If your iPhone has gotten wet, putting it in rice is a popular DIY method for trying to save it. The idea is that the rice will help absorb any moisture that has gotten inside your iPhone.
How It Works
Rice is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water molecules from the surrounding environment. When you put a wet iPhone into a bowl or bag of rice, the rice will begin to absorb the excess moisture from inside and outside the phone.
As the rice absorbs the water, it helps to dry out the iPhone’s internal components so they are no longer damp or wet. This can prevent short-circuiting and other water damage issues that can occur when electronics are exposed to moisture.
How Long to Leave an iPhone in Rice
There is no exact time for how long to leave an iPhone in rice. Recommendations range from 24 hours to up to a week.
Here are some general guidelines on recommended rice drying times:
- 24-48 hours: If your iPhone got splashed or lightly wet, 24-48 hours in rice may be enough.
- 3-5 days: If your iPhone was fully submerged or soaked in liquid, leaving it in rice for 3-5 days gives more time for the rice to absorb moisture.
- Up to 1 week: For very wet situations, some recommend leaving the iPhone in rice for up to 1 week just to be safe.
The more wet your iPhone is, the longer you should leave it in rice to allow sufficient drying time. However, leaving it too long in rice (more than a week) likely provides no extra benefit.
Tips for Drying an iPhone in Rice
Here are some tips for effectively using the rice drying method:
- Use uncooked, dry white rice. Brown rice and instant rice may not absorb moisture as well.
- Bury the iPhone in rice so it is completely covered.
- Use a sealable bag or airtight container filled with rice to seal out humidity.
- Use dried silica gel packs along with the rice for extra absorption.
- Leave all ports and openings exposed so rice can absorb internal moisture.
- Check on the iPhone daily to see if it feels dry.
- Change the rice every 1-2 days to ensure it stays dry.
- Do not turn on the iPhone until you are sure it is 100% dry.
Does Putting an iPhone in Rice Work?
Putting an iPhone in rice can be an effective emergency measure to absorb moisture, especially if done quickly after getting the iPhone wet. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- The longer the iPhone stays wet, the lower your chances – Act fast and put it in rice immediately.
- Rice may not fully dry internal components – It mainly dries outer case and accessible ports.
- Rice cannot fix corrosion from liquid damage – It can only absorb moisture.
- Some moisture likely remains even after drying – Small amounts you can’t see.
- Condensation may reoccur when iPhone warms up – As residual moisture evaporates.
So while the rice trick is worth trying, there is no guarantee it will totally save a soaked iPhone. It depends how wet the iPhone got and how quickly you attempt drying it out. Fast action gives you the best chance of success.
Other Drying Methods
In addition to rice, there are some other DIY methods you can try to dry out a wet iPhone:
- Silica gel – Absorbs moisture well, often reusable.
- Cat litter – The non-clumping variety acts like rice or silica gel.
- Paper towels/tissue – Absorb surface and accessible moisture.
- Vacuum suction – Use a vacuum on blow setting to force moisture out.
- Sunlight – Warms and evaporates moisture, but takes a long time.
- Fan/AC blowing – Creates airflow to evaporate moisture faster.
Some of these drying methods may be more effective than rice, but rice is typically easier and cheaper for most people. You can also combine methods, like using rice plus a fan to dry the iPhone.
When to Avoid Rice
While the rice trick often works, there are some cases where you should avoid using rice:
- Liquid has gotten into battery – Can cause fire/explosion risk.
- Evidence of battery swelling or rupturing – Also a fire risk.
- Signs of short-circuiting when phone is on – Rice won’t fix electrical shorts.
- Corrosion is already present – Rice only absorbs moisture.
- iPhone was in salt water – Salt residue can further damage electronics.
In these situations, you are better off powering the device completely off, not using rice or any moisture-absorbing method, and taking the iPhone to Apple or a repair shop immediately to prevent further damage.
Is It OK to Turn on an iPhone After Rice?
It’s best not to turn on your iPhone until you are 100% certain all moisture has been removed after the rice drying method. Any remaining water inside could short circuit and fry components when power is applied.
Before turning your iPhone back on after drying in rice, inspect for any condensation or moisture inside ports or under screen. Also look for any corroded areas, bent/swollen battery, or rice dust still inside phone which could get in circuits.
If phone was fully dried fast enough, turning it on could reveal full functionality was saved. However, residue moisture you can’t see could take hours/days to evaporate and cause issues later if powered on too soon.
Conclusion
Drying out an iPhone using rice can potentially help save it from water damage, especially if done quickly after exposure to moisture. For best results, fully submerge the iPhone in dry rice for 24-48 hours up to a week depending on extent of water exposure. Check on drying progress regularly, change out rice as needed, and do not turn on the iPhone until you are absolutely sure all moisture has been absorbed. While not a surefire fix, rice represents an inexpensive and readily available drying option that is worth trying if your iPhone gets wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rice should I use to dry an iPhone?
You’ll want to fully submerge the iPhone in rice, using at least 2-3 cups of rice in a sealable bag or deep container. The rice should cover the entire phone with some extra to absorb maximum moisture.
Should the rice touch the iPhone when drying?
Yes, the rice needs to be in direct contact with the iPhone. Burying it in rice allows full surface contact for moisture absorption.
Does rice actually dry out water damage in an iPhone?
Rice is effective at absorbing ambient moisture, but may not fully dry internal components of an iPhone. It helps best if water exposure was minor and you place in rice quickly.
What kind of rice is best to dry an iPhone?
Uncooked white rice is recommended, as the starch helps absorb moisture well. Stay away from brown or instant rice.
Can I dry an iPhone in instant rice or packets?
It’s best to avoid instant rice as the grains don’t absorb as well. Rice packets also have less surface area contact. Use regular dry white rice for maximum absorption capability.
How often should I change the rice when drying an iPhone?
Change out the rice every 24 hours or so. The used rice will have absorbed moisture, so replacing with fresh dry rice helps maintain absorption effectiveness.
What temperature should rice be to dry an iPhone?
Rice should be dry at room temperature. Avoid using hot or warm rice, as you do not want to expose your iPhone to additional heat while wet.
Can I use the rice again after drying my iPhone?
It’s best to discard the used rice, as it has absorbed moisture from your phone. Reusing damp rice to dry electronics could be less effective.
Should I cover the openings on my iPhone while drying in rice?
No, leave all openings like ports uncovered so the rice can work its way inside to absorb internal moisture.
What can I do if my iPhone has been in rice for a week and is still not working?
If your iPhone is still having issues after a week in rice, moisture may remain trapped internally. At that point your best option is to take it to a phone repair shop for professional drying and inspection.
iPhone Drying Times Comparison Table
| Drying Method | Approximate Drying Time |
|---|---|
| Rice | 24-48 hours for minor water exposure. Up to 1 week if fully submerged. |
| Silica Gel | 48-72 hours |
| Cat Litter | 24-72 hours |
| Paper Towels | 12-24 hours for outer moisture |
| Vacuum Suction | 30-60 minutes |
| Sunlight | 24 hours or longer |
| Fan/Air Drying | 12-24 hours |