Tips

Why You Should Stop Stuffing Your Phone in Rice When It Gets Wet

Introducing the art of rice: an age-old myth debunked. Contrary to popular belief, stuffing a wet phone with rice is futile and may cause further damage. This ineffective remedy has been passed down for years, but it's time to unravel the truth and explore more efficient solutions to rescue your precious device. Prepare to dive into a world of practical tips and tricks, as we unveil the secrets to saving your phone from a watery grave. Stay tuned, as we bring you the latest and greatest in the world of tech rescue missions!

Administrator

25 July, 2024

Many people have the habit of putting their phones in a bag of rice to absorb moisture and speed up the drying process when their devices fall into water. However, according to experts, this practice is not only ineffective but can also cause further damage to the internal components of the phone. Instead, it is recommended to air-dry your phone.

What should you do if your phone falls into water?

Turn off the phone immediately

Doing so will help prevent damage to the phone’s circuits. The faster you turn off your phone, the less likely there will be significant damage to the electrical circuits, so make sure you remember this crucial step.

Wipe it dry with a paper towel first

After turning off your phone, use a paper towel or a regular towel if you prefer, and gently dry the phone. Be very careful and gentle during this step to avoid pushing water further into the phone.

Check all removable parts

If possible, remove any detachable phone parts, such as the SIM card tray or battery…

Do not insert any objects into the charging port

Refrain from putting any cotton swabs, small pieces of paper, or towels into the charging port to aid drying. Also, be careful not to press any buttons or shake the phone, as this could cause internal liquid movement.

Let the phone air-dry on a dry towel

After successfully completing all the above steps, place your phone on a dry towel and let it air-dry. Do not turn on the phone before it is completely dry. The recommended waiting time is between 24 to 36 hours or more.

What to do if your phone starts working again?

Even if your phone seems to be functioning normally, it could still have water damage and cause glitches. Moreover, the internal components might have started to corrode, leading to wiring issues. Pay close attention, and if you notice any malfunctions or performance issues, take your phone to a professional repair service.

By Minh Minh – Vietnamnet

Frequently asked questions

While rice is absorbent, it is not fine enough to reach the tiny crevices and absorb moisture completely. It also doesn’t address the conductive corrosion that occurs when water comes into contact with the delicate circuitry of your phone. This corrosion can cause irreversible damage to your device.

Rice can introduce dust, debris, and starch into your phone, causing further damage. The rice grains can also get stuck in ports and crevices, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and corrosion. Additionally, the phone may heat up while drying, causing the rice to cook and expand, which can put pressure on the phone’s internal components and cause further damage.

The best course of action is to turn off your phone immediately to prevent short-circuiting. Then, gently pat it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth or towel. You can also use a desiccant packet, such as silica gel, to help absorb moisture. Place your phone and the desiccant in an airtight container or bag and leave it for at least 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry your phone as this can cause further damage.

Yes, there are commercial phone drying kits available that use specialized drying agents and tools to absorb moisture safely. You can also try using compressed air to blow out any remaining moisture from hard-to-reach areas. It’s important to act quickly and seek professional help if you’re unsure, as water damage can worsen over time.