Why Apple Does Not Recommend Putting Your Wet iPhone in Rice

The age-old trick of putting a wet phone in a bag of rice has been a go-to solution for many people when dealing with water damage to their devices. However, contrary to popular belief, Apple does not recommend this method. While the internet may consistently suggest using uncooked rice to draw out liquid and save your phone, Apple’s official support documents explicitly advise against it.

According to Apple, putting your wet iPhone in a bag of rice could actually cause further damage. The support documents highlight that small particles of rice could potentially harm your device. Instead, Apple offers alternative suggestions for what to do when you encounter the liquid detection alert on your iPhone.

In addition to avoiding the use of rice, Apple also advises against using external heat sources, such as hair dryers, or compressed air to remove liquid from your phone. The company also recommends against inserting cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging ports. Instead, they propose a more gentle approach of tapping the phone against your hand with the connector pointing down, resembling the process of getting water out of your ear after swimming.

After following the initial steps, Apple suggests leaving the phone in an area with good airflow to dry and waiting at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it. If the liquid detection alert persists, it is recommended to leave the phone and allow up to 24 hours for it to completely dry out. If the phone is still not charging, Apple advises unplugging the charging cable and reconnecting it once the device is thoroughly dry.

While rice has long been believed to expedite the drying process for waterlogged electronics, the reality may be different. The effectiveness of rice in saving a wet phone is debatable, as the time spent powered off and away from moisture may be what ultimately helps in recovering the device. As tempting as it may be to resort to the rice method, following Apple’s official recommendations may be the safer and more effective option when dealing with liquid damage to your iPhone.