It has been the traditional band-aid, quick fix for-who-knows-when that uncooked rice helps dry and save wet devices. But is this really the case?

 

Quick science fact: like other grains, rice is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs and loses moisture from air depending on the ambient air. This is where the idea that dry rice absorbs water on wet devices comes from. While it does have some truth behind it, it is not always the best way. In fact, it causes more harm than good and there are other safer ways that you can do which will be discussed later.

 

For one, don’t panic immediately when you accidentally soak your iPhone because the latest models are made with technology that protects it in such circumstances.

 

Water-Resistant Technology

 

Newer versions of the iPhone are water-resistant. Take for example the latest iPhone 15 and its pro models. According to Apple, it has been tested under laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard and has a maximum depth of 6 meters with up to 30 minutes time frame.

 

If you’re curious about where the ratings are based, here’s the International Electromechanical Commission’s IP Ratings Guide:

 

Rating	Solid	Water
1	Protected against a solid object greater than 50 mm such as a hand.	Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited ingress permitted.
2	Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5 mm such as a finger.	Protected against vertically falling drops of water with enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from the vertical. Limited ingress permitted.
3	Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5 mm such as a screwdriver.	Protected against sprays of water up to 60 degrees from the vertical. Limited ingress permitted.
4	Protected against a solid object greater than 1 mm such as a wire.	Protected against water splashed from all directions. Limited ingress permitted.
5	Dust protected, limited ingress of dust permitted. Will not interfere with operation of the device for 2 - 8 hours.	Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted.
6	Dust tight. No ingress of dust for 2 - 8 hours.	Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities.
7	–	Protection against the effects of immersion in water between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes.
8	–	Protection against the effects of immersion in water under pressure for long periods.

 

 

As mentioned, the iPhone 15 has an IP68 rating, meaning 6 for solid and 8 for water, which are the highest ratings you can ask for. Your iPhone is made with components that can survive the harsh conditions mentioned above. Regardless, it is still highly recommended that you don’t put it in those circumstances on purpose. Remember: liquid damage is not covered by warranty.

 

Warnings

 

Another much-appreciated technology on the iPhone is that it warns you if your device is wet, especially to the point where it is dangerous to charge it. You may not notice your iPhone getting splashed by water no matter how careful you are, and that’s where these warnings come.

 

Your screen will pop the following warnings if the system detects liquid inside:

 

Lighting Connector	USB-C
“Charging Not Available Liquid has been detected in the Lightning connector. Disconnect to allow the connector to dry. This may take several hours.”	“Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector Disconnect the charging cable to prevent damage to the iPhone. Allow the connector to dry. This may take several hours.”
“Liquid detected in Lightning Connector”	"Liquid Detected"

 

If you see any of these warnings, immediately stop charging your iPhone as the wetness may corrode the pins on the connector or cable, causing connectivity issues or permanent damage.

 

It will be reiterated that yes, you technically can submerge your iPhone underwater, and yes, it has a high chance of surviving, but remember that it does come with risks.

 

So now, here you are, with a wet iPhone, shocked and contemplating what to do next.

 

 

What Not To Do

 

• Don’t panic.
• Don’t charge your iPhone first thing after submerging it to see if it is okay.
• Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.
• Don’t dry your iPhone using an external heat source or compressed air.
• Don't insert a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or a paper towel, into the connector.

 

What To Do: Step-by-step Instructions

 

• Immediately get your iPhone out of the water.
• Unplug all cables and do not charge your device until it’s completely dry.
• Tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow.
• Allow at least 5 hours before charging or connecting a Lightning or USB-C accessory.
• If you see the warning alerts mentioned above despite drying it for hours, it means there’s still liquid in the connector or under the pins of your cable. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow for up to a day. You can try again to charge or connect an accessory throughout this period. It might take up to 24 hours to fully dry.
• If your phone has dried out but still isn't charging, unplug the cable from the adapter and unplug the adapter from the wall (if possible) and then connect them again.

 

If you need to use your wet iPhone for an emergency, reconnect your iPhone to the cable or accessory and you’ll have the option to override the liquid detection and charge your iPhone. But as much as possible, avoid doing this. Having a wireless charger will be a great help in this scenario, just make sure that the back of your iPhone is dry.

 

Mobile Care by Power Mac Center

 

There will be times when the liquid damage is too much and drying the iPhone will no longer be enough. If, after 24 hours, and doing all the above steps, your iPhone is still not working, don’t force charging it anymore as this will further damage it.

 

Your best bet is to let experts handle it from here. Know more about how Mobile Care by Power Mac Center can help you through this link: 

 

Remember that liquid damage is not covered by warranty. So always take extra precautions especially when you’re on vacation.

 

While accidents may happen no matter how careful you are, being prepared and knowing what to do is a matter of life or death, for your device that is. Still, with how advanced technology is to protect your iPhone from liquid damage, you will at least have the peace of mind that what you’re paying for is worth it.

Check out the latest iPhone models to see what fits you at Power Mac Center.