It is one of those pieces of wisdom that nobody knows where it came from, that kind of knowledge that all cultures have. about put a cell phone wet in rice It's something we've all heard at some point, but few know much more about it. At AndroidAyuda, we don't want to leave you wondering, so we're going to answer your questions. In this article, we'll try to answer the following questions: Should you put a wet mobile phone in rice? Where did this idea come from? What are the truly effective ways to save your phone when it gets wet? Stay tuned to find out all the details.
Since the beginning of humanity, there has been popular knowledge in societies. Thanks to the great communication skills developed by our species, the transmission of relevant information within communities, and in some cases, between different groups of humans, became possible. This characteristic developed by the homo sapiens It would not be in vain, since it greatly increased our ability to adapt.
In this way, the humans who knew how to receive information and work better with it were the ones who managed to survive with the consequent reproduction, and they were the ones who ended up populating the world, becoming the communities we know today.
In other words, communication was what made us what we are. But in many cases, rather than information relevant to life, "gossip" can take other forms. The information that is shared may on many occasions not be totally true. AND when it is not easy to prove the falsity of a claimThis can remain a truth for people for decades.
Should I place a mobile dipped in rice?
NoYou shouldn't. Now I'll explain why with technical arguments and the accumulated experience of technical services and manufacturers.
The moment a phone is submerged in water, suffers corrosion damage Almost instantly. Sometimes the phone turns off, sometimes you turn it off yourself (if it doesn't turn off by itself, that's the best thing you can do). But then comes another important process: What do you do after your phone gets wet? That's where the famous rice myth comes in.
- You take your phone out of the water, it's all wet. And with it turned off, obviously the last thing you want is for it to get damaged further. You regret juggling it with your car keys in your hand or carrying it in your back pocket.
- The strategy of people on many occasions is to leave it in a ventilated space with natural light. But! Do you remember the infallible trick that you have heard wonders about: put the phone in ricebecause “it worked for a friend.”
- You go to the kitchen and look for a bag of rice, place the phone and that's it! To waittrusting that the cereal will "absorb" all the moisture.
Typical results of the rice trick
you come back 24 hours laterIt's been a tough day without a phone, but things could get better. The following scenarios could unfold, which explain why the myth has persisted for so long:
You got lucky
Your phone turns on, and the battery is a little low. What actually happened is that the water evaporated inside the phone As the hours passed, although some traces may remain, it's almost certain that your device suffered some damage. liquid damage; however, it is also possible that the rice dust will cause some damage to the phone if particles have entered through the holes.
Between these two harmful elements, the useful life of the terminal will be reducedAnd even if it continues to function, in the long run it could have more serious failures because slow corrosion in soldering and connectors. Many phones "resurrected" after the rice treatment end up with charging problems, coverage issues, or random shutdowns months later.
you're out of luck
The phone does not turn on, or turns on and restarts. Nothing happens, you put it to load, then 2 things can happen:
- It seems to be fixed.You return to the "You're Lucky" scenario, but with a device that may already have invisible internal damage.
- not fixedYou can repeat the waiting process or take it to a professional. It may simply never work again, or the repair could end up being more expensive because the time in rice has allowed corrosion to progress.
Placing a wet phone in rice: a summary of the myth
At no point did I say that the rice would absorb the water from inside the phone, because It's not something that happens effectively in the internal components.The phone dries out mainly due to the passage of time and ventilation. without any real interference from the rice in the critical area of the motherboard.
In contrast, Your device may suffer some additional damage (similar to those caused by water) if you get grain particles in ports, SIM slots, speakers or microphones.
The reason this method is so popular and so many people believe it works is simple. Many times phones fall into water and are savedespecially when the contact has been brief or the water hasn't penetrated deeply. It's quite possible that these will work again once they lose all the water, and That would happen even if you didn't put them in rice..
Many people are used to putting their phone in rice, they do it all the time, and they assume that when the phone is fixed it is thanks to having put it in riceThe reality is that it is a myth without technical supportbut widely disseminated through forums, social networks, and well-intentioned recommendations.
What to do with a wet phone
Before discussing alternatives to rice, it's important to be clear about... How does water affect electronic devices?The main damage is caused by corrosion of metallic materials of the motherboard and connectors. Water, especially if it is salty or chlorinated, reacts with these metals and can cause:
- Short circuits immediate if the device is used while it is still wet.
- Breakage or weakening of tracks and welds over time.
- Intermittent failures in charging, audio, microphone, buttons or connectivity.
That's why every second counts. What you do in the first few minutes can mean the difference between a recoverable phone and an expensive paperweight.
- remove accessories that you have connected at the moment and cables If you have one. If the phone was charging, first unplug the charger from the power outlet and then disconnect the phone. Turn off the phone if it didn't turn off automatically during the splash to avoid internal short circuits.
- disassemble your phone Everything that this allows without special tools: case, screen protector if removable, SIM and microSD tray, and even the battery if your model allows it. The more you can open it without risk, the better it will ventilate.
- Dry it with a soft piece of lint-free clothA microfiber cloth or a super-absorbent kitchen towel is ideal. Focus on removing the visible drops in the casing, slots and speakers, without rubbing hard so as not to push the water inside.
- leave it on a clean surface in a ventilated area and where it receives natural lightBut keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Keep the charging port facing downwards to promote drainage, and wait at least a day before attempting to turn it on or charge it.
In addition to these basic steps, there are two additional techniques that can help without adding risks:
- Gentle taps with the connector facing downHold the phone with the charging port facing down and gently tap it with your hand to help expel any internal drops. Always avoid shaking it abruptly.
- Leave it in a dry and stable place like a cupboard, away from the kitchen and bathroom, surrounded by dry towels or absorbent materials, is better than any aggressive heat remedy.
Origin of the myth of rice for wet mobile phones
The myth of rice didn't appear with smartphones. Long before, it was a common practice to place cameras in rice to remove moisture from inside. Rice was used as a homemade desiccant in cupboards, food containers, and simple appliances.
With the popularization of mobile phones, some users began to apply the same trick to their phones. Around the year 2000, the first cases were documented: one of the early accounts mentions a Nokia 5130 which apparently recovered after spending time in rice. A month after the original iPhone's release, documentation of using the trick with that device also began appearing in forums.
From there, forums, blogs and social networks They did the rest: each case of "phone saved" was attributed to rice, even though the real reason was simply drying out over time and through ventilation.
Over time, some brands even went so far as to suggest using rice with nuanceswhich helped reinforce the myth. But most manufacturers and specialized technical services today agree: It is neither a reliable nor a recommended method.and is expressly discouraged due to the risks involved.
To this day, it is still difficult to combat this phenomenon. Is very common for any technology professional to receive people every day who placed their phone in riceThis is usually not good news, because by the time it arrives at the workshop, the corrosion damage has already progressed and starch dust or grains in the ports complicate the repair.
Does rice really work to dry a wet mobile phone?
To understand why rice is not the ideal solution, it is worth analyzing how it really works This cereal's reaction to humidity and what limitations it has.
Absorbent properties and limitations of rice
Rice has a certain hygroscopic capacityThat is, it can absorb moisture from the environment. This property is useful for keeping the inside of a sealed container dry for a long time, but when we talk about a recently submerged mobile phone:
- Rice It only acts on the humidity of the air that surrounds it, not on the liquid water trapped in the motherboard.
- The amount of water vapor it can trap is limited and slow compared to other desiccants.
- He has no direct contact with critical points where water accumulates (under chips, under metal shielding, etc.).
That's why, even though a phone might seem dry after spending a day in rice, internal moisture and residues of salts or sugars They're still there, ready to continue damaging the device.
Why rice doesn't eliminate internal moisture or corrosion
When a mobile phone gets wet, the most vulnerable areas are internal circuits, chipset, connectors, speakers and microphonesWater seeps through any gap, gets trapped in microscopic spaces, and begins the oxidation process.
Rice, due to its size and shape, It cannot be introduced or acted upon within these componentsEven if you manage to transfer some ambient humidity to the grains, the Corrosion that has already started does not stopNo cereal can reverse rusted tracks or weakened solder joints.
Furthermore, if the phone has gotten wet with seawater, pool water, soft drinks or coffeeThe problem is even bigger. These liquids contain salts, chlorine, sugars and acids that get stuck to the motherboard. Rice can't remove these residues, and it's precisely these residues that accelerate the damage.
Added risks of rice: particles, dust and heat
Using rice is not only ineffective, but it can worsen the situation:
- Grains and fragments They can get stuck in the charging port, headphone jack, or speaker grilles, causing physical obstructions and even short circuits.
- El starch powder The moisture present on the surface of the rice can enter the mobile phone, contaminating connectors and accumulating on the remaining moisture.
- By absorbing water, rice can soften and leave soft residue in corners of the device, difficult to remove even with professional cleaning.
- In some cases it has been observed that, by absorbing moisture, rice generates a slight increase in temperatureadding thermal stress to already damaged components.
For all these reasons, many experts believe that rice, at most, can serve as very limited emergency measureFor example, to buy a few hours and make a backup if the phone turns back on, but never as a definitive or safe solution.
Effective alternatives to rice for a wet mobile phone
The good news is that there are much more effective and safer methods than rice to help a wet mobile phone, always combined with immediate shutdown and careful external drying.
Silica gel bags and other desiccants
El Silica gel It's that material you see in small bags inside boxes of shoes, clothing, or electronics. It's specifically designed for absorb moisture and protect sensitive objects.
- It has a much greater absorption capacity that rice (multiplies its own weight several times in water).
- It doesn't fall apart or leave residues or dust inside the device.
- It works well inside airtight containerscreating a dry environment around the mobile phone.
To use it correctly:
- Place the switched-off mobile phone in a airtight container or bag.
- Surround it with several silica gel sachets, without it being essential that they are in direct contact.
- Close the container and leave it. between 24 and 48 hours in a stable place, without extra heat.
Other specific desiccant products (such as absorbent pearls or anti-humidity packs designed for wardrobes) follow the same logic: They create a very dry environment. where the internal moisture of the mobile phone finds a gradient to escape faster than if it is simply left in the air.
Isopropyl alcohol for advanced cases
In the hands of experienced people, the high purity isopropyl alcohol (suitable for electronics) can be a great ally. This liquid:
- It displaces the water and It evaporates very quickly. leaving no residue.
- It helps to dissolve salt residue and dirt that the water has left on the plate.
- Reduces the risk of future corrosion if applied in time.
However, it is a delicate method that usually requires disassemble the device To submerge the motherboard for a few minutes and then let it dry completely. If you don't have repair experience, it's best to leave this option to a professional. specialized technician to avoid causing mechanical damage when opening the phone.
Use of dehumidifiers and air conditioning
Another safe option is to use devices you already have at home:
- Un domestic dehumidifier It can create a very dry environment in the room; place the mobile phone nearby, turned off and with ports facing the airflow, for 12 to 24 hours.
- Un air conditioning in dehumidification mode It also helps, as long as you don't direct hot or very cold air directly and for an extended period at the phone.
The key is in reduce ambient humidity and keep the device stable, avoiding sudden temperature changes or heat sources such as radiators, ovens, dryers or direct sunlight.
Water resistance and limitations of current mobile phones
Today many manufacturers boast of having resistance to water and dustwith varying degrees of IP certification. Even so, water remains the great enemy of smartphones, and a very high percentage of breakdowns in technical services are due to liquids.
What do IP certifications mean and why aren't they a complete shield?
IP67, IP68 and similar certifications indicate that the device has passed laboratory tests controlled immersion under very specific conditions: fresh water, stable temperature, no shocks, no extra pressure, and with a new terminal in perfect condition.
In real life, the situation is different:
- Most dips are in sea, swimming pools or liquids with substancesmuch more aggressive than the distilled water used in the tests.
- A previous impact, a fall, or a repair may have occurred. damaged gaskets and rubber seals that seal the terminal.
- With use, the natural wear This causes that initial resistance to decrease.
That's why, even with high IP certification, manufacturers often Exclude liquid damage from the warrantyThe resistance is intended for accidental splashes or brief, controlled immersions, not for using the mobile phone as a diving camera.
Exposure time and type of water
The probability of saving your mobile phone depends on two key factors:
- Exhibithion timeThe longer it's submerged or wet, the more water seeps in and the faster corrosion progresses. Taking it out in seconds is not the same as leaving it at the bottom of a pool for minutes.
- liquid typeClean fresh water is the least harmful. Salt water, chlorinated water, sugar water, or water with soap residue is much more dangerous because leaves corrosive residues and conductors that simple drying does not eliminate.
In situations with salt water or sticky liquidsIt is especially recommended to go to a technical service as soon as possible so that they can clean the components with appropriate products before it is too late.
Real-life cases: how rice can worsen a wet mobile phone
Testimonies from specialized technicians coincide on several recurring problems when a mobile phone arrives at the workshop after being through the rice treatment:
- Presence of whole grains or fragments inside the casing, which have entered through the speaker grille or connector.
- Accumulation of starch powder on connectors and chips, hindering electrical contact.
- Mobile phones that appear to be active for a few days, then later show intermittent faults charging, audio or ignition due to advanced corrosion.
In many of these cases, rice has not only failed to help, but has increased the cost of the repair by complicating internal cleaning. That's why more and more professionals are recommending forgetting this viral trick and opting for measures backed by experience and manufacturers.
The good (and not so good) things about putting your phone in rice
However, even with all this said, maybe it's not such a bad idea to put the phone in rice from a purely psychological and human behavior point of view.
If you tell someone to leave their phone in a corner for a day, they'll say yes, but most He won't wait even 5 hoursThe temptation to turn it on "to see if it works" or to put it on charge prematurely is enormous, and that could be the final straw.
In contrast, if you tell him to put it in the riceWithout hesitation, they will place it in a container, cover it, and leave it there as if it were "undergoing treatment." Believing that the rice is "doing something" helps the person Please respect the necessary waiting time so that the water evaporates partially.
From that point of view, rice has a positive effect on something: user disciplineIt forces you not to touch your phone for a period during which, indeed, turning it on would be a very bad idea. In that sense, the myth has survived because, even though it's technically flawed, it has prevented many people from making the fatal mistake of using their phone while it's still soaking wet.
This article talks more about this phenomenon
Well, that's all. I hope I've been helpful, and that you now understand why putting a wet phone in rice to fix it is a myth, and above all, what Yes, you really should. when your mobile phone gets wet to maximize the chances of saving it without causing additional damage.