Dropping your iPhone in water is a nerve-wracking experience. You might have heard that placing it in a bag of rice can help, but this is more of a myth than a fact.
Apple offers different guidance for handling wet iPhones. According to Apple, “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.” So, if your iPhone gets wet, it’s better to follow Apple’s advice instead of relying on rice.
Before giving up, there are some steps you can try to save your device. Apple provides essential tips to help. First, unplug the cable from your iPhone and remove the other end from the power adapter or accessory. Don’t plug the cable back in until both your iPhone and the cable are completely dry.
Dos
If your iPhone gets wet, follow these steps to help dry it out. If these don’t work, consider taking it to an authorized service provider:
- Remove Excess Liquid: Gently tap your iPhone against your hand with the connector facing down to shake out any excess liquid.
- Air Dry: Place your iPhone in a dry area with good airflow.
- Wait and Test: After at least 30 minutes, try charging it with a Lightning or USB-C cable, or connecting an accessory.
- Check for Alerts: If you see a liquid detection alert, there may still be moisture in the connector or on the cable pins. Leave your iPhone in the dry area for up to 24 hours.
- Periodic Testing: Throughout this period, you can occasionally try charging or connecting an accessory to check if the moisture has evaporated.
- Re-check Connections: If your iPhone seems dry but still isn’t charging, unplug the cable from the adapter and the adapter from the wall (if possible), then reconnect them.
Dont’s
It’s natural to want to save your iPhone from water damage, but it’s important to avoid making things worse. According to Apple, here’s what not to do:
- Avoid External Heat: Don’t use a hair dryer, heater, or any other external heat source to dry your iPhone.
- No Compressed Air: Don’t try to blow out moisture using compressed air, as it could push the liquid deeper into the device.
- Don’t Insert Objects: Avoid sticking anything into the connector, like a cotton swab or paper towel, as this can cause damage.
- Skip the Rice: Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. The tiny particles can get into the device and cause more harm than good.
Imagine this scenario: You’re by the pool, and your iPhone slips from your hand into the water. Panic sets in. Your first thought might be to grab a bag of rice and drop your phone in. But, according to recent information from Apple, this might not be the best idea.
When our gadgets get wet, we tend to believe in quick fixes. The classic “rice trick” is one everyone knows, but Apple warns against it. The advice to submerge your iPhone in rice isn’t just ineffective—it can be harmful. Tiny rice particles can get stuck in the phone’s ports, causing more damage than the water itself.
So, what should you do if your iPhone takes an unexpected dive? First, resist the urge to panic. You might still be able to save it by following some simple, science-backed steps given by Apple.
The key is to act quickly and wisely. Start by unplugging any cables and accessories. This helps prevent any possible electrical damage. Then, gently tap the phone with the connector facing down to shake out any excess liquid.
Next, find a dry area with good airflow to place your iPhone. This will allow it to air dry naturally. After about 30 minutes, see if your iPhone can charge or connect to an accessory. If you see a warning about liquid detection, don’t worry. It just means there’s still some moisture inside. Leave your iPhone in the dry spot for a full day if needed.
During this waiting period, you can occasionally test the phone to see if the moisture has evaporated. Sometimes, it may take several hours or even up to a day for your phone to fully dry out. And even if it looks dry, always double-check the connectors and cables before plugging them back in.
On the other hand, it’s crucial to avoid certain actions that might seem helpful but aren’t. Never use external heat sources like hair dryers or heaters. These can cause more harm than good. Similarly, using compressed air could push water deeper into your device, worsening the situation.
Sticking objects like cotton swabs or paper towels into the connector is also a big no-no. These can leave fibers behind or damage the delicate parts of your phone. And as mentioned, avoid the rice trick. Instead, follow the effective steps provided by experts to ensure your iPhone’s best chance of survival.
In conclusion, everyone’s first instinct when their smartphone gets wet is to try any means necessary to save it. However, it’s crucial to follow expert advice. Instead of turning to old wives’ tales, like placing your phone in rice, use scientifically-backed methods to give your device the best chance of recovery. And remember, if all else fails, take your iPhone to an authorized service provider for professional help.
So, next time you’re near water with your iPhone, keep these tips in mind. Your phone’s survival might just depend on it. And always remember, prevention is better than cure. Keep your device away from water as much as possible, and equip it with a waterproof case if you’re frequently around water. Stay safe and keep your tech dry!
