If you drop your phone in water, the best thing to do is to try and dry it off as much as possible and then put it in place with good airflow. Rice is a popular method to try and dry out a phone, but it is not as effective overall.
As a matter of fact, the myth that rice can dry an iPhone is false. Air is just as effective as rice at removing moisture from an iPhone.
Apple says that the best way to remove moisture from your iPhone is to leave it in a dry area with good airflow. You can also place it in front of a fan to help speed up the drying process.
The thing is, using rice to dry your phone out can actually damage it. The rice starch can cause your phone to rust faster if it gets wet. In addition, small pieces of rice can get stuck in the charging port and damage it. As a matter of fact, rice is more likely to damage your phone than water.
In such a case, why do people do it? The method of air drying is often used by people who want the fastest results possible. This is because it can take up to a week or two for the water to evaporate through regular airflow. However, there is no potential damage caused by lodged grains.
Are There Other Safe Methods to Dry Your Phone?
Yes, there actually are. Below are just a few examples.
1. Dehumidifiers
If your phone has been exposed to water for a short period of time, you may be able to simply air dry it. This can be done by leaving your phone in the open air or using a cool fan to help circulate the air. If your phone has been in the water for a longer period of time, you may need to use a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
Once your phone is dry, it's important to check for any water damage. If your phone has any water damage, it's important to get it checked immediately.
2. Desiccant Packets
If you have any silica gel packets that are left over from other packages or pill bottles, you can try using these to dry your phone if it gets wet. You may lay a few of the packets on the phone to get rid of any moisture.
3. Lint-Free Microfiber Cloths
If you don't have any silica gel packets, don't worry. You may use the lint-free microfiber cloth of your glasses or DSLR camera. Wipe down your phone with it, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies and remove all the water.
4. Vacuum Bags
Vacuum seal bags are great for storing clothes and other items. They take up less space than regular storage bags, and you can use a small, easy-to-use hand pump to expand the bag to fit more items inside. If you're worried about moisture damaging your belongings, you can also use packets of silica gel or microfiber cloths to help absorb moisture.
Conclusion
While it is tempting to try and save a phone that has been splashed with water by putting it in rice, this is not actually an effective method of drying out the device. In fact, rice can actually do more harm than good by causing the phone to become clogged with rice particles. Instead, it is best to try all the methods above. Not only are they safer, but they will ensure the quality of your phone stays the same, despite the water mishap.
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