Have you ever had a moment of panic when your phone fell into water? Are you wondering if rice is really the right solution?
The first seconds are crucial
When your phone falls into water, the most important thing is not to panic. Turn off the device as soon as possible, as electrical currents inside can cause more damage.
Avoid pressing the buttons or shaking the device excessively, as the liquid may penetrate even deeper into the sensitive parts of the phone. The speed of your reactions is key, as the first seconds and minutes are often decisive in preventing permanent damage.
The myth of rice
You've probably heard the advice to put a phone in rice if it falls into water. However, experts call this approach a myth. Rice can partially absorb moisture, but it will not remove all the liquid that has accumulated inside the device. It is most effective to follow proven steps, which we will describe below.
What to do immediately after an accident
1. Turn off the device – As soon as you notice that the phone has come into contact with water, turn it off. Do not press any buttons as this may worsen the situation.
2. Do not rinse the phone under running water – If your phone has fallen into a liquid other than pure water (such as salt water, juice or any other liquid), it is recommended to gently rinse it with distilled water. Be careful! Do not use a strong jet of water as this may cause further damage.
3. Carefully wipe the device – Use paper towels or a soft cloth to carefully wipe the exterior of the phone.
4. Remove the SIM card – If possible, immediately remove the SIM card from the phone and wipe it. We also recommend that you open any possible slots on the device to allow the liquid to evaporate.
5. Use compressed air – If you have compressed air available, you can use it to carefully blow the liquid out of hard-to-reach places. However, avoid using a hair dryer as the heat can damage some of the phone's components.
Using silica gel bags instead of rice
The best way to dry your phone is to place it in an airtight container filled with silica gel bags. These small bags, often found in the packaging of shoes or bags, are extremely effective in absorbing moisture. Leave the phone in such a container for at least 24 hours to remove as much moisture as possible.
When to turn the phone back on?
Before turning the device back on or connecting it to the charger, make sure it is completely dry. If you turn on the phone too quickly, moisture can cause short circuits and further damage the device. According to experts, after visible drying, you should wait at least five hours before trying to recharge.
When to turn to the experts
If your phone still isn't working properly after all these steps, don't try to root your device yourself. It is best to contact the experts, who have the right tools and knowledge to repair damaged phones. Many repair shops have special equipment for drying phones, which increases the chances of a successful repair.
Caution when using waterproof phones
Although many modern phones are labeled as waterproof, be careful. Waterproof does not mean waterproof, which means devices can still be vulnerable if exposed to water for too long or if they come into contact with salt water, which is particularly harmful.
Although many phones have high IP ratings for water and dust resistance, the conditions of testing in laboratories differ significantly from real-life situations.
