For years, the go-to advice for a wet phone has been to submerge it in rice. While it's true that rice absorbs moisture, Apple has recently published a support document in which it advises against this practice, recommending alternative processes for dealing with phones affected by liquids.
Apple debunks the trend of putting a wet iPhone in rice
Apple's new support document refutes the idea that rice is a magical solution for wet phones. Despite widespread advice on the Internet and even endorsements from reputable sources, Apple warns us about the dangers of such practice: small rice particles can enter through the iPhone's openings, causing internal damage and blockages that could be more harmful than the water itself.
In this support document, we are also strongly advised not to dry our iPhone using an external heat source or compressed air, nor to insert any foreign object, such as a cotton swab or paper towel, into the connector.
So, what is the best procedure for drying a phone? It's noteworthy that the latest iPhones are water-resistant but not submersible. Thus, contact with liquids doesn't always require more than drying the iPhone with a dry, clean cloth. However, in the event the liquid detection alert appears, Apple suggests the following steps:
- First and foremost, unplug the cable from our iPhone and unplug the other end of the cable from the power adapter or accessory. We will not reconnect the cable until our iPhone and the cable are completely dry.
- Then, gently tap the iPhone against our hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid and leave it in a dry area with some airflow.
- After at least 30 minutes, try charging it with a Lightning or USB-C cable, or an accessory.
If the liquid alert persists, it means there is still liquid in the connector or under the pins of the cable. In that case, we should leave the iPhone in a dry area with some airflow for up to a day (24 hours). Then we can try charging it again or connecting it to an accessory. As a last resort, if the iPhone still does not work properly, Apple invites users to contact technical support.
In the event of a wet phone, prudence and care are essential. Indeed, let's avoid rice and follow Apple's guidelines. Patience and proper management can save our device from water, prioritizing its safety and correct restoration.
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