Apple warns against placing a wet iPhone in rice

Dropping phones into the water or getting them wet is not unheard of. It can happen to anyone and everyone. But what do you do to dry your wet iPhone? While the popular advice is to put it inside raw rice and let it sit overnight, Apple says otherwise.

In truth, Apple is adamantly against putting wet iPhones in raw rice. The company says, “This allows tiny particles of rice to damage your phone.” This means you’ll basically be doing more damage to the phone than protecting it from damage.

You should also not use external heat or cotton swabs

Should you use an external heat source when your phone gets wet? The answer is again no. That means putting it in the oven, using a can of compressed air, or a blow dryer is a no-no. These can cause the fluid to move and damage more parts inside. Also, you should not use cotton swabs or put paper towels in the charging ports.

What should you do to dry a wet iPhone?

Besides advising against putting a wet iPhone in a bag of rice, Apple has provided guidance on what you need to do. According to the Cupertino giant, you should first tap the wet phone in your hand. Make sure the charging connector is facing down when touching the phone. This will allow excess water to drain out of the holes.

Think of this patting as trying to get water out of your ears after swimming. After the faucets, leave the wet iPhone in an area with a good level of airflow. Wait at least 30 minutes and then try connecting the phone to a charger. If you still see the liquid detection warning, leave the phone outdoors for 24 hours and try again.

After 24 hours, it’s best to visit a service center if you still see the fluid detection warning.

How to tell if your iPhone has water damage

While Apple’s advice helps prevent further damage, it’s extremely important to understand how to identify existing water damage on your iPhone. Here are some key signs to look out for:

Visual inspection

• Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI): Most iPhones (except newer models) have the LCI near the SIM tray. If it’s red, it means liquid exposure.
• Corrosion: Look for white or green corrosion on the charging port, SIM card tray, or other metal parts.
• discoloration: Check for water spots or discoloration around the charging port, speaker grills, or under the screen.
• Fuzzy Growth: In rare cases, moisture can cause mold or mildew to form inside the ports or on the screen.

Functional problems

• Muted sound: Water damage can affect the microphone and speaker, making the sound muffled or distorted.
• Touchscreen issues: The touchscreen may stop responding or register touches unevenly due to water damage.
• Unusual loading behavior: Your iPhone may charge slowly, not charge at all, or show a “liquid detected” warning when it’s turned on.
• Overheating: The phone may overheat due to internal components malfunctioning due to exposure to water.
• Data loss or app crashes: Water damage can corrupt data or internal components, resulting in app crashes or data loss.

Additional tips

• Do not ignore the warning: If you see a “liquid detected” warning, don’t try to charge your phone. This may further damage the internal components.
• Seek professional help: If you suspect water damage, even if your iPhone appears to be functional, it is extremely important to visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for professional diagnosis and repair. They have the specialized tools and experience to assess the damage and safely restore your phone.

I remember: Early detection and proper handling are critical to minimizing water damage and potentially saving your iPhone. By being aware of these signs and taking timely action, you can increase the chances of a successful repair and avoid further complications.