The age-old advice of putting a soaked phone in a bag of rice has been debunked by experts for years, and Apple has recently reinforced this by officially warning against the practice. While the theory behind using rice is that its dry and absorbent nature would draw out moisture from the device, it poses a risk of rice particles damaging the phone and has proven to be ineffective in drying it.
Instead, Apple provides more reliable guidance for dealing with a wet iPhone. If you encounter a “liquid detected” alert when trying to charge your phone, first unplug the charging cable at both ends. Then, gently tap the phone against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Afterward, allow the device to dry for at least half an hour before attempting to charge it again. If the phone and cable are completely dry, proceed with charging. However, it’s crucial to avoid using external heat sources or compressed air to dry the phone, as these methods can cause further damage.
If your phone isn’t functioning after getting wet, immediately turn it off and refrain from pressing any buttons. Dry it with a towel and place it in an airtight container with silica packets, if available, to help absorb moisture. Avoid charging the phone until you are certain it is completely dry.
While many modern phones, including iPhones, boast water resistance, accidents can still happen. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared and know the appropriate steps to take if your device gets wet. By following Apple’s guidance and avoiding risky methods, you can increase the chances of successfully drying out and recovering a wet phone without causing further harm.
