Rescuing a drowned phone: rice has long been out of fashion

Is there a worse nightmare than when your smartphone takes an unexpected but fatal plunge into the depths? Whether it’s a fall into the toilet (it happens more often than you think), an accident with a spilled drink, or just an unfortunate encounter with rain, liquid damage is one of the most common mobile disasters, and yet there are still myths surrounding it that do more harm than good.

The most widespread of these is undoubtedly the “put it in rice” advice. This practice, which has literally become an internet legend, is now considered a relic. Not only is rice unable to absorb internal moisture quickly enough, but its tiny grains can penetrate the port and cause further damage.

So let’s take a look at what can really help your drowned phone and what you shouldn’t do under any circumstances.

Speed, peace of mind and shutdown

The first and most important rule is to get your phone out of the water quickly. The longer it’s submerged, the greater the risk of liquid reaching sensitive components. Switch it off immediately afterwards – even if it works at first glance. Electricity combined with water is the biggest enemy, as it can short-circuit and cause irreparable damage. If your phone has been plugged into an outlet, unplug the cord first to prevent shock.

Then remove the cover and the foil, remove the SIM card, the memory card and (if possible) the battery. Each of these steps helps get moisture out of the device while protecting important parts.

The next step is to dry it gently – use a soft microfiber cloth or a paper towel that doesn’t shed lint. It’s important not to rub too hard, so that water doesn’t seep deeper into the device. Keep the ports facing down and tap the phone lightly to allow the liquid to drain out.

The new drying helper

Forget rice – the new and proven hero for absorbing moisture is silica gel. You’ll know it from the little bags you find in boxes of just-purchased shoes or electronics. These bags are directly designed to absorb moisture. Just put a few of them in a resealable container or plastic bag with your smartphone and leave them in for at least 24 to 48 hours.

But if you don’t have silica gel on hand, place your phone in a dry, well-ventilated area and give it time – ideally 48 to 72 hours. This could be a windowsill near an open window, a cool room with a fan, or a nearby dehumidifier. Speed and patience are really the key here: the sooner you take your phone out of the water and the longer you let it dry naturally, the better its chances of survival.

What to definitely avoid

Along with rice, several other dangerous instructions have emerged among the myths about saving a wet phone. Never try to heat it up – whether with a hairdryer, oven or radiator. High temperatures can damage the screen, battery and seals. Similarly, avoid shaking – this can allow water droplets to get into places they wouldn’t otherwise go.

Another common mistake is switching on prematurely. Even if you’re anxious to see if your phone still works, hang on. Residual moisture can cause a short circuit that will ruin it for good. If it has been in contact with salt water, coffee or other drinks, it’s best to have it cleaned by a specialist service – salt, minerals and sugars left on components can cause corrosion.

Modern phones are not invincible

Although most newer smartphones promise water resistance, this is no guarantee of immortality. They may be able to withstand a brief immersion in clean water, but not salt, chlorinated or hot water. What’s more, waterproof design loses its effectiveness over time – all it takes is a crack in the display, a minor drop or a worn seal and water can easily get in.

Damage may not be visible right away. Typical symptoms include a foggy camera, distorted sound, charging problems or sudden reboots. This is also why it is recommended to have your phone checked by a service centre after an accident like this. Modern repair shops can place the device in a vacuum chamber, where water is gently evaporated at a low temperature without damaging sensitive electronics.

So the next time your device encounters an annoying gurgle, forget the rice, turn it off, dry it out and wait it out. But if you’re not sure, leave it to the professionals to revive it instead.