Digital
Updated May 4, 2024 at 4:58 p.m
Common method: Place the wet smartphone in rice.
© Getty Images/iStockphoto/Marti157900
Did your smartphone get wet? According to a technological legend, the best way to dry it is to put it in rice. But manufacturers like Apple warn against this widespread method.
Almost everyone has a packet of rice at home. Not only is this a common food, it's also a particularly absorbent food – for example, if your smartphone suffers water damage.
But what's the real reason behind the promise that rice will draw water out of your cell phone if you put it in cereal?
Apple warns: Rice grains can damage the device
If moisture gets into your iPhone's Lightning or USB-C port, the device will respond with a quick liquid warning. This notice indicates to the user that charging the phone or using accessories through the charging port is temporarily not possible until the inside of the port is completely dry again.
Apple posts a warning on its support page indicating that you should not place your iPhone in rice to speed up the drying process. Even the smallest grains of rice can damage the device. Apple also advises against using hair dryers, cotton swabs, and kitchen paper.
Representatives of Android manufacturers like Samsung also advise against putting a wet phone in rice.
What to do if water gets into your cell phone?
Alternatively, the company recommends gently tapping the iPhone with the port facing down to remove any remaining water. In order to dry, the device must be placed in a well-ventilated place and recharged only after half an hour. According to Apple, it may take up to 24 hours for the water to completely evaporate and the liquid warning to disappear.
For Samsung phones, if liquid comes into contact with a non-waterproof device, it is recommended to remove the SIM card and SD card from the device, dry it with a dry towel and store it in a cool place – preferably cold. A well-ventilated, low-lit place.
Even after drying, moisture may remain inside the device. If there is a lot of liquid, you may not want to operate the device, but instead have it checked by experts at the service center. (dpa/subsidiary body for implementation)
iPhone got wet? Many online tips recommend placing your smartphone in rice to dry it. But Apple is now warning against the alleged hoax.
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