Key facts
- Apple warns against using rice to dry wet iPhones due to potential damage from rice particles.
- Silica gel packets are recommended as a superior drying agent for water-damaged smartphones.
- Proper drying involves wiping the exterior, removing the SIM card, and air-drying in a ventilated space.
- Using heat sources like hair dryers or radiators, or extreme cold like freezers, should be avoided.
- Modern smartphones offer water resistance, not complete waterproofing, with limitations on depth and duration.
When a smartphone encounters liquid, a common piece of advice is to place it in a bowl of rice, but this method is now discouraged by manufacturers like Apple. Apple warns that rice particles can damage the device. Instead, experts suggest using silica gel packets, typically found in product packaging, as a more effective drying agent. These should be placed in an airtight container with the phone.