Apple Officially Advises Against Putting iPhones in Rice for Water Damage
In the world of smartphones, the iPhone has undoubtedly made its mark as a symbol of technological progress. However, despite its advanced features, it remains vulnerable to a common problem that has plagued electronic devices for years: water damage. Many people have turned to a peculiar solution for this issue – submerging their wet iPhones in a bag of uncooked rice. But now, Apple has officially spoken out against this method, as reported by The Guardian.
Apple’s stance on the matter is clear and direct: “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.” The company also warns against using external heat sources like hair dryers or space heaters, as well as compressed air, as these methods can potentially harm the internal components of the device.
So, what should you do if your iPhone gets wet? According to Apple’s advice, the first step is to unplug the device from its charging cable and ensure that the cable is disconnected from the power outlet as well. Next, gently tap the iPhone against your palm with the connector facing downwards to allow any liquid inside to escape.
Apple then suggests leaving the iPhone in an area with some airflow, avoiding enclosed spaces like drawers. Placing it in front of a fan is a suitable option. After waiting for 30 minutes, you can try charging the device or connecting an accessory. If the connector is still wet, it is recommended to wait for 24 hours.
Certain models of iPhones, such as XS, XS Max, and XR, come with a liquid detection warning. If moisture is detected in the connector, including the USB-C connector, the phone will alert you. Once the moisture evaporates, the warning will disappear, and you can resume charging.
It’s important to note that no model of iPhone is completely waterproof. However, many models from the iPhone 7 and above are described by Apple as “splash, water, and dust resistant,” meaning they can withstand a few accidental drops of water. Some models from the iPhone 12 and above are even IP68 rated, indicating that they have been tested and proven to endure being submerged in water depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
The origin of the rice method for drying iPhones remains unclear. Rice can act as a desiccant, absorbing moisture similar to the silica packets often found in product packaging. It’s possible that this idea originated from photographers using rice to keep their camera equipment dry in tropical climates back in the 1940s. However, there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of this approach. It’s plausible that the phone would have dried on its own, and users who claim success with rice may be mistaking correlation for causation.
While alternative methods for drying wet iPhones may circulate online, it’s important to rely on official guidance from Apple. The best course of action, according to the company, is to leave your iPhone alone and give it some time to dry naturally. It’s worth noting that liquid damage is not covered by the Apple warranty.
In conclusion, if you find yourself facing the unfortunate situation of a wet iPhone, it’s crucial to follow Apple’s recommendations for proper care. Avoid the rice method and other potentially damaging techniques, and instead, give your device some space and time to recover. By doing so, you can ensure the longevity of your iPhone and maintain its functionality for years to come.