Putting your phone in rice is one of the most widespread urban legends in the world of technology. We've all heard at some point that if your phone falls into water and you don't have a water-resistant device, the magic solution is to submerge it in a bowl of rice for 24 or 48 hours. However, contrary to popular belief, this practice is not only ineffective but can also be counterproductive and put your device at risk. Far from being the miracle solution many believe, rice can cause more problems than it solves. While it's true that rice has hygroscopic properties, meaning it absorbs moisture from the environment, its ability to extract water from inside an electronic device is very limited. Furthermore, the risks associated with this practice far outweigh any potential benefits. The small grains and the dust they release can get into charging ports, speakers, and other slots on the phone, causing blockages and further damage.

Below, we'll explain in detail why you should forever abandon the idea of ??putting your phone in rice if it gets wet, what dangers this practice entails, and what you should do instead to try and save your device.

The Rice Myth: A Solution That Doesn't Work

The idea that rice can dry a wet phone is based on its ability to absorb moisture. However, this property isn't enough to remove the water that has penetrated the device's interior, which is what can actually cause irreparable damage to the electronic circuits. Several studies have shown that rice is less effective at drying a phone than simply leaving it in the open air. In fact, one experiment revealed that, after 48 hours in rice, only 13% of the water inside a phone had been removed. Furthermore, rice starch, along with dust and other impurities, can mix with water and create a paste that adheres to the phone's internal components, making it difficult to clean and repair. This mixture can evenaccelerating the corrosion of circuits and causing long-term failures. To make matters worse, rice grains can get stuck in charging ports, headphone jacks, and other openings, potentially requiring technical intervention for removal.

In short, even with good intentions, putting your phone in rice is an ineffective solution that can worsen the situation and reduce the chances of recovering the device.

The real risks of using rice to dry your phone

Beyond its ineffectiveness, the practice of putting your phone in rice carries a number of risks that can seriously damage your device. First, as we have already mentioned, rice grains and dust can get into ports and connectors, causing blockages and hindering their proper functioning.

Second, rice does not remove residues from other substances that may have come into contact with the phone, such as sugar, salt, or chlorine.

These elements are much more corrosive than water and can cause irreparable damage to the device's internal components.

Thirdly, the process of water absorption by the rice can generate heat, which, in turn, can damage the battery and other internal circuits of the phone. Finally, it's important to remember that rice is a food and, as such, can attract insects or microorganisms that can get inside the phone and cause further problems.

What to do if your phone gets wet: the steps to follow

If your phone has gotten wet, the most important thing is to act quickly and follow a series of steps to minimize damage. The first thing you should do is turn off the device immediately to avoid a short circuit. Then, if possible, remove the SIM card, memory card, and battery to dry them separately.

Once this is done, dry the outside of the phone with a soft, absorbent cloth, paying special attention to the ports and connectors. You can use a cotton swab to reach the more difficult areas. Then, gently tap the device with the charging port facing down to remove any remaining water. Finally, let the phone air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 to 48 hours. You can use a fan or place the device near an open window to speed up the process. Most importantly, do not attempt to turn on the phone until you are sure it is completely dry. If the phone still doesn't work after following all these steps, it is best to take it to a specialized repair service for inspection and, if possible, repair.