Got a Wet iPhone? DON’T Dry It in a Bowl of Uncooked Rice, Apple Warns

By Danial Martinus • 21 Feb 2024 in News

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(source: HaerteTest / YouTube & Apple Hub / Twitter)

As smartphone owners, we try to do our very best to keep our precious devices out of harm’s way. From a tumble down a flight of stairs to an accidental plunge in some water, there are a lot of things out there that could seriously damage your smartphone. Of course, you can fix the first situation by putting on a case. But if you happen to face the latter situation, most people will be quick to tell you to put your phone in a bag or bowl of uncooked rice.

People believe that the raw rice grains will help absorb any remaining moisture when in contact with your wet or damp phone. But Apple, the makers of the iPhone you’re probably using right now (please don’t kecam if you’re using an Android), warns that this could actually do more damage to your precious device.

No rice, please

In a recently published support document, Apple outlines the things you should and shouldn’t do if you get a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone. This alert comes up if your iPhone detects liquid in the Lightning or USB-C connector, or on the cable/accessory itself.

According to Apple, using uncooked rice to dry your wet iPhone could allow small particles of rice and residual starch to damage it. This is especially risky when rice comes in contact with the connector itself. But rice isn’t the only thing you should avoid.

Do NOT use a blow dryer or cotton swabs to dry your iPhone. (source: Panasonic & Lazada)

Apple says you shouldn’t use an external heat source (like a blow dryer) or compressed air either. And of course, you shouldn’t stick foreign objects up the connector, like a cotton swab — for the same reason doctors tell you not to shove them into your ear canals.

So what do I do if my iPhone takes an accidental plunge?

In the event that your iPhone gets a liquid-detection alert, it’s not a big deal (yet). Just follow these simple steps, as laid out by Apple:

1. Unplug the cable from your iPhone, as well as the other end of the cable from the power source or accessory.

2. With the connector facing down, gently tap your iPhone against your hand to remove excess liquid. Then leave it in a dry area with some airflow (like an air-conditioner or fan).

3. After at least 30 minutes, try charging your iPhone with a Lightning or USB-C cable (or try to connect it to an accessory). If you see the alert again, your iPhone has not completely dried. It may take up to 24 hours to fully dry.

You should be okay after that!