Apple has recently issued guidelines advising iPhone users against using the traditional hack of fixing waterlogged phones. It has cautioned that it may exacerbate the damage. The latest advisory by Apple provided instructions for addressing the liquid detection alert on iPhones.
“Avoid placing your iPhone in a bag of rice, as this could potentially introduce rice particles that may harm your device,” Apple cautioned. The company also recommended refraining from using external heat sources such as hair dryers or compressed air to dry the device. Additionally, the tech giant advised against inserting cotton swabs or paper towels into charging ports.
Apple provided several safe steps in its guidelines that users can take if and when they encounter a “liquid detected” alert on their phones. Apple suggested gently tapping the phone against the hand with the connector pointing downward to remove excess water. After which, the users should place the phone in an area with good airflow to allow it to dry naturally and wait for at least 30 minutes before attempting to charge it again.
If the alert persists, Apple advised users to wait a few more minutes before trying again. The company emphasized that it may take up to 24 hours for the phone to thoroughly dry, and users may continue to see the liquid detection alert during this time frame.
“Although it’s not advisable to charge your iPhone when it’s wet, there may be instances of emergency where it’s necessary. If you reconnect your iPhone to the cable or accessory, you can choose to override the liquid detection and charge your iPhone,” Apple wrote in its advisory.
“For users with a wireless charger, it’s still possible to charge your iPhone wirelessly. However, to achieve optimal results, ensure that the back of your iPhone is dry before placing it on your Qi-certified charger,” it added.
The tech giant further cautioned that charging your iPhone while the lightning or USB-C connector is wet could lead to corrosion of the pins on the connector or cable, resulting in permanent damage or loss of functionality. This corrosion may also cause connectivity issues for your iPhone or connected accessories.
However, users may find reassurance in Apple’s assertion that their latest flagship iPhones are designed to endure water exposure, withstanding immersion in depths of up to 20 feet for as long as 30 minutes without sustaining damage.
