For individuals who have experienced the unfortunate event of their iPhone getting wet, whether from an unexpected downpour, an accidental immersion in the bath, or a fall into a pool, a widely circulated remedy has been to place the device in a bag of rice to absorb moisture.
However, this method has been consistently advised against by experts, and recently, Apple has explicitly cautioned its users against employing this technique.
According to a support note highlighted by Macworld, the company states, “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.”
The practice of using rice for drying out electronics traces its roots back to the history of photography, where photographers utilized rice to preserve their equipment. Despite its historical applications, this method is deemed inappropriate for contemporary smartphones, potentially leading to further harm. Tests have indicated that uncooked rice is relatively ineffective in drying out devices.
So, what is the recommended course of action if your phone becomes wet? Apple has issued guidance for users who encounter a “liquid detected” alert while attempting to charge their phones. The recommended steps include disconnecting the charging cable from both ends, gently tapping the phone against your hand with the charging port facing downward to remove excess liquid, and allowing the device to dry for a minimum of thirty minutes. Should the phone and cable be “completely dry,” users are advised to attempt charging the device again. If unsuccessful, a subsequent attempt should be made a day later.
Further, Apple’s support documentation offers additional precautions: avoid drying your iPhone with an external heat source or compressed air, and refrain from inserting any foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or paper towels, into the charging port.
In instances where the iPhone ceases to function entirely, the immediate steps include turning off the device, avoiding any button presses, drying it with a towel, and placing it in an airtight container accompanied by silica gel packets, if available, until it is completely dry.
These instructions are vital for iPhone users to remember, as the risk of liquid damage remains a concern even for water-resistant models.
