If your iPhone gets wet, you may have heard that putting it in rice can help absorb the moisture and fix water damage. But does this rice trick actually work? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
What causes water damage in iPhones?
When an iPhone is exposed to liquid, it can cause issues like:
- Corrosion of internal components
- Short circuits
- Malfunctioning buttons
- Blurry camera
- Speakers and microphones not working
The main culprit is the conductive nature of water. When water gets inside an iPhone, it can bridge connections between components and lead to short circuits. The minerals in water can also lead to corrosion over time.
Does rice actually absorb moisture from an iPhone?
Putting a wet iPhone in rice seems like a straightforward solution. The idea is that the rice will absorb the moisture, drying out the phone’s internal components and connectors. However, there are a few reasons why rice may not work that well:
- Rice doesn’t absorb moisture fast enough – The absorption process can take over 48 hours. This may be too slow to prevent long-term water damage.
- Rice doesn’t absorb moisture from tight spaces – Rice can only absorb surface moisture. It won’t be able to draw water out from inside tight internal spaces and crevices.
- Rice particles can get stuck – Small grains of rice can potentially get lodged inside ports and openings, causing further issues.
What does Apple recommend for water damage?
According to Apple’s own recommendations, here are the steps you should take if your iPhone gets wet:
- Wipe away exterior moisture with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings.
- Don’t try to charge it until completely dry.
- Allow it to air dry for several hours before trying to use it.
- Place the iPhone in front of a fan blowing room-temperature air directly into the iPhone’s openings.
- If possible, open the iPhone and disconnect the battery immediately. Then let the inside dry thoroughly before reconnecting.
Notably, Apple does not recommend putting the iPhone in rice. The company states that rice and other food products are not effective moisture absorbents.
Does the rice trick have any benefits at all?
While rice may not be an ideal solution, there are a few potential benefits to placing a wet iPhone in a bowl of it:
- It prevents you from trying to turn on and use the phone before it has had time to dry out internally.
- The rice may absorb some surface moisture that evaporates over time.
- It allows airflow to circulate around the phone to facilitate evaporation.
So while rice isn’t a magic fix, it forces you to let the phone sit untouched for a day or two. This extended drying time can allow moisture inside the iPhone to evaporate, potentially helping with the water damage situation.
Are there any other home remedies that work?
Instead of rice, some other household desiccants that may be slightly more effective include:
- Silica gel packs – These are designed to absorb moisture and can work better than rice.
- Cat litter – The clay absorbs moisture well. Just make sure it’s unscented.
- Drying agents – Products like DampRid actively pull moisture from the air.
The key is to use something that can both absorb surface moisture and help draw moisture out of interior spaces. Silica gel beads and desiccant drying agents seem to work best for this purpose.
Professional water damage repair
For the best chance of saving an iPhone from water damage, professional repair is recommended. Here are some of the methods pros use:
- Take the phone apart and clean corrosion immediately.
- Use isopropyl alcohol to displace water and dry out components.
- Use water damage indicator stickers.
- Apply moisture sensors and drying tools directly inside the phone.
- Replace any damaged parts like the logic board.
Professional repair technicians open up the phone to clean and dry the inside thoroughly. They also have access to proprietary tools and methods not available to consumers.
Does phone water damage warranty cover this situation?
If you have an AppleCare+ plan or other phone insurance, water damage may be covered. Just be aware of the details and limitations:
- AppleCare+ covers two incidents of accidental damage with a service fee. After that, you pay the full repair cost.
- Liquid damage to an iPhone voids the standard Apple warranty.
- Liquid indicators inside the phone change color if exposed to moisture. This indicates water damage has occurred.
- Any evidence the phone was opened or tampered with can void the warranty.
To have the best chance of getting water damage covered, bring your iPhone into Apple or an authorized service provider immediately without trying DIY fixes first.
Water damage repair cost
Out-of-warranty repair costs for iPhone water damage include:
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6 – Logic board replacement | $170 – $350 |
| iPhone 8 – Repair of water damage | $250 – $400 |
| iPhone X – Full device replacement | $550 – $700 |
Costs vary based on the iPhone model, type of damage, and required repairs. Full device replacements are generally most expensive.
Quick tips for drying a wet iPhone
If your iPhone gets wet, here are some quick dos and don’ts:
- DO gently wipe off excess moisture with a clean, soft cloth.
- DO allow it to air dry before trying to turn it on.
- DO place it in front of a fan blowing room-temp air.
- DON’T try charging it until completely dry.
- DON’T submerge it into a bowl of rice for too long.
The key is being patient and allowing the inside to fully dry before using it. With light sprinkles or splashes, the iPhone may survive if dried properly.
Can you fix an iPhone after full water submersion?
If your iPhone was fully submerged in water, the prognosis is worse. But there are still some things you can try:
- Rinse it in fresh water if submerged in ocean or pool water.
- Dry it thoroughly with compressed air if possible.
- Don’t press buttons or attempt to turn it on.
- Place it in front of a fan for 24-48 hours.
- Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel.
- Bring it to a professional as soon as possible.
The longer the phone sits in water, the more components are damaged. But quickly drying it out and having it professionally repaired provides the best chance of regaining function.
Preventing iPhone water damage
To avoid water damage in the first place:
- Use a protective case when around water.
- Only use Apple-certified waterproof cases if swimming or boating.
- Keep it away from sinks, baths, and pools.
- Never charge it if wet.
- Turn off the phone immediately if submerged.
- Avoid spills by not eating or drinking near the iPhone.
While modern iPhones have improved water resistance, they are not waterproof. Taking proper precautions will go a long way towards preventing costly damage.
Conclusion
Does putting an iPhone in rice work after water damage? Unfortunately rice itself has limited effectiveness in absorbing moisture from inside an iPhone. It doesn’t actively draw water out of internal components and crevices.
Letting the phone dry out completely is the most important step. While rice doesn’t hurt, active moisture absorbers like silica gel or desiccants work somewhat better. For major water damage, professional disassembly and cleaning are recommended to prevent corrosion and component failure.
The key is to not panic, avoid turning on the wet iPhone, and allow sufficient drying time. With light exposure to moisture, letting it sit powered off in rice or a desiccant for 24-48 hours can sometimes allow it to recover when powered back on. But for any amount of liquid submersion, it’s safest to hand it off to water damage experts right away to give you the best chance of saving your iPhone.