Stop putting your wet iPhone in rice, says Apple. Here’s what to do instead
Apple recommends against putting wet phones in rice because it can potentially cause more damage to the device. Rice can leave behind dust and debris inside the phone, which can further harm the internal components. Instead, Apple suggests using a lint-free cloth to gently dry the phone and seeking professional help if needed. “Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone,” Apple explains. The company also advises against trying to dry your iPhone with “an external heat source or compressed air” or inserting “a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or a paper towel” into the charging port.
What does Apple recommend?
When an iPhone user gets a “liquid detection” alert, it usually means that liquid was detected in the lightning connector or USB-C connector.
In this instance, Apple does not recommend charging the phone when it is wet but does advise you can still use a wireless charger if you make sure the back of the smartphone is dry.
If your iPhone is wet, you can tap it against your hand with “the connector facing down to remove excess liquid” and then leave it in a dry area. After 30 minutes, you can try to charge it again.
If you continue to see a liquid alert, the tech company recommends leaving it “in a dry area with some airflow for up to a day,” which could take up to 24 hours.
