Does Putting Your Phone in Rice Work? (What to Do Instead)

Short answer: no, not really

Rice doesn’t pull water out of a phone. It only absorbs moisture from the air around it, slowly. Tests by repair companies and tech publications have repeatedly found that phones left in open air with good airflow dry as fast or faster than phones buried in rice. Apple’s own support guidance says don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice, because small particles of rice can damage it.

Why rice is a bad idea

• It blocks airflow. Water evaporates fastest with moving air; a bowl of rice traps the phone in still air.
• Starch and dust get into the charging port, speaker grille and microphone holes.
• Grains can lodge in the charging port or SIM tray.
• False confidence. People wait for rice to “work” instead of taking steps that matter, like powering off and getting salt water rinsed out.

What works better than rice

What to do instead: the 4-step plan

1. Power off if the phone isn’t water-resistant or behaves oddly. Don’t charge it.
2. Shake and tap it with the speaker and port facing down.
3. Eject water from the speaker with the free water eject sound (once the phone works normally).
4. Air-dry port-down near a fan, or in a sealed box with silica gel, for several hours to a day.

Full first-aid guide: how to get water out of your phone.

Where did the rice myth come from?

Rice became popular because it’s in every kitchen and it feels like it’s doing something. Many phones dried in rice did recover — but they would have recovered just as well (or better) left in open air. Modern phones with IP67/IP68 seals usually survive brief dunks regardless, which kept the myth alive.

Frequently asked questions

Does rice really dry out a phone?

Not effectively. It absorbs only moisture in the surrounding air, slowly, and can leave starch and grains in the ports. Open air with airflow works as well or better.

How long should I leave my phone in rice?

We recommend not using rice at all. Air-dry it with a fan or use silica gel packets for several hours to 24 hours.

What does Apple say about rice?

Apple advises against putting an iPhone in a bag of rice, because small rice particles could damage it. It recommends tapping out liquid and air-drying.