Accidents, despite our best efforts, are inevitable and can sometimes involve our most prized possessions. It might happen at a café, where you’re typing on your laptop, and an accidental swipe knocks over a coffee mug. Or perhaps you take your phone into the shower, unaware that water could seep in. Worse yet, you might dive into a pool only to realize, too late, that your phone is still in the pocket of your swimming trunks.
Well then, what to do? Whether your phone won’t turn on or persistently flashes a “Water is inside your charging port” warning, it’s not the end of the world—don’t be hasty. This guide explains why water damage can be a serious issue, but also how you can recover your cherished device. By carefully removing the water, you can restore your phone to its full functionality and regain its value.
Water in Your Charging Port: Why It’s a Problem
Let’s get one thing straight: phones are not truly waterproof. However, most modern phones are designed to withstand a certain amount of water exposure, such as light splashes in the rain or brief contact with water. Many devices include physical barriers and seals to prevent water from entering, but these water-repellent features can degrade over time. Even Apple acknowledges that the water resistance of its phones are not permanent attributes and may diminish with regular use.
When you see an error message about moisture detection, it means your phone’s sensor has identified humidity or water. This is a safety feature designed to protect your phone from potential damage, such as short circuits or corrosion, by temporarily halting charging. It also safeguards your safety by preventing electrical mishaps.
If your phone was fully submerged in water, the absence of a warning system could lead you to overlook this hidden issue. Plugging in a wet phone too soon might worsen the damage, causing intermittent charging problems, overheating, or even long-term harm to the device’s lifespan. To avoid these outcomes, always ensure your phone is completely dry before attempting to charge it. While using wireless charging might seem like a clever workaround, residual moisture in the internal circuitry could still cause significant damage. It’s best to reserve this option for emergencies only.
Steps to Safely Dry Out Your Charging Port
Turn Off the Device
The first step you should take if your phone signals the presence of water or gets wet is to power it off immediately. Keep the device turned off until it is completely dry. Leaving it on can allow electricity to flow along moisture paths, potentially causing irreparable damage.
Remove Excess Water
Wipe down the phone and use a soft or microfiber cloth to gently blot the outside of the charging port and other accessible areas. In addition to the port, check for other spots that may be wet, such as the case or SIM card tray, and remove these components individually to dry them if possible.
Tap Your Phone Against Your Hand
Water may have seeped into the deeper parts of your phone, some of which might be difficult, or even impossible, to reach. To prevent water from traveling further into the device, tap your phone lightly against your hand with the charging port facing downward. You can also gently shake the device to help dislodge any trapped water.
Air Dry
Place your phone in a well-ventilated area with good airflow and let it dry for up to five hours, preferably longer. You can use fans, dehumidifiers, or appliances with an exhaust vent to speed up the drying process. However, avoid using heat-generating devices like hair dryers, as they can blow hot air that may damage the internal components. Allowing the device to air dry naturally through proper circulation helps moisture evaporate safely.
What to Avoid
In an attempt to dry your phone as quickly as possible, we often resort to methods that may seem effective but actually do more harm than good. While some of these approaches are commonly recommended, they can ultimately cause lasting damage to your device.
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Rice: Contrary to popular belief, using rice to dry your wet phone is not advisable—both tech experts and Apple have warned against it. The small rice particles can get stuck in your phone’s openings, and besides, rice is slow and inefficient, so it won’t really speed up the drying process. A better alternative is using silica gel packets, which are more effective and don’t pose the risk of debris.
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Heat Sources: Applying excessive heat, such as using a hair dryer or placing your phone near a heat source, can damage the device. Even when turned off, overheating can lead to performance issues, cause the battery to deplete faster, or, in extreme cases, melt internal components.
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Compressed Air or Foreign Objects: Apple advises against using compressed air to remove moisture. The high pressure can push water deeper into the phone or potentially damage sensitive internal parts. Similarly, foreign objects like cotton swabs or paper towels should be avoided, as they can force debris further inside and block critical components, worsening the problem.
Troubleshooting Charging Issues After Drying the Port
Error Messages
You might still receive the warning that liquid is detected within the charging port. This signals that moisture is still present inside, and your phone is preventing premature charging to avoid potential short circuits or damage to the internal components. Make sure the charging port is completely dry before attempting to charge the device again. Consider trying with a different charging cable or adapter.
Unresponsiveness
Any sign of unresponsiveness is an indication that water may be interfering with or has damaged your device’s functionality. If your phone is acting strangely—such as refusing to charge, the screen not responding, not powering up at all, or there being no sound—it’s likely that moisture has affected key components, and further drying or professional inspection may be needed. You may also attempt restarting your phone to clear temporary errors or reset sensors.
Slow Charging
A longer-than-usual charging time can indicate that your device is experiencing the effects of improper drying, or that moisture has infiltrated internal components. Likewise, watch for signs like the phone getting warm quickly or fluctuations in charging speed. These are critical indicators that your device may need further intervention, such as professional inspection or repair.
Solutions
When encountering these issues, you can choose to dry your phone further, as many of them could be caused by inadequate drying, leaving residual moisture inside that’s not immediately visible. If the problem persists, it might be time for a professional repair. Getting the problem assessed by a certified technician can help identify and resolve any underlying damage that requires specialized attention.
Do note that water damage to your iPhone is not covered by warranty. iPhones built after 2006 have built-in Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) that show if the device has come into contact with any form of liquid. These indicators are visible from the outside, which means any exposure to moisture could void your warranty or repair eligibility.
Prevent Future Water Damage
Water damage can significantly hamstring the functionality and longevity of your device. Be cautious of water sources and consider investing in water-resistant or protective cases to reduce the risk of exposure, especially if you frequently find yourself in environments where moisture is present. Moreover, using wireless charging can help minimize the chances of connecting to wet cables, offering an extra layer of protection against unavoidable water damage. Energea offers power banks that are designed to provide safe and fast charging rivaling wired alternatives, as well as cables that feature durable, protective coatings, contributing to the prevention of long-term damage as a result of moisture exposure.
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