We all know that if you accidentally drop your cell phone into water and it won’t turn on or charge, you can just keep it sealed inside a rice bag for a few days. According to urban legend, rice naturally draws moisture from the hard-to-dry nooks and crannies inside your phone.
However, that’s not true.
Apple has released New support documentation in 2024 Towards 2024This completely negates the decades-old advice of repairing a water-damaged smartphone. Although there is a seemingly endless supply of anecdotal evidence that this household essential can protect a phone’s internal components from water damage, Apple is now avoiding the practice altogether for iPhone owners. We recommend that you do so.
The California tech brand warns that soaking your iPhone in rice could make things worse, as “tiny particles of rice can damage your iPhone.”
In the same document, Apple provides some alternative tips for dealing with water inside your iPhone. First, hold your iPhone with the Lightning port or USB-C port (Apple switched charging cables to comply with European Union regulations with the launch of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro last year) facing down. We recommend tapping and shaking. Drain excess liquid.
“Leave your iPhone in a dry area with airflow,” Apple advises. Even with airflow, it can take “up to a day” for your phone to be completely dry and ready for use again.
If your phone is dry but won’t charge, Apple recommends unplugging the cable from the adapter and unplugging the adapter from the wall (if possible). Reconnect everything Also.
Most importantly, Apple outlined several other options that are on the risky list alongside the US. The $2.8 trillion company claims that “external heat sources” such as portable heaters and hair dryers should never be used to speed up the drying process. Similarly, “compressed air” is also a no-no.
Apple warns, “Do not insert foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or paper towels, into connectors.” This can damage the port and prevent you from charging with a wired connection.
Apple has been working hard to improve the water resistance of its iPhone series for years. Since the iPhone 12 was released about four years ago, the device has been able to withstand 6 meters (19 feet) of fresh water for 30 minutes. This means you don’t have to worry about water damage.
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However, if you take your iPhone into water or accidentally spill a drink on it, you should follow the above advice from Apple before connecting the cable to sync or charge your iPhone with your computer. But whatever, save the rice for next curry night.