Dropping your iPhone in water is a nightmare that one iPhone user would not love to face. As soon as your phone is submerged, you become panicked and begin looking for ways to bring it back to life. Using rice to dry out a damp iPhone is one of the most commonly used techniques. But do you know if that technique is legit and efficient enough for a waterlogged iPhone fix? Find out the facts and myths right here in this post: 

The Science of The Rice Method

Before learning how long to keep a phone in rice, you should understand the science behind this method. Using a desiccant to extract moisture from the air, the rice method is based on the desiccation concept. Uncooked rice is a natural desiccant and can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture. The rice grains will absorb the moisture and dry off your damp iPhone if you place it in a container loaded with rice. 

However, not every type of rice is made equally. The desiccant qualities of rice can vary depending on the variety you select. As an example:

As White rice contains less moisture than brown rice, white rice works better as a desiccant. Because uncooked rice can absorb more moisture and has a larger surface area, uncooked rice works better than cooked rice. 

What Does Apple Say?

Apple took official action against this long-standing practice in 2024. According to Apple’s support documentation, it is not advised to trust in a waterlogged iPhone fix. Adding rice to the device can make matters worse. Small pieces of starch or rice can become stuck in  the following areas 

  • Ports
  • Jacks
  • And other openings

These particles might harm internal parts. They can also make cleanup more challenging in the future.

Here’s what Apple advises instead:

  • Cotton swabs, paper towels, and rice grains are foreign things that should not be inserted into the headphone jack or charging port.
  • Place the phone in a well-ventilated, open area and let it dry naturally.

Instead of thinking about how long to keep phone in rice, it is time for you to think rationally and practically to find a solution.

Methods You Need to Follow When You Drop Your iPhone in Water

Feeling overwhelmed when you drop your iPhone in water is a common occurrence. But you ought to remain composed in this circumstance. You may save your phone and avoid long-term damage if you act appropriately without becoming anxious. Also, do not think about how long to keep phone in rice, as it is not required. Here’s what expert advice:

Turn Off The Device Immediately

Turning off your iPhone should be your first step. Turning on a wet phone can result in short circuits, which could harm the internal components permanently. To immediately turn it off, hold down the side button and swipe.

Remove All External Parts And Accessories

After that, remove everything that is connected to your iPhone. Unplug all wires, remove the case, and push out the SIM card tray. As a result, water will find it tough to find hiding spots, and your phone can dry more quickly.

Gently Tap Out Excess Liquid

The charging port of your iPhone should be facing down when you hold it. To assist any water stuck in the ports, gently tap the phone against your hand. It is enough to let the droplets inside the phone come out slowly. You do not have to be aggressive when tapping your phone; you should be gentle. You can gently tap out excess liquid instead of relying on a random waterlogged iPhone fix process. 

Wipe The Exterior With A Soft And Dry Cloth

Remove any water from the phone’s exterior using a gentle and lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth). Focus especially on sections such as the following

  • Camera lenses
  • Buttons
  • Displays. 

To avoid pushing water further into the gadget, make sure you are being gentle.

Let It Air Dry In A Ventilated Space

You should place your iPhone in a vented space. It is best to place it close to an open window or a fan. It is best if you stay away from the following

  • Heaters
  • Ovens
  • Hair dryers
  • Direct sunlight. 

Overheating can harm internal components and the battery. Putting your phone in a rice bag is not the best idea. As microscopic rice particles can become stuck in the charging port and cause extra issues, Apple warns against doing this. How to get water out of iPhone speaker questions will be resolved if you opt for methods like keeping your phone in a ventilated space.

These are some methods to recover your iPhone from the damage caused by water. If you are still wondering how to get water out of iPhone speaker even after a day, you should get professional assistance.

The Bottom Line

The above points clarify the facts and myths behind the famous story of rice being the saviour of water-damaged iPhones. Dropping your iPhone in water may sometimes result in the loss of data. What should you do then? You should opt for Recovery Squad, one of the finest iPhone data recovery services. With our professional service, you need not worry about your lost data!