{
  "id": 12308659,
  "title": "UAE humidity: Is your phone at risk of moisture damage? How to protect it – and skip the rice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/uae-humidity-is-your-phone-at-risk-of-moisture-damage-how-to-protect",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:52:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/uae-humidity-is-your-phone-at-risk-of-moisture-damage-how-to-protect-it-and-skip-the-rice-1.500699778"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Humidity rarely poses a direct threat to modern smartphones, but condensation, wet ports, and aging seals can cause issues. While iPhones and Galaxy devices are rated against immersion in freshwater, they are not rated for steam, saunas, or extremely humid conditions. Apple advises avoiding these conditions, as moisture tends to collect in four areas: the charging port, under the screen, in the headphone jack, and behind the camera lenses.\n\nIf you're braving the humid climate of the UAE, here's what matters:\n\nFirst, understand what 'water-resistant' truly means. An IP68 rating doesn't equate to waterproofing; it's based on controlled laboratory testing. Real-life exposure to sweat, humidity, salt water, chlorinated pool water, cosmetics, drops, and wear can affect water resistance. Non-condensing humidity is crucial - humid air by itself isn't the issue, but water condensing on or inside the phone is.\n\nCondensation is the real risk in humid climates like the UAE. It forms when a phone is colder than the dew point of the surrounding air, often due to transitioning from air-conditioned environments to hot, humid air. Signs of condensation include droplets on the glass, fogged camera lenses, cloudy photos, and hazy displays.\n\nCommon triggers for condensation include stepping from air-conditioned areas into hot, humid air, using a phone in very humid locations, and charging the device after changing environments. To avoid condensation:\n\nDon't mount your phone on an AC vent; use a dashboard or windscreen mount instead. Allow the phone to acclimatize by placing it in a pocket or bag. Avoid charging a phone that has recently changed environments or displays fogging. Allow it to dry and reach room temperature before charging.\n\nFor those who notice fogging on the lens, leave the phone undisturbed in a dry, ventilated spot or a sealed bag with a desiccant sachet for 30 to 60 minutes. Both Apple and Samsung recommend against using ice packs or hair dryers, as sudden temperature changes can exacerbate condensation.\n\nSimple daily habits can help prevent moisture damage. Keep your phone out of the bathroom while showering, steam rooms, and saunas, as these are considered high-velocity water exposure. Store your phone in a waterproof zip-lock bag during rainy weather and rinse off any non-freshwater substances immediately. Use dry hands and avoid wet surfaces. Charge your phone on dry surfaces and handle the charger with dry hands. Keep sweat off your phone by carrying it in an outer pocket or bag and wiping it down after workouts or hot walks. Remove the case periodically to allow the device and ports to dry completely. Check the SIM tray for gaps and only open it when the phone is dry. Treat a dropped phone as less water-resistant, as cracks or damage can compromise sealing. If your phone displays a 'moisture detected' warning, unplug the cable immediately and avoid reconnecting it to prevent further damage. Allow the phone to dry in a dry, well-ventilated area, using a fan if necessary. Refrain from inserting objects into the charging port, using compressed air, or using a hair dryer on the port. For wireless charging-capable phones, use this method once the exterior and back are completely dry. If the warning persists, contact Apple or Samsung for further assistance.",
  "summary": "Humidity rarely kills a modern phone on its own; Condensation, wet ports and ageing seals do. Today's iPhones and Galaxy phones are rated against dunks in fresh water, but no manufacturer rates them for steam, saunas or 'extremely humid conditions'— Apple lists all three on its avoid list. Samsung says moisture tends to collect in four places: the charging port, under the screen, in the headphone…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}