Apple Warns Against Rice Method for Wet Phones, Debunking Phone Drying Myths

Apple's official guidance for dealing with a wet phone doesn't recommend using rice as a drying agent. It's also advised against attempting to dry your phone in an oven or microwave.

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Rice Could Make Things Worse

Water damage to phones is a common occurrence, and the internet often suggests using uncooked rice to absorb moisture and salvage devices. However, Apple, like many tech support sources, explicitly warns against placing a wet phone in a bag of rice.

According to Apple's support documents, this method could potentially introduce small rice particles that may damage the iPhone.

These documents, initially spotted by Macworld, address what to do when encountering a liquid detection alert on your iPhone, aiming to dispel the enduring internet myth surrounding rice as a drying solution.

Additionally, Apple advises against using external heat sources such as hair dryers or compressed air to remove liquid. Inserting cotton swabs or paper towels into charging ports is also discouraged.

Instead of rice, Apple advises users to employ a different strategy: tapping the phone against their hand with the connector pointing downward, a method reminiscent of clearing water from one's ear post-swim.

Following this, the device should be left in a well-ventilated area for drying, with a recommended waiting period of 30 minutes before attempting to recharge. Should the liquid detection alert persist, patience is recommended, as thorough drying may take up to 24 hours.

In cases where the phone remains dry yet fails to charge, users are advised to unplug and reconnect the charging cable.

Debunking The Myth

For years, rice has been championed as a remedy for water-damaged electronics. Touted as a desiccant, it was believed to extract excess moisture from devices. However, individuals have begun to question the efficacy of this method.

Some have experimented with rice following incidents such as using their phone during a rain-soaked concert. However, evidence suggests that the benefits of rice immersion may stem more from the device being powered off and left alone than from any absorbent properties of rice.

As early as 2015, reports from outlets like The Verge have cast doubt on the effectiveness of rice in drying electronics. While rice may not possess significant absorbent qualities, its usage may serve as a deterrent against premature attempts to power on a waterlogged device.

TechTimes has previously provided a guide on how to alleviate water or moisture damage to your iPhone camera. One method involves using a microfiber cloth to gently remove moisture from the camera lens.

This approach is effective because moisture tends to accumulate on the exterior of the camera rather than within its components. Alternatively, users can opt to use silica gel placed near the camera lens, which will gradually absorb moisture over a few hours.

While these methods are generally effective, it's important to note that they may not guarantee complete efficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid exposing your iPhone to humid environments, especially if uncertain about its water-resistant capabilities.