Has your iPhone or Android mobile phone got wet and now it won’t charge? The first factor is to find ways to get the water properly out of the charging port before you plug anything in. Charging with water in the port can cause serious damage. This guide covers every safe method for how to get water out of charging port and what to avoid.
What Happens If You Charge With Water in the Port?
If water is inside the charging port of your iPhone, and it costs you, you risk shorting the pins in the port. This can lead to the loss of charging circuits on your logic board, which is a costly repair. Your iPhone actually warns you with an iPhone liquid detected warning message for exactly this reason. Do not ignore it.
Method 1: Tap and Air Dry (Safest Method)
The very solid type is great for keeping the charging port of your iPhone dry. Hold the mobile phone with the charging port facing downwards and gently press the bottom of the back of the mobile phone with your hand. This enables shaking out unfastened water droplets.
Then leave your smartphone in a dry spot with the port going through down or sideways. Let it air dry for at least 30 minutes before trying to price again. Longer is better. An hour or so gives way more self-assurance.
Method 2: Use a Fan or Air Flow
Place your phone near a fan or somewhere with good airflow. Moving air helps dry out the charging port much faster than just leaving it sitting in one spot. Just letting air flow around it does the job well enough.
One thing you should never do is look for a hair dryer in a hot bag. The heat reaches the cell phone and starts offevolved to break plastic internally, and the adhesive that continues with the parts en masse can also lose its protection. If a hair dryer is your most effective option, turn it to the lowest cooling setting and don’t point it too close to your phone just yet.
Method 3: Use Silica Gel Packets
The little white packages that are available are shoe packing containers and electronics packaging. They absorb moisture nicely. Place your cell phone and a handful of silica gel packets in a sealed zip-lock bag for a few hours.
This works really well for USB-C port water damage and Lightning port situations. The silica gel pulls the moisture out of the air around the port without any heat or force.
What NOT to Do When Drying Your Charging Port
- Do not use rice: Rice is a myth. It is not very effective and tiny particles can actually get stuck in the port.
- Don’t use cotton drops now: Cotton fibers break and tangle in the port, causing more problems.
- Do not blow back with your mouth: Your breath will absorb moisture and make the situation worse.
- Do not use a hair dryer on hot: Heat damages internal components and adhesive seals.
- Do not force charge: Ignore the temptation. Wait for the port to fully dry.
How to Clear the iPhone Liquid Detected Warning?
The charging port liquid detected warning appears automatically when iOS detects moisture. Once you have dried the port, the warning should disappear on its own. If it persists after thorough drying, tap. If an alternative is available, dispose of it carefully.
You can also use a wireless charger as a safe option, even if the port is dry. Your iPhone will usually charge via MagSafe or Qi pad when there is no Lightning or USB-C port on something.
When to Take Your Phone to a Repair Shop?
If you’ve left the port dry for hours and your iPhone water damage charging problem persists, it could be moisture deeper inside the device or corrosion on the charging pins. At that point, a professional needs to look at it. We at Mr. Repair USA in Alexandria and Manassas, Virginia, handles water damage diagnostics and charging port repairs every day.
Final Thoughts
The most important factor when figuring out how to get water out of charging port is firmness. Do not rush to plug in. Let it dry completely, use gravity and airflow to help and skip the rice. If the problem persists after a solid drying period, get it professionally checked before attempting to charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to charge after water gets in the port?
Wait at least 30 minutes after the port looks dry. For best results, wait 1 to 2 hours or until the liquid detected warning clears.
Can I use a wireless charger while the charging port dries?
Yes. Wireless charging through MagSafe or Qi does not use the port at all, so it is completely safe while the port dries.
Is rice actually good for drying out a charging port?
Not really. Rice is not very effective and small particles can get into the port. Silica gel packets and air drying work much better.
Why does my iPhone say liquid is detected even after drying?
Moisture may still be inside. Give it more time or try silica gel. If the warning stays after several hours, take it to a repair shop.
Can water in a charging port permanently damage my phone?
If you charge with moisture in the port, it can short the pins and cause lasting damage. Dry it completely first before attempting to charge.
