The claim

Apple recommends not drying wet smartphones in rice as this can damage the device. Instead, they recommend patience and natural air drying.

Our conclusion

The advice to put a wet smartphone in rice can do more harm than good. Apple advises patience and careful drying without external heat sources or mechanical intervention.

Nowadays, a smartphone has become indispensable for many. It serves not only as a means of communication, but also as a camera, navigation aid and source of information. You can dry it in rice if your smartphone has fallen into water, right? The common practice of placing the wet device in a bag of rice is based on the belief that rice effectively absorbs moisture. This method has been promoted for years as a cost-effective and easy solution to rescuing water damage. But the warning from Apple, the world's largest smartphone maker, against this approach raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of this method.

What are we talking about?

The recommendation to put a water-damaged smartphone in rice is widespread. The idea is that the rice draws moisture out of the device, protecting it from further damage. However, Apple warns against this in a support article because small rice particles can get into the device and cause permanent damage. Instead, they advise patience and recommend letting the device dry naturally. There are also explicit warnings against other methods such as the use of hairdryers, heaters, ovens or compressed air.

Our rating for drying smartphones

Apple's warning about the rice method and other quick drying attempts underscores the need to be careful when dealing with water damage to electronic devices. The suggested alternatives, such as leaving the device in a dry place, reflect the importance of gentle handling to avoid further damage.

The dust that is found in rice packages along with rice grains settles in the device and on its components. Additionally, these particles can block microphone openings, USB ports or headphone inputs. They are particularly difficult to remove once they have swollen. Rice is capable of absorbing moisture, but it can become sticky when wet and thus cause additional damage.

Facts about drying smartphones

  • Damage caused by rice : Small particles of rice can enter the device and damage the electronics.
  • Alternative methods : Apple rejects the use of external heat sources and mechanical interventions and recommends leaving the device in a dry place with a slight draft.
  • Patience is key : Instead of quick fixes, Apple advises patience to let the device dry naturally.

Questions and answers about drying smartphones:

Question 1: Is the rice method an effective solution for wet smartphones?
Answer 1: No, according to Apple, this method can damage the device by entering rice particles.

Question 2: What does Apple recommend as the best course of action for a wet smartphone?
Answer 2: Apple advises patience and recommends leaving the device in a dry, drafty place.

Question 3: Why does Apple warn against using a hair dryer or other heat sources?
Answer 3: External heat sources can cause additional damage to the device by distorting or fusing internal components.

Question 4: Can you dry the USB-C or Lightning port on a wet smartphone?
Answer 4: Apple warns against drying the port with external objects as this may cause damage.

Question 5: What should you do if the smartphone does not work even after drying?
Answer 5: If the device still does not work after a day, Apple recommends contacting support.

Conclusion on drying smartphones

Apple's warning against the popular rice method and other quick drying attempts on wet smartphones underscores the importance of a careful and patient approach. Recommending that you allow the device to dry naturally and without external intervention offers the best chance of preventing additional damage and preserving the functionality of the device.

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Source: support.apple , Giga , Hama

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