Apple issues warning: Don't put your iPhones in rice
Apple has once again addressed the popular myth about drying out water-damaged iPhones with rice. In a recent statement on its support page, the tech giant advised against placing iPhones in a container of rice following water exposure.
Highlighting proper care for iPhones that encounter liquid, Apple clarified, “Do not put your iPhone in a container full of rice.” This advice comes as part of broader guidelines on what users should and shouldn’t do if their device displays a liquid detection alert.
For models like the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later, Apple explains that connecting a Lightning or USB-C cable or accessory while the port is wet may trigger a warning. The alert indicates the detection of liquid in the iPhone’s Lightning or USB-C port, cable, or accessory. To protect your iPhone and accessories, charging and accessory connections cannot be made until the port, cable ends, and accessories are dry.
In addition to addressing user issues, Apple also opened a section titled "If your iPhone or accessory gets wet," where it explicitly warns against the use of rice, stating it can cause damage to the device.
Instructions for drying your iPhone include:
- Disconnecting the cable from your iPhone, and the other end from the power adapter or accessory.
- Gently tapping your iPhone with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid and leave it in a dry place with airflow.
- After waiting at least 30 minutes, try charging with a Lightning or USB-C cable or connecting an accessory.
- If the warning reappears, it suggests there's still liquid under the connector or cable pins. Keep the iPhone in a dry place with airflow for up to a day. During this time, you may attempt to charge or connect an accessory again. It may take up to 24 hours for the device to dry completely.
- If the phone still doesn’t charge after drying, remove the cable from the adapter, and if possible, disconnect and reconnect the adapter to the wall.
Apple advises against:
- Using an external heat source or compressed air to dry your iPhone.
- Inserting foreign objects like cotton swabs or paper towels into the connector.
- Placing your iPhone in a bag of rice, as small rice particles can damage the device.
