If you have ever dropped your iPhone in water, you might have heard of the popular advice to put it in a bag of rice to dry it out. However, this method is not only ineffective, but also potentially harmful, according to Apple.
Rice can damage your iPhone
Apple recently updated its support document on how to deal with a wet iPhone, and explicitly warned users not to put their device in a bag of rice. The reason is that rice can contain small particles that can get inside the phone and cause damage to the components. Rice is also not very good at absorbing moisture, and may leave some liquid trapped inside the phone.
Instead of rice, Apple suggests gently tapping the phone against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid, and then leaving it in a dry area with some airflow for at least 30 minutes. If you still see a liquid detected warning after that, you may have to wait for up to 24 hours before trying to charge the phone again.
Other things to avoid when your iPhone gets wet
Rice is not the only thing that Apple advises users to steer clear of when dealing with a wet iPhone. The company also recommends not to use an external heat source, such as a hair dryer, or compressed air, as they can damage the phone. Moreover, you should not insert any foreign object, such as a cotton swab or a paper towel, into the connector, as they can leave behind lint or fibers that can interfere with the charging.
The best thing to do when your iPhone gets wet is to turn it off immediately and avoid pressing any buttons. You can also try to dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth and put it in an airtight container with some silica packets, if you have them. However, you should not charge the phone until you are sure it is completely dry.
How water-resistant are iPhones?
While newer iPhones are designed to be water-resistant, they are not waterproof. This means that they can withstand some exposure to water, but not prolonged or deep immersion. The water-resistance of iPhones can also vary depending on the model and the condition of the device.
For example, the iPhone 12 series has an IP68 rating, which means it can survive up to 30 minutes in 6 meters of water. However, this rating is based on laboratory tests, and the actual performance may differ in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, the water-resistance of iPhones can degrade over time due to normal wear and tear, or damage from drops or impacts.
Therefore, it is important to take good care of your iPhone and avoid exposing it to water unnecessarily. If your iPhone does get wet, you should follow Apple’s guidelines on how to dry it properly and safely.
