Can Putting AirPods in Rice Fix Water Damage?

If you accidentally dropped your AirPods in water or spilled something on them, you might be wondering if putting them in rice can fix the water damage. This is a common DIY method that many people use to try to save their wet electronic devices. But does it really work, or is it just a myth? Let’s find out.

The Rice Method Explained

The idea behind the rice method is that rice acts as a desiccant, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air and from the surface of your AirPods. By putting your wet AirPods in a container of rice and leaving them there for a few hours or days, you hope that the rice will draw out the water and dry your AirPods completely.

The Science Behind the Rice Method

Unfortunately, there is not much scientific evidence to support the rice method. In fact, some studies have shown that rice is not very effective at absorbing water from electronic devices, and that other materials such as silica gel, oatmeal, or couscous are much better at doing so

The reason why rice is not very good at drying your AirPods is that it does not have a high enough surface area to contact with the water molecules. Rice grains are also too large and dense to fit into the tiny gaps and crevices of your AirPods, where most of the water damage occurs. Moreover, rice can leave behind dust and starch residue that can further damage your AirPods or cause mold growth.

Alternative Methods for Fixing Water Damage

So, if rice is not the best solution for fixing water-damaged AirPods, what are some other methods you can try? Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of saving your wet AirPods:

· Remove your AirPods from water immediately and pat them dry with a soft cloth. Do not use heat or blow dryers as they can damage the internal components.

· Store your AirPods in their case and leave them out to air dry for at least 48 hours. Do not charge them or use them until they are completely dry.

· Use a Water Eject shortcut on your iPhone to force excess liquid out of your AirPods using a low-frequency bass tone. You can download this shortcut from https://routinehub.co/shortcut/571 and run it as many times as needed

· Use a silica gel packet or sachet to absorb moisture from your AirPods. You can find these packets in shoe boxes, electronics packaging, or online. Place your AirPods and the silica gel packet in a ziplock bag and seal it tightly. Leave it for a few days and check if your AirPods are dry.

· If none of these methods work, you may need to contact Apple or an authorized service provider for repair or replacement. Depending on your warranty status and the extent of the damage, you may have to pay a fee for this service.

Risks and Drawbacks of Using the Rice Method

Using the rice method to fix water-damaged AirPods is not only ineffective but also risky. Here are some of the potential problems you may encounter if you use this method:

· You may waste valuable time waiting for the rice to dry your AirPods while the water continues to corrode the internal circuits and components.

· You may introduce more contaminants into your AirPods such as dust, starch, or mold that can cause further damage or infection.

· You may void your warranty or reduce your chances of getting a repair or replacement from Apple if they detect any signs of tampering or foreign substances in your AirPods.

Conclusion

Putting your water-damaged AirPods in rice is not a reliable or recommended method for fixing them. It is based on a myth that has no scientific basis and can cause more harm than good. Instead of using rice, you should try other methods such as air drying, using a Water Eject shortcut, or using silica gel packets to remove moisture from your AirPods. If all else fails, you should contact Apple or an authorized service provider for professional help