It is probably the most common problem we see. We clean the phone, find and repair any short circuits, then make a complete backup. Bring it to us as soon as possible, do not charge it and do not try to turn it on.

Can you retrieve the data from my water-damaged phone?

Yes, we can. It is probably the most common problem we encounter, and one we are adept at resolving. Generally speaking, we see phones that have sustained corrosion from saltwater, chlorine, or liquids such as coffee, beer, and tea.

Our staff members will disassemble the phone. They will typically clean it, locate any short circuits, and then repair them to restore the phone’s functionality. Subsequently, a complete backup will be created, ensuring all data is recovered. We prefer these cases because our customers typically know the passcodes, and the devices have generally not been tampered with before they reach us.

We have a success rate of about 99%. It is exceedingly rare for us not to recover the data. The only circumstance in which recovery is usually unsuccessful is if the correct passcode is unknown. Generally, repairs are successful almost all the time.

The crucial point is to bring the device to us immediately. The sooner you bring it, the better our chances of recovery. If you delay, for example, with saltwater damage, corrosion can set in. If you bring it to us after two weeks, there may be multiple corroded components requiring more extensive repairs, potentially increasing the cost and necessitating a logic board transplant, which involves transferring all chips to another phone and could double the price. Therefore, it will be more cost-effective and quicker for you if you bring it to us sooner and do not tamper with it.

Please do not let anyone else attempt repairs first. Most importantly, with liquid damage, do not charge the phone or plug in a charger. Simply leave it off and do not attempt to turn it back on.

Related help

Phones and tablets are always no fix, no fee. There is no attempt fee, and you see your files before you pay.

International customers are always welcome. Post your device to us from anywhere.


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