tech

Put your phone in rice because it got wet? You just finished it, here's what you should actually do

Putting a wet phone in a bowl of rice is the worst thing you can do for your device. Although this old trick seems logical, it actually accelerates the deterioration of internal parts and often permanently destroys the motherboard. Rice cannot draw moisture from inside the phone fast enough to prevent serious corrosion.

Put your phone in rice because it got wet? You just finished it, here's what you should actually do

TL;DR

  • Putting a wet phone in rice is harmful, accelerating internal damage and potentially destroying the motherboard.
  • Rice dust and starch can enter charging ports and speakers, mixing with water to create a corrosive, short-circuiting substance.
  • Official warnings from companies like Apple advise against the rice method, as it hinders evaporation.
  • The best immediate actions for a wet phone are to turn it off, remove the case, and dry the exterior with a cloth.
  • Avoid charging a wet phone, as this can immediately damage essential chips.
  • Allow the phone to air dry in a well-ventilated area or with a fan for at least 24 hours before attempting to power it on.
  • Do not use hairdryers or radiators, as excessive heat can damage the screen adhesive and battery.