LONDON (AP) — You were walking next to a swimming pool when you slipped and dropped your phone into the water. Or it slipped out of your hand when you were next to a filled bathtub or toilet.

In case your phone has gotten wet, it is necessary to dry it. But what steps should you take? There is a plethora of tips available online, some of which may contradict each other. Apple recently chimed in on the discussion with an advisory that cautions against using rice.

Remember these tips for the next time your phone accidentally comes into contact with a liquid.

Use a towel or a clean cloth to dry the outside of the phone, including your shirt sleeve, which can absorb moisture. Take out the SIM card and its holder. If feasible, remove the back cover and battery and dry them. If possible, power off the phone.

According to Apple, iPhones cannot be taken apart. They suggest gently tapping the phone against your hand with the ports facing downwards in order to allow any liquid to drain out.

Samsung, the largest producer of Android devices, suggests utilizing a cotton swab to remove any moisture from the earphone jack and charging port. On the other hand, Apple advises against using cotton swabs to clean out any openings on their iPhones.

If the substance is not water, but rather a different liquid such as a beverage, seawater, or chlorinated pool water, Samsung recommends immersing the phone in fresh water for a brief period of time and then washing it to eliminate any impurities or saltiness that may accelerate damage to the internal circuitry.

Both corporations recommend placing the phone in a well-ventilated spot (possibly with a fan) to allow it to dry. According to Google, allow the device to dry at the ambient temperature.

Avoid using a hair dryer or compressed air to dry your phone. Also, do not attempt to freeze your device as it may temporarily prevent a short circuit, but the issue will likely return upon thawing. Additionally, refrain from placing your device in a tumble dryer or on a radiator.

Please do not attempt to turn on or charge the device using a cable. However, if your phone has wireless charging capabilities and it is an emergency, you may use that option.

Can we use rice as a method to dry out a device? You may have come across the suggestion of placing a phone in a bowl of rice to remove moisture. This has been a popular tip for many years.

The corporation of Apple advises against placing an iPhone in a bag of rice, stating that it could result in potential damage due to small rice particles. This advisory, issued in January, received minimal notice until people took note of the statement.

Silica gel is the optimal choice for a drying agent, as it has the ability to absorb a large amount of moisture. These drying beads are often found in packets added to items such as beef jerky, seaweed sheets, or sneakers to prevent them from becoming damp. They can also be purchased in larger quantities online. Placing them in an airtight container with your phone is the most effective method.

It is difficult to determine, but it is recommended to wait as long as you can – at least a few days. Samsung recommends taking your device to a service center for evaluation, even if it has been dried with air.

Nowadays, majority of phones are built with water resistance capabilities, allowing them to withstand water intrusion in important areas for a specific duration. However, it should be noted that this does not guarantee complete waterproofing.

Apple states that the iPhone 7 and newer models are designed to withstand splashes and exposure to water. Models from the iPhone XS and above have a rating of IP68, allowing them to be submerged for a duration of 30 minutes and at depths of up to 6 meters (20 feet), depending on the specific model. These models will also send a warning if there is any liquid detected in important ports, and advise against charging. Samsung mentions that most of its Galaxy Android phones have a similar rating, with a maximum depth capability of around 5 meters (16 feet).

Google’s latest models of Pixel phones have the same level of water resistance, however Google cautions that they are not completely waterproof and that the water resistance may decrease over time due to regular use and tear, repairs, or any damage.

Source: wral.com