Accidentally getting water into your phone’s charging port can be a stressful experience. Whether it’s from a spilled drink, rain, or an unexpected drop into the sink or pool, moisture in this small but critical part of your phone can lead to serious damage if not handled correctly.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through safe, effective methods to get water out of your phone’s charging port, explain what not to do, and offer tips on prevention and recovery. Everything here is based on real-world experience, technical recommendations, and manufacturer guidelines.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly (and Carefully)
Your phone’s charging port (usually USB-C or Lightning) is more than just a power input—it’s a delicate interface with exposed metal contacts, sensors, and, in many cases, connected to the phone’s motherboard. Even a small amount of water can:
- Interrupt charging: You may see messages like “Moisture detected” or “Charging not available.”
- Cause corrosion: Over time, moisture can oxidize and corrode the tiny metal pins inside the port.
- Lead to short circuits: Plugging in a charger while moisture is present can fry internal components.
- Void warranty: Many manufacturers consider water damage a user-induced fault, even on water-resistant phones.
Water-Resistant ≠ Waterproof
Phones like the iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S22 are rated IP68 for water resistance, but these ratings are for controlled lab conditions—not real-life scenarios like chlorinated pool water, salt water, or soapy dishwater. Moreover, seals can wear down over time.
What NOT to Do
To protect your phone, it’s just as important to avoid these risky behaviors:
Do Not Plug in the Charger Immediately
This is the most common and dangerous mistake. Plugging in your phone while moisture is present can cause a short circuit, damaging both the charger and the phone’s internal components.
Do Not Stick Objects into the Port
Avoid inserting cotton swabs, paper towels, metal objects, or even toothpicks. These can push water deeper into the phone or damage the internal contacts.
Do Not Use Heat
Blow dryers, ovens, or direct sunlight may seem like a quick fix, but they can overheat your phone. Excessive heat can melt internal solder, warp components, or degrade battery health.
Do Not Shake Aggressively
Shaking may feel intuitive, but this can force water further into the phone, especially around the battery or logic board area.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Water from a Charging Port
Step 1: Power Off the Phone
This is your first line of defense. Powering off the device eliminates the risk of electrical current interacting with water—thus preventing short circuits.
Step 2: Position the Port Facing Downward
Hold your phone with the charging port facing downward and lightly tap it against your palm. This uses gravity to help dislodge water droplets. Avoid hitting or banging the phone.
Step 3: Wipe the Exterior
Use a lint-free, soft microfiber cloth to gently blot the exterior of the port. Microfiber is ideal because it’s absorbent and won’t leave behind fibers or debris.
Pro Tip: Wrap the corner of the cloth around a plastic card (like a business card) to reach near the entrance of the port without inserting it.
Step 4: Allow to Air Dry Naturally
The safest way to dry the port is by letting air do the work. Place your phone on a table with the port hanging slightly over the edge to allow airflow inside.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to a few hours.
- You can place it near a fan or open window, but avoid direct sunlight or enclosed humid environments.
- Do not try to speed it up with heat.
Step 5: Use a Vacuum (Optional)
If you have access to a small handheld vacuum, you can use it to gently draw out moisture from the port. Keep it at a short distance (1–2 inches away) and avoid sealing the port completely with the nozzle to prevent pressure buildup.
Step 6: Use Silica Gel (Highly Recommended)
Place the phone in a sealed container or Ziploc bag filled with silica gel packets—those small “Do Not Eat” desiccants found in shoeboxes and electronics packaging. Silica gel is extremely effective at absorbing moisture.
- Leave the phone for 24 to 48 hours.
- Ensure the port is open to airflow inside the container.
Why not rice? Rice is often recommended but not ideal. It’s less absorbent than silica gel, can introduce dust and starch, and doesn’t always reach deeply into the port.
How to Know It’s Safe to Charge Again
Before plugging your phone back in, verify the following:
- No visible water in the charging port.
- No moisture alert or error message on the screen.
- At least 4–6 hours have passed, or 24+ hours if water exposure was significant.
- The phone powers on and functions normally.
Start by using a low-voltage power source, like a USB port on a computer, before using a high-power wall adapter.
If your phone displays a “liquid detected” message, respect the warning and give it more time to dry.
What to Do If the Port Still Doesn’t Work
If your phone won’t charge even after thorough drying:
- Try wireless charging if your phone supports it.
- Inspect the charging cable and port for visible corrosion or debris.
- Book an appointment with a certified technician or visit the brand’s authorized repair center.
Note: Some manufacturers, like Apple and Samsung, have water damage indicators (LDI strips) inside the phone. If triggered, it could affect your warranty claim.
How to Prevent Water Damage in the Future
1. Invest in a Waterproof Case
A high-quality waterproof or water-resistant case can provide peace of mind if you’re around water frequently.
2. Avoid Charging in Damp Environments
Bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas can be risky. Moisture in the air can accumulate inside the port over time.
3. Use Wireless Charging When Practical
Wireless chargers eliminate the need to expose your phone’s port daily, extending its lifespan.
4. Store Silica Gel in Your Bag
Keep a few packets in your tech bag or drawer. They can quickly be repurposed to help dry electronics in an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Getting water in your phone’s charging port doesn’t necessarily mean disaster. By acting promptly and avoiding common mistakes, you can usually prevent lasting damage. The safest and most effective methods involve patience, air drying, and silica gel. If your phone doesn’t return to normal after 24–48 hours, don’t delay seeking professional help.
Always refer to your device’s manufacturer guidelines for specific water exposure advice, as each phone model may differ in design and moisture resistance.
READ ALSO: Wireless Keyboard Not Working But Mouse Is: Key Reasons And Solution
FAQs
A: To turn off moisture alerts in your charging port:
Unplug your charger immediately.
Power off the phone to prevent damage.
Dry the port by gently tapping the phone with the port facing down.
Let it air dry for a few hours or use silica gel to absorb moisture.
Once dry, restart your phone.
The alert will disappear when no moisture is detected.
Note: Do not bypass the alert by forcing charging—it protects your device from short circuits.
A: It typically takes 1 to 3 hours to air dry, but for complete safety, wait 24 hours or use silica gel for faster, more effective drying.