Forget the Rice: Apple Debunks the Myth of DIY iPhone Water Damage Repair

It’s a nightmare scenario that many iPhone users have experienced – dropping your beloved device in water. In a desperate attempt to save it, you may have heard the age-old advice to submerge it in a bag of rice overnight. But according to a recently updated Apple support document, this DIY repair method is nothing more than an urban myth, and it could actually cause more harm than good.

Apple now explicitly states that putting your iPhone in a bag of rice is not recommended. In fact, it could lead to small particles of rice damaging your device, and the rice starch can clog up the internal components. Furthermore, rice is not as effective at drawing out moisture as other materials, such as silica packets.

So, what should you do if your iPhone takes a dip? Apple recommends a gentle approach. First, tap the device against your hand with the connector facing down to dislodge any liquid. Then, leave it in an open, dry space with good airflow for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, try connecting it to a cable charger.

If the Liquid Detection Alert persists, Apple suggests allowing up to 24 hours for the device to fully dry. And if all else fails, the company suggests the classic troubleshooting step of unplugging the cable from the adapter, disconnecting the adapter from the wall, and reconnecting them again.

It’s important to avoid other rumored solutions as well. Apple advises against using an external heat source like a blow dryer and warns against inserting foreign objects such as cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging ports, as these actions can exacerbate the damage.

So, the next time your iPhone takes an unintended swim, forget the rice and follow Apple’s recommended steps for drying. Remember, in this case, the age-old advice simply doesn’t hold up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for iPhone Water Damage:

Q: What is the age-old advice for saving a water-damaged iPhone?
A: The age-old advice is to submerge the iPhone in a bag of rice overnight.

Q: Is the bag of rice method effective?
A: No, according to Apple, the bag of rice method is not recommended and can potentially cause more harm than good.

Q: Why is the bag of rice method not recommended?
A: Putting your iPhone in a bag of rice can lead to small particles of rice damaging the device, and the rice starch can clog up the internal components. Additionally, rice is not as effective at drawing out moisture as other materials, such as silica packets.

Q: What does Apple recommend for drying a water-damaged iPhone?
A: Apple suggests a gentle approach. First, tap the device against your hand with the connector facing down to dislodge any liquid. Then, leave it in an open, dry space with good airflow for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, try connecting it to a cable charger.

Q: If the Liquid Detection Alert persists, what should you do?
A: Apple suggests allowing up to 24 hours for the device to fully dry if the Liquid Detection Alert persists.

Q: What is the classic troubleshooting step recommended by Apple?
A: If all else fails, Apple suggests unplugging the cable from the adapter, disconnecting the adapter from the wall, and reconnecting them again.

Q: What are some solutions to avoid when dealing with water damage?
A: Apple advises against using an external heat source like a blow dryer and warns against inserting foreign objects such as cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging ports, as these actions can exacerbate the damage.

Definitions:

– iPhone: a line of smartphones designed and marketed by Apple Inc.
– DIY: Do-It-Yourself, refers to activities one can perform without professional help.
– Urban myth: a widely spread but false or unverifiable story or belief.
– Rice starch: a type of starch derived from rice grains.
– Silica packets: small packets containing silica gel, used for absorbing moisture.

Related Links:
Apple (official website)

The source of the article is from the blog regiozottegem.be