How to Get Water Out of Your Charging Port (iPhone & Android)

Quick answer

Unplug everything, tap the phone gently with the port facing down, and let it air-dry in a place with airflow for at least 30 minutes — up to 24 hours if the warning keeps coming back. Don’t use rice, heat, compressed air or cotton swabs, and don’t force-charge with a cable while the port is wet. Wireless charging is fine in the meantime.

Step-by-step: remove water from a charging port

1. Unplug the cable immediately, at both ends.
2. Turn the phone port-down and tap it gently against your palm 5–10 times. Most of the water comes out here.
3. Dry the outside with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Don’t push the cloth into the port.
4. Stand the phone port-down (leaning against something) in a dry room with some airflow — a gentle fan a metre away is perfect.
5. Wait 30 minutes, then try charging. If you get a liquid/moisture warning, unplug and wait longer — up to 24 hours.
6. Clear the speaker too. The speaker grille sits right next to the port, so it is usually wet as well. Play the water eject sound with the phone facing down; the vibration also helps nearby droplets drain.

What not to do

iPhone: “Liquid Detected” alert

iPhones show “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” or “…USB-C Connector” and block wired charging. Follow the steps above; avoid Emergency Override unless you truly need power. Full guide: Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector.

Samsung and Android: “Moisture detected”

Samsung Galaxy phones show a water-drop icon and “Moisture has been detected in your charger/USB port”. Charging is paused until the port is dry. Wireless charging still works on supported models. Full guide: Samsung Moisture Detected — how to fix it.

Salt water, pool water or a sugary drink?

Those leave residue that keeps triggering the sensor and speeds up corrosion. Turn the phone off, then gently rinse the port area with a small amount of fresh tap water (water-resistant phones only — IP67/IP68), shake it out, and dry as above. For a phone that isn’t water-resistant, skip the rinse and take it to a repair shop.

How long until it’s safe to charge?

• Splash or rain: 30 minutes–2 hours.
• Brief dunk in fresh water: 2–5 hours.
• Long submersion, pool or sea: up to 24 hours, after a fresh-water rinse.

If the warning persists after 24 hours, check for lint (see how to clean a charging port) and try a different cable. A port that still won’t charge may be corroded and need repair.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for water to leave a charging port?

Usually 30 minutes to a few hours. After a long submersion it can take up to 24 hours.

Can I use a hair dryer to dry my charging port?

No. Heat can damage the battery and seals. Use room-temperature airflow from a fan instead.

Does rice get water out of a charging port?

No better than open air, and it can leave starch and dust in the port. Apple and Samsung both advise against it.

Can I charge my phone wirelessly if the port is wet?

Yes. Wireless charging does not use the port, so it is the safe way to keep your phone powered while it dries.