Apple Advises Against Rice as Solution for Wet iPhones – Here’s What You Should Do Instead

Apple Advises Against Rice as Solution for Wet iPhones – Here’s What You Should Do Instead

Cellphones have become an integral part of our lives. However, accidents happen and sometimes our beloved iPhones end up taking an unexpected dive into water. While modern iPhones are designed to be resistant to splashes and submersions, there are still instances when they get too wet, triggering the dreaded liquid-detection alert on the screen.

For years, many people have relied on a common household item to save their iPhones from water damage: a bag of rice. The method is simple enough – just place your wet phone in a bag of rice, seal it up, and patiently wait for about a day. The idea behind this technique is that the rice will draw out the moisture from inside the device, preventing any potential damage to its internal components. Countless individuals who have experienced waterlogged phones swear by this method, and there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence to support its effectiveness.

However, researchers have long contested the efficacy of using rice to dry out a wet phone. They claim that the rice method is nothing more than a myth and may even hinder the drying process, leaving the phone’s logic board susceptible to further harm. In fact, a recent support document from Apple, released in 2024, advises against using rice to dry out iPhones. According to Apple, the use of rice could potentially introduce small particles that can damage the phone. Therefore, it is best to avoid this technique altogether.

Instead, Apple recommends the following steps to salvage a wet iPhone:

1. Gently tap your iPhone against your hand with the charging port facing downwards. This action helps remove any excess liquid from the device.

2. Place your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow. Allowing air to circulate around the phone aids in the natural evaporation of moisture.

3. After waiting for at least 30 minutes, attempt to charge your iPhone using a Lightning or USB-C cable, or connect an accessory to it.

4. If the liquid-detection alert persists, it indicates the presence of moisture in the charger port or beneath the connector pins. In such cases, leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow for up to 24 hours. Throughout this period, you can periodically try charging or connecting an accessory to check for progress. Remember, it may take a full day for your iPhone to completely dry out.

5. If your phone has dried out but still refuses to charge, unplug the cable from the adapter and detach the adapter from the wall (if possible). Reconnect them once again and attempt to charge your device.

Apple also emphasizes what not to do when trying to dry a wet iPhone. It is advised against using external heat sources or compressed air, as these can potentially damage the device further. Similarly, inserting foreign objects like cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging port is strongly discouraged.

It is worth noting that recent iPhone models, starting from the iPhone 12, have been designed with increased water resistance capabilities. These newer models can withstand submersion in water up to a maximum depth of 6 meters (approximately 20 feet) for a duration of 30 minutes. As a result, the chances of experiencing liquid damage with these devices are significantly reduced. However, in the event that your iPhone does come into contact with water, it is prudent to steer clear of the rice method.

The age-old advice of using rice to save a wet phone has been debunked by experts and now by Apple itself. The new recommendations provided by Apple offer a safer and more reliable approach to drying out a water-damaged iPhone. By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances of salvaging your beloved device and avoid potential complications that may arise from using rice. So, the next time your iPhone takes an unplanned dip, remember to skip the rice and follow Apple’s tried-and-tested methods for drying your device.