While walking by the pool, you slip and drop your phone into the water. Or maybe it slipped out of your hand when you were next to a full bathtub or toilet.
However, if your smartphone gets wet, you will need to dry it. But what do you do? There is a lot of advice on the internet, some of it contradictory. Apple recently joined the discussion by issuing an advisory that included a warning against the use of rice.
Here are some things to keep in mind the next time your phone accidentally comes into contact with liquid.
What should I do if I drop my phone in water?
Wipe the outside with anything absorbent, such as a towel, clean cloth, or shirt sleeve. Remove the SIM card and holder. If possible, remove the back housing and battery and wipe them dry. Also, turn off your phone if possible.
For Apple iPhone: Since the iPhone cannot be taken apart, Apple recommends tapping the iPhone with your hand with the connector port facing down to allow the liquid to drain out.
For Samsung Android: Samsung recommends using cotton swabs to remove moisture from the earphone jack and charging port. In contrast, Apple says you shouldn’t insert cotton swabs into iPhone openings.
Samsung says that if it’s not water but another liquid (drinking, seawater, or chlorinated pool water), soaking the phone in clean water for a few minutes before rinsing will promote corrosion of the internal circuitry. Removal of possible impurities and salts is recommended.
Both companies say the best way to dry your phone is to leave it in a well-ventilated area (perhaps with a fan). Google says to keep your device dry at room temperature.
What not to do if you drop your phone in water
- Do not use hair dryers or compressed air on your phone.
- Do not put it in the freezer. This may prevent the device from shorting, but the problem will return when you try to unzip it.
- It may seem obvious, but don’t put your device on a tumble dryer or radiator.
- Do not turn it on or try to charge it with a cable. However, if your phone has wireless charging capabilities and you really need to turn it on in an emergency, wireless charging is fine.
So what about using rice to dry your device? You may have heard that placing your phone in a rice bowl will draw out the moisture. It’s a tip that’s been around for years.
But Apple says no. The company warned against this in an advisory published in early January. Although it received little attention at the time, people noticed the following statement: “Don’t put your iPhone inside a rice bag. Then, small rice grains can damage your iPhone.”
Is there anything I can use other than rice?
The best option is silica gel, a desiccant that can absorb a lot of moisture. Silica gel beads typically come with products such as beef jerky, seaweed sheets, and sneakers, and are packaged to prevent them from drying out. You can also buy in bulk online. This works best when placed in a sealed box with your phone.
When do you know it’s dry?
It’s hard to tell, but it’s best to wait as long as possible (at least a few days). Even after air drying, Samsung recommends that you take your device to a service center for inspection.
Aren’t modern smartphones waterproof?
Most modern mobile phones are designed to be water resistant, meaning they can withstand water ingress into critical areas for a period of time. However, please note that it is not waterproof.
Apple says iPhone 7 and later models are splash and water resistant. iPhone XS and newer devices are rated IP68 and can survive submersion in water for up to 30 minutes and, depending on the model, up to 20 feet deep. These models will also pop up a warning if liquid is detected in the key port, warning you not to charge. Samsung says most of its Galaxy Android smartphones have the same rating, but with a maximum depth of about 16 feet.
Google’s new Pixel smartphones have the same water resistance rating, but Google warns that they are not waterproof and that water resistance will degrade over time due to “normal wear and tear, device repair, disassembly, or damage.” I am.
