Many of you may have received the advice to place a wet phone in a bowl of rice to dry it out. This advice has some basis in logic, as rice is often used to protect camera equipment and film in humid environments.

However, when it comes to drying out a wet phone, this method may not be effective at all. Emily Stallings from Casely, a phone case retailer, warns that putting your wet phone in rice can actually make matters worse.

While rice can absorb moisture from the surrounding air, it cannot remove water from the internal components of your device. Additionally, tiny rice particles can become trapped in your phone’s charging port, headphone jack, or speaker grilles, resulting in even more complications.

Casely is not alone in voicing concerns about rice as a drying solution. Even Apple advises against it, citing similar risks of damaging devices due to rice particles.

So, if rice isn’t the solution, how should you handle a wet phone? To properly dry out a submerged phone, follow these steps.

First, power down the device immediately. Water and electricity don’t mix, and keeping the phone on may exacerbate the situation.

Next, remove all detachable parts like the SIM card, memory card, and phone case. This helps air circulate and prevents water from being trapped inside the device.

After that, use a soft cloth to wipe any excess water from the surface. If you have silica gel packets, placing them along with your phone in a sealed container can help absorb moisture more effectively.

Finally, be patient and wait at least 48 to 72 hours before attempting to power it back on, ensuring your device is in a well-ventilated space. While most modern phones have some degree of water resistance, it’s still wise to take these precautions if your device has been fully submerged.