Apple, like most people in tech support, explicitly advises against putting your wet phone in a bag of rice. According to Apple support documents, doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone. This goes against popular advice that suggests using uncooked rice to draw out liquid and save phones.
When you get the liquid detection alert on your iPhone, Apple support documents suggest avoiding putting your phone in rice. Instead, they recommend tapping your phone against your hand with the connector pointing down, similar to getting water out of your ear after swimming. Additionally, Apple discourages using external heat sources like hair dryers or compressed air to dry off the liquid. Inserting cotton swabs or paper towels into charging ports is also not advised. The key is to leave your phone in an area with good airflow to dry and wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it. If the liquid detection alert persists, it is recommended to wait up to 24 hours for the phone to completely dry.
For years, rice has been believed to be the solution for drying out waterlogged electronics faster. Rice is considered a desiccant that can draw out additional liquid. However, Apple’s stance on the matter suggests that the risks of using rice may outweigh the benefits. In reality, it is the time spent with the phone powered off and out of use that is most effective in saving a wet iPhone.
While it may be tempting to follow the age-old advice of putting a wet iPhone in a bag of rice, it is important to heed Apple’s warnings against doing so. By following Apple’s recommendations for drying out a wet iPhone, you can avoid potential damage to your device and increase the chances of a successful recovery. It is always best to err on the side of caution and trust in the guidance provided by the manufacturer.
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