Is your iPhone wet? If so, you might want to think twice before following the age-old advice of putting it in a bowl of rice. According to Apple, this common method can actually cause more damage to your device. The tech giant recently published new guidelines on what to do when water gets into your iPhone, and it turns out that rice is not the solution.
Traditionally, when electronic devices get wet, many people resort to placing them in uncooked rice. The idea behind this is that the rice grains will absorb the moisture. However, Apple’s latest support document advises against this practice. The company warns that small grains of rice can potentially damage your phone if they get lodged into the ports.
In addition to discouraging the use of rice, Apple also cautions against other common methods of drying a damp iPhone. Inserting a “foreign object” like a cotton swab or paper towel into the port is not recommended. Similarly, using an external heat source such as a blow dryer can be harmful to the device.
Despite these warnings, Apple does provide some alternative suggestions for users. If you plug your iPhone into a wall outlet with a lightning accessory and receive a “Liquid Detected” alert, the first step is to immediately unplug the cable from both ends. Then, gently tap your iPhone against your hand with the port facing downwards to allow any excess liquid to escape. After that, store the phone in a dry area with some airflow for at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it.
If the liquid detection alert appears again, unplug the cable and leave your phone to fully dry for up to 24 hours. After this waiting period, try charging the phone once more. If it still doesn’t charge, temporarily disconnect the cable from the adapter and the adapter from the wall, then reconnect them.
In the worst-case scenario where none of these steps work, you may need to take your iPhone to a repair shop or consider getting a replacement. However, there is still hope for your wet phone. In a drop test video, an iPhone 6 from 2014 continued to function after being submerged underwater. More recently, the iPhone 11 Pro passed a water resistance test, proving its durability.
It’s important to note that Apple did not provide an immediate response to Business Insider’s request for comment on this matter. Nevertheless, it’s clear that the company is advising against the use of rice and other common drying methods for wet iPhones.
So, the next time your iPhone takes an unexpected swim, remember to avoid the rice bowl and follow Apple’s updated guidelines. With the right approach, your wet phone may still have a good chance of survival.
