In an attempt to prevent water damage, a lot of iPhone users resort to the time-tested method of placing their damp phone inside a bag of rice. Apple is now cautioning against this common do-it-yourself technique, claiming it can cause more harm than benefit.
The risks of drying your wet iPhone in rice
Many people’s first response when their iPhone gets wet is to go for a bag of rice, whether from dumping it in the sink or getting caught in a downpour. Using rice to absorb moisture from the phone and aid in its drying out is the theory behind this approach. Rice fragments may easily become lodged in the ports of the device and cause more harm, thus Apple has released a statement warning against this behavior.
Grains of rice have the potential to damage your iPhone’s internal components as well as obstruct the charging port and headphone socket. This might eventually cause your iPhone to become irreparably damaged due to rust and more water damage.
What you should do instead?
So what should you do if your iPhone gets wet? Apple recommends following these steps:
Disconnect the iPhone’s cable and the other end of the cable from the accessory or power adapter. Make sure, until both your iPhone and the cord are entirely dry, avoid plugging them in again.
First, if there is more liquid on your iPhone, gently press it on your palm with the connector side down. Your iPhone should be left somewhere dry and open to the air. Second, try attaching an accessory or using a Lightning or USB-C connection to charge after at least thirty minutes.
Third, liquid may still be present in the connection or beneath the cable’s pins if you notice the warning once more. For up to a day, keep your iPhone somewhere dry and open to air circulation. For the duration of this time, you can attempt charging or connecting an item once again. The entire drying process might take up to 24 hours. Finally, connect the adapter and cable back together once they have dried out if your phone is still not charging. If this isn’t feasible, disconnect the adapter from the wall as well as the cord.
What you should prevent
Apple also asks users to avoid using pressurized air or an external heat source to dry their iPhones. Moreover, avoid sticking an unfamiliar object, such as a paper towel or cotton swab, into the connection. In conclusion, even while placing your damp iPhone in a bag of rice can seem like a quick repair, it’s advisable to heed Apple’s advice to prevent further harm to the device.
2024-02-20 15:04:47