Apple has officially debunked the age-old myth of using uncooked rice to rescue waterlogged iPhones. The company’s advice? Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Here’s why.
For years, desperate iPhone users have turned to a bowl of uncooked rice as a last effort to save their water-damaged devices.
The idea was that the rice would absorb moisture and magically revive the phone.
But as it turns out, this method is not only ineffective but could also cause more harm than good.
In a support page dedicated to wet iPhones, Apple delivers a blunt message: “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.” So, if you’ve been relying on rice to save your precious device, it’s time to reconsider.
If your iPhone takes an unexpected swim, follow these steps recommended by Apple:
Unplug It: First, unplug your iPhone from its charging cable. Make sure the cable is also unplugged from the power outlet.
Tap It: Hold your iPhone with the connector facing down and tap it against the palm of your hand. This helps any trapped liquid escape.
Airflow: Leave your iPhone in an area with some airflow. Avoid enclosing it in a drawer or tight space. Placing it in front of a fan is a good idea.
Wait: Give it at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it or connect any accessories. If the connector is still wet, wait 24 hours.
Liquid Detection Warning: Some iPhone models (such as XS, XS Max, and XR) offer a liquid detection warning. If moisture is detected in the connector, the phone will alert you. Once the moisture evaporates, the warning disappears, and you can resume charging.
Contrary to popular belief, no iPhone model is waterproof. While many models from the iPhone 7 and up are described as “splash, water, and dust resistant,” they can handle a few stray drops. Some newer models (like the iPhone 12 and up) are IP68 rated, which means they can endure being submerged in water depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
So, the next time your iPhone takes an unexpected dive, skip the rice and follow Apple’s advice. Your phone will thank you!
