Myth or reality: Can rice really save a mobile phone falling into water?

There is no denying it: smartphones are part of our daily lives and we rarely part with them. However, although this constant contact brings some benefits to our daily lives, some accidents are practically inevitable. A typical situation is when the device falls into the toilet or swimming pool, which causes immediate and immeasurable despair in the owner of the device.

Those who own a water-resistant smartphone can rest easy knowing that the device will likely survive the accident unscathed. But what about those who have a model that does not have this protection? What to do with a wet mobile phone?

There are people who say this Leaving it in a bowl full of rice may solve the problem. But is this really true? So would this alone be enough?

What?

Placement recommendation for years wet electronic device inside a bowl of raw rice It was very common. Although it may seem ridiculous, there is a scientific explanation for this action: Dry food grains can absorb a lot of moisture. This may alleviate the problem.

Yes, dry food grains can absorb a lot of moisture

The solution is very similar to that suggested by bags containing Silica gel, a very porous synthetic compound that can absorb approximately 30% of its weight in water. Many will probably remember a small package with balls inside, which usually comes with some electronic equipment. Ultimately, the goal is the same: to absorb moisture and prevent damage from damaging the device.

Where does this idea come from?

While this may seem like a current idea, using brass or other highly absorbent elements to dry electronics is not that new. In a June 1946 article on photography, the author discusses the preference for using silica to absorb moisture, also mentioning other compounds that can be used for the same purpose, such as sand, tea bags, paper, and the aforementioned rice.

The benefits of brass in protecting/saving devices have been debated for more than half a century

But even at that time Cereals have already been criticized for their inability to remove moisture from an electronic device.. “Rice’s ability to retain moisture is so low that a large amount of grain would be needed to produce the same significant effect.” [que a sílica]”.

Does putting a wet mobile phone in rice help?

The method of using rice to save on electronics has already been demonstrated in various videos on the Internet. On the other hand, while people try to defend this practice, many also say that there is no point in leaving the device in a bowl full of dry grains. This is because rice only helps remove moisture from the outer parts of the device. The water in the internal components will still be there.

So we need to tell the truth: the method of using rice may work, but there is no way to guarantee its effectiveness because it depends on different factors. For example, we can consider: the length of time the device has been in contact with liquid, the model of the device, and whether the mobile phone is IP68 certified.It is considered the best water resistance available on smartphones.

These are the points that can mean the difference between whether a smartphone survives your efforts to revive it or not. Some models may even operate normally again if submersion is too rapid; This should not be done unless the manufacturer recommends it.

Therefore, there is no way to give a clear answer on this issue, as everything will depend on the situation and the extent of damage caused by the liquid.

What should we do?

Now that we know that the rice method can actually work, it’s good to know exactly what to do if your smartphone gets wet. The technique involves the use of dry and raw rice grains:

• Remove the device from the water as quickly as possible;
• Do not try to turn the device back on; If it is open, close it;
• Remove the battery (if possible) and cards (SIM and micro SD, if applicable);
• Remove excess water with a dry cloth;
• Leave it in this state for at least 24 hours and try turning the device on again.

The message is probably already clear, but we emphasize: there is no guarantee that the rice technique will work. So here’s a tip: If your device falls into a toilet or pool, for example, follow the advice above and, if possible, take it to a repairman or authorized service.