Indian Smartphone Users Turn to Rice After Water Damage, Study Reveals

Smartphones have become an everyday necessity, but keeping them safe is proving difficult for many users. A recent study by OneAssist and Hansa Research, titled The Great Indian Smartphone Protection Crisis, has highlighted how Indian consumers respond when their devices are damaged.

According to the study, 82 percent of respondents said they had dropped their smartphone at least once. Around 72 percent reported experiencing some form of accidental damage. The figures show just how common phone accidents have become, particularly with devices that people carry throughout the day.

What caught attention, however, was the way some users tried to deal with water damage. The study found that 29 percent of Indian respondents had placed a water damaged phone in rice in an attempt to bring it back to life.

The Rice Trick Remains Popular

Putting a wet phone in rice has been a popular household remedy for years. The idea is that rice can absorb moisture, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed way to repair a water damaged smartphone.

If water has entered a phone, continuing to use or charge it can potentially make the damage worse. Simply placing the handset in rice may not remove moisture from internal components either.

Turning the phone off as soon as possible and seeking professional assistance when necessary is a safer approach, particularly when there are signs of problems involving the charging port, battery or display.

Tape and Other Quick Fixes

Rice is not the only improvised solution being used. The study found that between 20 percent and 32 percent of respondents had used tape or other temporary fixes to keep damaged phones working.

For some users, repairing or replacing a smartphone can be an expensive decision. As a result, a quick fix may seem like the easiest option, even when the damage requires proper repair.

Phone Accidents Can Also Cause Stress

The study suggests that smartphone damage is not only a financial concern. About 35 percent of respondents said they felt anxious immediately after dropping their phone.

Around 24 percent reported that phone damage had even led to an argument or disagreement with someone. Another 15 percent said they had cancelled plans after their smartphone was damaged.

Women Reported More Accidents

The survey also found a difference between male and female respondents. About 94 percent of women said they had accidentally dropped their phones at some point, compared with 80 percent of men.

Accidental damage was reported by 79 percent of women and 71 percent of men, according to the study.

Despite the widespread use of protective accessories and repair services, only around 6 percent to 8 percent of respondents were reported to have an active smartphone protection plan.

The findings underline a simple point. A damaged smartphone can quickly become a stressful problem, and while household tricks may be tempting, they should not replace proper technical assistance when a device has suffered serious water or physical damage.