If you have ever dropped your iPhone in water, you might have heard the advice to put it in a bag of rice to dry it out. But is this really a good idea? According to Apple, the answer is no. In fact, putting your iPhone in rice could cause more harm than good. Here’s why you shouldn’t do it, and what you should do instead.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Your iPhone in Rice?
Risk of Damage
Rice is not a good material for absorbing water from your iPhone. It is too coarse and dusty, and it can scratch your device or get inside the ports and openings. Rice can also leave behind starch and other residues that can corrode your iPhone’s components over time. Rice is not effective at removing moisture from the internal parts of your iPhone, which are the most vulnerable to water damage.
Apple’s Warning
Apple explicitly warns against putting your iPhone in rice or any other material that could get into the openings. This could void your warranty and make it harder to repair your device. Apple also advises against using heat sources such as hair dryers, microwaves, or ovens to dry your iPhone, as this could damage the battery or other parts. Apple recommends following these steps if your iPhone gets wet:
- Turn off your iPhone and disconnect any cables or accessories.
- Gently wipe your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any excess water.
- If your iPhone has a SIM card, remove it and dry it with a cloth.
- Place your iPhone in a cool, dry place with some airflow, such as a fan or an air conditioner.
- Wait at least 48 hours before turning on your iPhone or charging it.
What to Do Instead
Seek Professional Help
The best thing to do if your iPhone gets wet is to seek professional help as soon as possible. Apple offers a service called AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss, which covers accidental damage, including water damage, for a fee. You can also check with your carrier or a third-party repair shop if they offer any water damage repair services. However, be aware that water damage is not always fixable, and you may need to replace your iPhone entirely.
Use Absorbent Materials
If you can’t get professional help right away, you can try to use some absorbent materials to dry your iPhone. These include silica gel packets, which are often found in shoe boxes or electronics packaging, or synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester. These materials can draw out some of the moisture from your iPhone without leaving behind any residues or particles. However, they are not a guarantee that your iPhone will work again, and they are not a substitute for professional help.
The Science Behind Rice and Water Damage
Myth vs. Reality
The idea that rice can dry out your iPhone is based on a myth that rice can absorb water from the air. This is not true, as rice only absorbs water when it is in direct contact with it, such as when it is cooked. Rice cannot pull water out of your iPhone, especially if it is sealed in a plastic bag, as some people suggest. Rice is also not very hygroscopic, meaning that it does not attract water vapor from the air. There are other materials that are more hygroscopic, such as salt, sugar, or calcium chloride, but they are also not recommended for drying your iPhone, as they can cause other problems.
Potential for Further Damage
Putting your iPhone in rice could actually make the water damage worse, as it could create a humid environment that promotes the growth of mold, bacteria, or fungi. These microorganisms can feed on the organic matter in your iPhone, such as the glue, the circuit board, or the battery, and cause corrosion, short circuits, or fire hazards. They can also pose health risks if you inhale them or touch them with your skin. Therefore, it is better to avoid putting your iPhone in rice or any other organic material that could harbor microbes.
