The modern era has brought with it a host of conveniences and tools that make our lives easier, but they also come with their own set of challenges. One such challenge that almost everyone can relate to is dealing with a wet phone. Over the years, the internet has been rife with recommendations for at-home remedies to save your electronic devices from the perils of water damage. A commonly suggested solution was to use uncooked rice as a desiccant to absorb the moisture from the device. Despite the popularity of this advice, tech giants like Apple and a slew of technical support experts have explicitly advised against this practice.
For instance, Apple’s support documents explicitly warn users, “Do not place your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so may allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.” This recommendation primarily arises in the context of managing the liquid detection alert on iPhones. Therefore, it effectively debunks an internet myth that has managed to persist for quite some time now.
Contrary to traditional beliefs, the tech giant suggests that using external heat sources, such as hair dryers, or compressed air to dry the liquid could potentially harm the device. It also advises against inserting objects like cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging connectors. Instead, Apple offers a simple yet effective solution to deal with a wet phone. The company recommends gently tapping the phone against your hand with the connector facing downwards, a technique reminiscent of trying to get water out of your ear after swimming. After this, the device should be left in a well-ventilated area to dry. It further advises waiting at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge the device.
If the liquid detection warning still persists, Apple suggests leaving the phone alone for a while. It could take up to 24 hours for your phone to dry completely. If the charging cable has been unplugged and the phone is dry but still not charging, it is recommended to reconnect it. This advice serves to remind users that patience is key when dealing with a wet phone and that quick fixes may not always be the best solution.
