'Don't put your iPhone in rice' warns Apple of risk of 'damage'

NEVER drop your iPhone in rice if it gets wet: it's officially a bad idea.

Apple recommends a better way to dry your iPhone that doesn't risk damaging it.

Your iPhone usually alerts you if it is wet, usually with a pop-up warning that liquid has been detected in the liquid Lightning or USB-C connection.

Normally this will prevent you from using the port – including charging – until it is dry.

You might be tempted to follow the widespread advice of submerging your iPhone in rice, but it's an urban myth that could make things even worse.

“Don't put your iPhone in a bag of rice,” Apple warned.

“If you do this, small particles of rice can damage your iPhone.”

That's not all: Apple recommends avoiding two other common mistakes.

“Do not dry your iPhone using an external heat source or compressed air,” Apple said.

And the iPhone maker added: “Do not insert a foreign object, such as a cotton swab or paper towel, into the connector.”

How to Dry Your iPhone

It is extremely important that you do not attempt to charge your iPhone when it is wet.

“If you charge your iPhone while the Lightning or USB-C connector is wet, the pins on the connector or cable may corrode and cause permanent damage or stop functioning, causing connectivity issues for your iPhone or accessory,” Apple explains .

According to Apple, the best method is to first gently tap your iPhone against your hand.

Make sure the connector is pointing downwards so that excess fluid can fall out.

Then simply leave your iPhone in a dry place, preferably somewhere with airflow.

Wait at least 30 minutes and then try charging again.

If the warning appears again, leave iPhone in a dry place with air flow for up to a day.

Do not use heat sources such as hairdryers or radiators, or put anything into the connector port to dry it out.