Best ways to save a wet phone: why rice isn’t the answer

By Phong Ngo November 3, 2025 | 12:24 am PT

If you drop your phone in water, experts and major manufacturers warn against using rice to dry it, instead recommending air drying or using silica gel packs to remove moisture.

While many modern smartphones are water-resistant, they are not waterproof, meaning water damage can still result in costly repairs. A long-circulating piece of advice suggests placing a wet phone in a bag of rice, but experts say this method is ineffective and potentially harmful.

"Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone," Apple says on its customer support site.

Though rice can absorb some moisture, it cannot remove all the water trapped deep inside the device. Worse still, as it absorbs liquid, rice can become mushy and sticky, leaving residue in speaker grills and charging ports, Wired reported.

An iPhone 14 placed in a container with rice. Photo by VnExpress/Khuong Nha

The most effective way to dry a wet phone, experts say, is patience, according to CNET. Apple recommends placing the device in a dry, well-ventilated area and gently tapping it with the charging port facing downward to help remove trapped droplets. It suggests leaving the phone to dry for at least five hours, ideally with a fan directed at the charging port to speed up the process.

Samsung offers similar advice. Both companies recommend that if the phone was exposed to liquids other than clean water, it should be rinsed with tap water, wiped with a towel, and left to air dry. They also caution users not to apply heat sources like hair dryers or ovens, as excessive heat can damage internal components.

Gazelle, a company that buys and sells used and damaged phones, recommends silica gel as a more effective alternative, the moisture-absorbing material found in "Do not eat" packets included with many products. These packets can be saved from product packaging or purchased online.

To use silica gel, remove your phone from the water and turn it off immediately. Dry the exterior with a lint-free towel, then place the phone in a sealed container filled with silica gel beads. Leave it inside for up to 72 hours before taking it out and turning it back on.