Debunking the Myth: Putting Wet Smartphones in Rice Doesn’t Work, Say Tech Experts
For years, the urban myth of sticking a wet smartphone into a bag or bowl of rice to dry it has been widely believed. However, tech experts are now dispelling this myth and offering better ways to dry wet devices. Apple, in particular, has recently updated its support site to warn users against using rice as a drying method.
The tech giant states on its support site that putting a wet iPhone into a bag of rice could actually cause damage to the device. Apple’s warning comes as a result of a new liquid detection feature that sends an alert to users when their phone gets wet, advising them to wait before charging it. This update has been reported by U.K. news site Metro.
Apple provides a set of instructions on its support site for users who receive a liquid-detection alert on their iPhone. The steps include unplugging the charging cable, tapping the device gently to remove excess liquid, and leaving it in a dry area with airflow for at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it again.
It’s not just Apple that advises against using rice as a drying method. Samsung, another major smartphone manufacturer, also discourages this technique. Samsung notes that some of its Galaxy devices are waterproof, which provides some level of protection. However, if a device does get wet, Samsung recommends turning it off, removing the battery (if possible), wiping away moisture, and air drying the device in a well-ventilated area or shade with cool air.
Tech insurer and repair company Asurion also offers tips for drying wet devices. Their recommendations include turning off the device and leaving it off, removing any protective case and detachable components, dabbing the device dry with a cloth or paper towel, and gently vacuuming around creases and openings if the device was submerged. Asurion advises against placing the device in a hot place and suggests using silica gel packets in a sealed plastic bag for 24-48 hours to aid in drying.
In conclusion, the myth of using rice to dry wet smartphones has been debunked by tech experts. Apple, Samsung, and Asurion all advise against this method and provide alternative steps to dry a wet device effectively. It’s important for smartphone users to follow these expert recommendations to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of their devices.