Don’t Reach for the Rice: Apple Warns Against Popular iPhone Water Damage Fix

We’ve all been there – the heart-stopping moment when your iPhone takes an unexpected plunge into water. Previously, the go-to remedy for wet iPhones was to stick them in a bag of uncooked rice, hoping that the grains would work their magic and absorb the moisture. However, Apple is now cautioning against this popular fix.

According to recent reports, Apple has updated its support site to advise against placing your iPhone in a bag of rice. The company explains that doing so could actually cause more harm than good, as small particles of rice might end up damaging your device. Instead, Apple provides alternative steps to take if your iPhone gets wet.

If your iPhone detects liquid in the charging port or on the charging cable or accessory, certain models such as the XS, XS Max, and XR or later will display an alert and refuse to charge until the device is dry. In this situation, Apple suggests gently tapping your iPhone against your hand, with the charging port facing down, and placing it in a well-ventilated area. After at least 30 minutes, you can attempt to charge the device again.

If your iPhone continues to detect liquid, Apple recommends leaving it in a dry area with good airflow for up to 24 hours. During this time, you can try to charge or connect an accessory. For added moisture absorption, tech insurer and repair company Asurion suggests placing your iPhone and silica gel packets in a sealed plastic bag for a day or two.

While rice has long been touted as a solution, tech experts have cautioned against relying on it. Rice may not effectively address the underlying issue, and there is the possibility that the liquid has already seeped into critical components that rice cannot fix.

Apple reminds users that while certain iPhone models are resistant to water, splash, and dust, this resistance may decrease over time due to regular wear and tear. So, it’s important to exercise caution and take immediate action if your device gets wet. Remember, when it comes to fixing a water-damaged iPhone, rice may no longer be your knight in shining armor.

An FAQ based on the main topics and information presented in the article:

Q: What is Apple cautioning against in regards to wet iPhones?
A: Apple is cautioning against placing your iPhone in a bag of rice as a remedy for water damage.

Q: Why does Apple advise against using rice to fix wet iPhones?
A: Apple explains that small particles of rice might end up damaging the device and it may not effectively address the underlying issue.

Q: What alternative steps does Apple suggest if your iPhone gets wet?
A: Apple suggests gently tapping the iPhone against your hand with the charging port facing down, placing it in a well-ventilated area for at least 30 minutes, and then attempting to charge it again. If the device continues to detect liquid, it is recommended to leave it in a dry area with good airflow for up to 24 hours.

Q: What additional suggestion does the tech insurer and repair company Asurion provide for moisture absorption?
A: Asurion suggests placing your iPhone and silica gel packets in a sealed plastic bag for a day or two.

Q: What does Apple remind users about iPhone models and water resistance?
A: Apple reminds users that while certain iPhone models are resistant to water, splash, and dust, this resistance may decrease over time due to regular wear and tear.

Definitions:

1. iPhone: A line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc.

2. Charging port: The interface on a device where the charging cable plugs in to charge the device.

3. Silica gel packets: Small packets containing silica gel, a desiccant used to absorb moisture and prevent the growth of mold or degradation of certain products.

Suggested related links to main domain:

Apple
Asurion

The source of the article is from the blog toumai.es