Image by ITFoxSolutions
Dropping your phone in water can send anyone into a panic. In the scramble to save your device, you might stumble upon various hacks online, from burying it in rice to blasting it with a hair dryer. But according to Apple, some of these tricks could actually do more harm than good.
Apple now advises patience as the best remedy if your phone refuses to turn on or shows a ‘liquid-detection alert’ after a water mishap. Here are five dos and don’ts straight from Apple’s playbook:
Dos:
- Gently tap your phone to shake out excess liquid.
- Leave it in a dry place with good ventilation for up to 24 hours.
Don’ts:
- Don’t resort to the rice bowl remedy.
- Avoid using external heat sources or air to dry the phone.
- Refrain from inserting objects into the charging port.
When your phone takes an unexpected dive, the key is to stay calm. Resist the urge to power it on or plug it in immediately; instead, act quickly to remove it from water and wipe away any moisture with a dry towel.
Apple suggests unplugging any cables and turning the phone off if it’s fully soaked. To clear water from the charging port, gently tap the phone with the connector facing down. Then, let it dry in a well-ventilated area.
Image by Apple Support
If you encounter a ‘liquid detected’ warning, wait at least 30 minutes before trying again. While the phone won’t charge with moisture present, there’s minimal risk in testing it. However, Apple recommends a full 24-hour drying period for optimal results.
Contrary to popular belief, rice isn’t the solution. It neither draws out water effectively nor aids airflow, potentially causing more harm. Likewise, using a hair dryer or compressed air can exacerbate the problem.
In a nutshell, patience is your best ally when it comes to rescuing a wet phone. Rushing the drying process or attempting DIY fixes can lead to further damage. Remember, it’s better to wait it out than to risk permanent harm to your device.
