Put the wet mobile phone in rice It's one of those emergency solutions that's been around for years and, in moments of panic, has been the first resort to try to save an accidentally soaked phone. However, the reality behind this practice is much more complex: its benefits, limitations, real risks, and even more effective alternatives generate controversy among technicians, mobile phone manufacturers, and users around the world. In this article, you'll find a complete, updated, and in-depth guide on whether soaking a wet phone in rice really works, its hidden dangers, what manufacturers recommend, and what other options exist to dry and save your device.
Why has the rice trick for wet phones become popular?
The myth of rice as a universal remedy for moisture in electronic devices has spread thanks to popular wisdom and the easy accessibility of this grain in any home. The belief is based on rice's ability to absorb ambient moisture., so placing a wet phone in a container filled with rice is supposed to help extract the water from inside. In fact, many users have reported seemingly miraculous success stories following this method.
This practice gained momentum in the era of early cell phones and smartphones, when water resistance was virtually nonexistent and liquid damage ruined devices in seconds. Some manufacturers even acknowledged that it could work, under very specific circumstances and if the damage was superficial and action was taken quickly.
Today, although sealing and water resistance technology has improved, The fear of losing essential data, photos, and contacts continues to drive many to turn to rice. as a last resort until a technical service can be called in. However, experts and brands are increasingly emphatic in denying its effectiveness and warning about the associated risks.
What happens when a phone gets wet? Internal damage, short circuits, and risks
To understand why Rice is not always the best solutionIt's essential to know what happens when a cell phone gets wet. When water comes into contact with the internal components, a series of immediate damages can occur, as well as others that will appear over time:
- short circuits: Water conducts electricity. If the phone is left on or plugged into a power outlet, the liquid can cause instant short circuits, damaging the motherboard or vital chips.
- Internal corrosion: Even if the phone appears to work after drying, the presence of moisture can cause corrosion of circuitry, connectors, and solder joints, which can render the device unusable or cause intermittent failures over weeks or months.
- Deterioration of speakers, microphones and sensors: Water often infiltrates ports and slots, damaging delicate components such as microphones, speakers, cameras, and sensors.
- Battery damage: Exposure to liquids can seriously affect the battery, causing overheating, reduced lifespan, or even the risk of explosion if the phone is subsequently exposed to an intense heat source.
- Residues after evaporation: If the water contained salts (swimming pool, sea water, soft drinks, etc.), these residues remain deposited inside and accelerate oxidation and electrical failures.
In the event of a fall into the water, the key is immediate reaction and avoid making common mistakes which can make the situation worse, such as trying to turn it on, charge it, or apply direct heat (hairdryers, radiators, etc.).
Step-by-step guide: How should you try to dry a wet phone? Safe techniques and dangers to avoid.
If your phone gets wet, always follow these steps before considering rice or any other remedy:
- Remove it from the water immediately. The fewer seconds you remain submerged, the less damage there will be.
- Turn off your cell phone immediately (or keep it off if it has disconnected itself).
- Unplug it from the power supply and do not attempt to turn it on or charge it. Water may be making contact with internal points, causing a fatal short circuit.
- Remove removable accessories and components: case, cover, SIM and microSD cards, and the battery if possible. Dry them separately.
- Remove as much water as possible from the device: Gently tap your phone face down to help remove fluid from the ports.
- Dry it superficially with a lint-free, absorbent cloth. It is important to pay attention to the ports and slots.
- Never use a hair dryer, hot air, radiator, microwave or freezer. Direct heat forces water inside and can damage components, while cold creates condensation.
- Do not insert cotton swabs, papers, or cotton swabs into the ports. They can leave residue or push moisture into deeper areas.
- Do not blow or use compressed air on the phone. Pressurized air often forces even more liquid into the microcomponents.
After these initial steps, you can now consider the strategy to try to finish drying the mobile, but always keeping in mind that No home remedy is 100% effective or safe. and that, according to the manufacturers, exposing the device to incorrect procedures can aggravate its condition.
Does rice really work? What science and technical experience say
Rice, due to its hygroscopic capacity (absorbs water), can help only in very mild cases and when the moisture is on the surface of the mobile phone. However, both independent studies and the manufacturers themselves have warned in recent years of The limitations and risks of using rice on a wet phone:
- Does not extract deep internal moisture: Rice acts only on surface moisture or moisture in contact with the air inside the airtight container. Water trapped in the internal circuits, under chips, or in inaccessible areas usually stays where it is.
- Evaporation is a matter of time, not rice: Numerous technicians and laboratories have found that leaving your phone in rice or simply in a dry environment produces similar results: what actually dries the device is the passage of time and ventilation, not so much the grain.
- Generates harmful waste: Starch dust, small grains, and rice particles can become lodged in the ports, speakers, and gaps of your phone, causing malfunctions, blockages, or, in the long run, irreversible damage.
- May promote corrosion: If rice absorbs surface moisture quickly, but not internal moisture, a microclimate is created in which corrosion progresses in inaccessible humid areas, especially if the phone is not disassembled and its interior properly cleaned.
- Risk of attracting pests: Since it's a food, leaving your phone submerged in rice for too long can attract insects and generate unpleasant odors.
In fact, Apple, Samsung, Google and numerous manufacturers expressly warn that you should not put your cell phone in riceIn technical support documents, they have emphasized that this can cause more harm than good and recommend leave your mobile phone in a dry and ventilated place or go to technical support. Apple's own technical support advises: "Do not place your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone."
Real advantages and disadvantages of drying your phone in rice
Pros of using rice:
- Accessibility and speed: Rice is present in most homes and allows you to act quickly without buying anything.
- Better than doing nothing: It can serve as an emergency solution when no other alternative is available, and in some cases, it can at least save temporary data or create a backup before the damage becomes irreversible.
Cons of drying your phone in rice:
- Does not remove deep internal moisture: It is only effective for the most superficial moisture and barely acts on the liquid adhering to the internal microcomponents.
- The situation worsens in case of corrosion: If corrosion has already started, rice will do nothing to stop it and may give a false sense of security.
- Leaves starch and dust residue: Many technicians report secondary damage from rice particles to ports and circuits, especially in models that cannot be easily opened.
- Loss of valuable time: The process usually takes between 24 and 48 hours, during which time the phone remains exposed to further internal damage.
- Not suitable for corrosive liquids: Rice does not remove traces of soda, salt water, or chlorine, which are much more destructive than fresh water.
What do brands and technicians recommend? Advanced solutions to save your phone
Smartphone manufacturers and specialized technical services have developed precise protocols to maximize the chances of recovery without causing secondary damage:
- Passive and ventilated drying: It's best to leave your phone with the ports facing down on an absorbent surface in a dry, ventilated area. This can be accelerated by using cold air (a fan).
- Use of silica gel: The silica sachets found in shoe boxes, handbags, and electronics They are much more effective than ricePlace the phone in a sealed container with several silica gel bags and leave it for 12 to 48 hours. Its absorption power is superior and leaves no residue.
- Go to professional technical service: If your phone has been submerged in salt water, soft drinks, coffee, or corrosive liquids, or if it doesn't turn on after drying, take it to a specialized repair shop as soon as possible. A lab can open the phone, remove the battery (only if it's non-removable), clean it with isopropyl alcohol, and completely dry the circuitry.
- Never put your mobile phone in the sun: Direct exposure to sunlight can damage the screen and accelerate corrosion.
- Never use direct heat or compressed air: Avoid hair dryers, radiators, microwaves, ovens or any similar appliances.
- Do not attempt to charge the device until you are absolutely sure it is dry.
- Do not disassemble the phone yourself if you are inexperienced: You may void your warranty and cause additional, irreparable damage.
Some brands suggest gently shaking the phone with the ports facing down after wiping it dry to help drain liquid. For iPhones, inserting any objects into the ports is not recommended, and it is recommended to store the phone upright in a dry environment.
Rice alternatives: Truly effective methods for drying a wet cell phone
- Silica bags: As explained, they're the most efficient option. Always stock up on these packets whenever you buy shoes, handbags, or electronics. Place your phone along with several small bags in an airtight container.
- Dehumidifiers: Place your phone near a home dehumidifier or air conditioner on the drying setting. A dry, humidity-free environment accelerates internal evaporation.
- Dry closets: If you don't have any of the above, place your phone between several dry towels in a dry closet, away from the kitchen or bathroom. The key is a constant environment without sudden temperature changes.
- Isopropyl alcohol: Recommended for professional technicians only. In the laboratory, they can immerse the board and components in high-purity alcohol to remove moisture and corrosive residue, then allow to dry completely before reassembling the device.
- Drying with a fan and cold air flow: Place a fan facing the phone to help evaporate liquid from less accessible areas.
Important: These methods They do not guarantee the recovery of the mobile phone, especially if it has been submerged for a long time, if corrosion is already present, or if the liquid is corrosive (seawater, soft drinks, coffee, etc.). However, they do significantly increase the likelihood of the device working again and reduce the risk of secondary damage from rice or heat.
Common mistakes to avoid if your phone gets wet
Desperation leads to serious mistakes that can ruin your phone forever. Take note of what you should never do:
- Do not try to turn on or charge your phone immediately after it gets wet.
- Do not use a hairdryer, microwave, oven, radiator, or expose it to sunlight.
- Do not put your phone in the freezer or use compressed air.
- Do not insert objects or papers into the drying ports.
- Don't disassemble your phone unless you're technically experienced. You could worsen the damage or void your warranty.
- Do not use rice if you have access to silica bags or a professional technical service.
- Don't forget to make a backup as soon as your phone turns on after drying out (before a previous error reappears).
IP-certified phones: Are they really protected against water?
Most modern smartphones indicate their water resistance levels through IP (Ingress Protection) certification. The most common ratings are IP67 and IP68. Let's see what they actually mean:
- IP67: The phone can be submerged up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes in fresh water.
- IP68: Protects up to 1,5 meters deep (even deeper on some models) and for longer.
Important limitations and warnings about IP protection:
- Water resistance is measured only with static fresh water and factory conditions. Salt water, soap water, chlorinated water, or water containing other substances will void the protection.
- Continued use, impacts and natural wear and tear can cause seals to lose effectiveness.
- Manufacturer's warranties They do not usually cover liquid damage., even if the mobile phone has IP certification.
- If your phone gets wet and displays liquid warnings about ports or connections, follow the manufacturer's recommendations before using it again.
- Don't trust "waterproof" seals if your phone has been opened or repaired outside of an official service.
What if the phone has been wet with liquids other than water?
Rice is even less effective against other liquids: coffee, soft drinks, sugary drinks, salt water, beer, wine... They all contain substances (salt, sugar, acids, gas, colorants) that remain inside the phone after drying, causing accelerated corrosion and permanent stickiness in the electronic components.
In these cases it is necessary to:
- Rinse your phone with distilled water or fresh water (if it was immersed in the sea or pool), only if there is no other option and before drying.
- Remove the battery if it is removable.
- Remove cards and accessories and dry as in the previous steps.
- Take the device to a service center immediately for internal cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and replacement of damaged components if necessary.
When should you go to the repair shop after getting your phone wet?
It is recommended to go to a specialized workshop in the following cases:
- The phone does not turn on after passive drying or drying in silica.
- Symptoms of corrosion are detected (screen flickers, buttons do not respond, speakers make strange noises, etc.).
- The mobile phone has fallen into corrosive liquids (sea, soda, wine, etc.).
- Vital information needs to be recovered.
- The damage affects components that cannot be accessed without professional tools.
At the service center, professionals can open the device under controlled conditions to clean the motherboard and chips with isopropyl alcohol, remove salt, sugar, or other residue, replace rusted parts, and perform functional tests before returning the phone to the user.
Why prevention is better than cure? Tips to avoid liquid damage in the future.
- Always use waterproof covers or waterproof bags if you are going to the pool, beach or wet areas.
- Do not leave your mobile phone in humid places such as the bathroom, kitchen or open windows.
- When working around liquids, Keep the device away from containers that can tip over.
- Make regular backups to minimize data loss if an accident occurs.
- Always have silica gel sachets or desiccant gel on hand, which are much more useful than regular rice.
Frequently asked questions about rice and wet cell phones
- Does rice work for phones with removable batteries? The effectiveness is the same, but the limitations are identical. If you can remove the battery, dry it separately and avoid trying to turn on the phone until you're sure the inside is dry.
- How long should you leave your phone in rice or silica gel? Experts recommend a minimum of 24 hours and up to 48 hours, but the most important thing is ventilation and access to professional desiccant bags.
- What type of rice is best? If you decide to use rice, the larger grains reduce the risk of particles entering the mobile, but the effectiveness is still very limited compared to silica.
- Can I clean my wet phone with regular alcohol? No. Only isopropyl alcohol (99%) is safe for electronic components. Using other liquids can worsen the damage.
- Is water damage covered under warranty? With very few exceptions and with explicit evidence, guarantees They do not usually cover damage caused by moisture or liquids., even if the device is IP67 or IP68 certified.
If your phone gets wet, acting quickly and correctly is crucial to ensure a recovery option. While encasing it in rice remains a popular and accessible solution, the technical reality and consensus among manufacturers and experts is that there are much more effective and safer methods: passive ventilation, silica bags, and professional technical service for corrosive liquids or serious damage. Rice may work in mild and temporary cases, but it shouldn't be considered a definitive or recommended method when better alternatives can be used. To protect your investment and your digital memories, always be clear about how to avoid damage and how to act before it's too late.