TECHNOLOGY
Does putting your cell phone in rice when it gets wet work? This is what you should do
While putting your phone in rice can offer some limited benefit in drying out a wet device, it’s not a foolproof solution.
It’s official: bathing your wet phone in dry rice is not a recommended repair. At least, that is according to Apple.
“Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone,” Apple support documents say. Instead, the company recommends leaving the phone in a dry space for up to 24 hours.
Putting your cell phone in rice when it gets wet has been a popular method for years, often touted as a quick fix to salvage a waterlogged device. The idea behind it is that the rice will absorb moisture from the phone, helping to dry it out and potentially prevent damage.
Does the rice method actually work?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand how water can damage your phone. When water seeps into the delicate electronic components of your device, it can cause short circuits and corrosion, leading to malfunctions or even complete failure. Time is of the essence when dealing with a wet phone, as prolonged exposure to moisture increases the risk of irreversible damage.
Putting your phone in rice can indeed help absorb some moisture, but its effectiveness is often exaggerated. Rice is not as absorbent as commonly believed, and it may not reach all the nooks and crannies where water might be lurking inside your device. Moreover, the dust and debris present in uncooked rice can potentially cause further harm to your phone’s ports and internals, as Apple said.
Instead of relying solely on the rice method, here’s what you should do if your phone gets wet:
- Act quickly: Immediately power off your device and remove the battery if possible. This can help prevent short circuits.
- Dry the exterior: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any visible moisture on the outside of the phone.
- Use desiccants: Instead of rice, silica gel packets or dedicated phone drying kits are more effective at absorbing moisture. Place your phone and desiccants in a sealed container for at least 24 hours.
- Seek professional help: If your phone doesn’t seem to be working properly after drying, it’s best to take it to a professional technician for assessment and repair.