Many iPhone users have fallen for some myths that could harm their devices rather than help them. Apple has recently updated its support document to debunk these myths and provide some useful tips for iPhone owners. Here are the five myths that Apple has exposed and what you should do instead.
Myth 1: Putting your wet iPhone in rice will help dry it out
One of the most popular misconceptions is that rice will dry out a wet iPhone. Apple warns against this, saying the grains can seep into the phone and damage it. Instead, the new Apple support document says people should tap their iPhone gently against their hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Then, they should leave their iPhone in a dry area with some airflow. After at least 30 minutes, they can try charging with a Lightning or USB-C cable or connecting an accessory.
Myth 2: Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will conserve your battery
A common misconception is that turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi will extend the battery life, but when the features are on and not in use, they don’t use up any extra battery life. Instead, turning on Airplane Mode is a better solution because it will disable apps that drain your battery, and can be particularly useful when you’re traveling or in areas with bad reception. The feature prevents the phone from continuously searching for signals which will quickly drain the juice from your iPhone.
Myth 3: Private browsing mode hides IP address and location
If you’ve ever used your incognito or private browser thinking it would hide your location and IP address from third parties, we’re here to tell you it doesn’t work. Incognito may hide your browsing history, but the website you are visiting still has access to your personal information and if you accept the use of cookies, your phone will still store the data, allowing websites to get information about your browsing habits. Instead, Apple suggests subscribing to its iCloud+ service, which gives you access to the iCloud Private Relay app. The app protects your IP address and browsing activity by encrypting the traffic on your device and sending it through separate internet relays.
Myth 4: Closing apps will save battery and improve performance
Many people think that closing apps that are running in the background will conserve phone battery and make the device run faster. However, this is not true, as iOS automatically manages the apps that are open and suspends the ones that are not in use. Force quitting apps will actually use more battery and resources when you reopen them, as the system will have to reload them from scratch. The only time you should close an app is when it is frozen or not working properly.
Myth 5: Generic chargers will spoil your iPhone
Some people believe that using generic or third-party chargers will damage their iPhone or affect its battery life. While it is true that some cheap or counterfeit chargers may pose a safety risk or deliver inconsistent power, not all generic chargers are bad for your iPhone. Apple has a certification program for third-party accessories, called Made for iPhone (MFi), which ensures that they meet Apple’s standards and are compatible with iOS devices. You can look for the MFi logo on the packaging or the product to verify its authenticity. However, you should always avoid using chargers that are visibly damaged, frayed, or have exposed wires.
