Phones getting dropped in water has been a nightmare scenario since the beginning of their existence. It’s one of those mishaps that feels completely catastrophic and dramatic in the moment, with everyone’s phone memories flashing before their eyes once it happens. For years, there’s been a myth circulating the digital and social realm among smartphone users about a potential solution to such a damaging problem: if you drop your phone in water, just put it in a bag of rice to expedite its drying process. This has been the piece of advice that has dominated like an ancient remedy for a modern woe, but, unsurprisingly so, it turns out it’s not as simple as we may have hoped. 

Although researchers have long been saying that actually this household solution would only slow down the drying process, Apple recently came up with a new 2024 support document that directly advices its users against the rice solution for iPhones, as it could actually do more harm than good, since “doing so could allow your small particles of rice to damage your iPhone”, and thus leave behind some residue or even worsen the damage by introducing additional foreign substances into the device.

Instead, Apple suggests the following steps when it comes to drying your iPhone, in case of any exposure to water: 

1. Tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow.

2. After at least 30 minutes, try charging with a Lightning or USB-C cable or connecting an accessory.

3. If you see the alert again, there is still liquid in the connector or under the pins of your cable. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow for up to a day. You can try again to charge or connect an accessory throughout this period. It might take up to 24 hours to fully dry.

4. If your phone has dried out but still isn't charging, unplug the cable from the adapter and unplug the adapter from the wall (if possible) and then connect them again.

Apple also advises against using any external heat sources or compressed air to fix any water damage issues, as well as not inserting any foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or paper towels into the connector to dry it out. 

As technology continues to evolve, Apple’s cautionary advice comes as a strong reminder to continue staying updated on the best practices in handling these modern marvels.