Did your phone get wet? No panic! Here are the secrets to giving your device first aid after getting wet.

When a phone gets wet, either from a fall into water or rain, many people’s first reaction is to bury it in rice. This homemade trick has been popular for years, but the truth is that not only is it ineffective, but it can make the problem worse.

Water damage to a cell phone can manifest itself in unresponsive touch screens, distorted sound, SIM card failure, and even a total shutdown of the device. Relying on rice to solve the situation is not the solution.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Rice to Dry Your Phone

Although rice has some ability to absorb moisture, it fails to remove water that enters the inside of the phone. Even worse, small particles and dust from rice can get into charging ports, speakers, and internal slots, causing hard-to-clean clogs.

Studies carried out at universities, such as the one in Colorado, have shown that rice is not effective in extracting internal moisture from a cell phone and can cause additional damage.

What to do if your phone gets wet

1. Turn it off immediately and disconnect it from power if it is charging. This will prevent a short circuit in the internal components.
2. Remove the case, SIM card, and external memory. Gently dry them with an absorbent cloth, without rubbing hard.
3. Place your phone with the charging port facing down and tap it lightly to drain out the excess water.
4. Leave your phone in a dry, ventilated place, avoiding direct sun or the use of dryers, as heat can further damage the equipment.
5. If you have silica gel sachets, place them near your phone: they are much more effective than rice at absorbing moisture.

When to see a specialized technician

• If the phone was submerged in water for a long time, especially in a pool or in the sea, there is a risk of internal corrosion.
• If after drying it does not turn on or fails, it is best to take it to a technical service.
• To prevent future accidents, use waterproof covers or protective bags when you are at the beach, the pool or in the rain.

Tips and recommendations

• Act fast: Time is key to avoid permanent damage.
• Never try to charge a wet cell phone.
• Use suitable moisture absorbers, such as silica gel.
• Consider insuring your equipment against accidental damage if you use it in hazardous environments.

Rice is a myth that won’t save your wet phone and can even damage it more. With the right steps and acting in time, you will increase the chances of recovering your device without major consequences.