If your iPhone shows a “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” or USB-C alert, it is protecting itself. Charging a wet port can cause corrosion, so the phone blocks it until the port is dry.
What to do right away
- Unplug the cable and accessory.
- Tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the port facing down.
- Leave it in a dry place with some airflow.
- Wait at least 30 minutes, then try charging again.
- If the alert returns, wait longer. It can take up to a day for liquid to fully dry.
What Apple says not to do
- Do not dry it with a hair dryer or other external heat
- Do not use compressed air
- Do not put cotton swabs or paper towels in the port
- Do not put it in a bag of rice
Can I override the alert?
In an emergency, iPhone offers an Emergency Override option. Use it only if you truly need to charge, because charging a wet port can damage it.
Wireless charging
If your iPhone supports MagSafe or Qi, you can usually charge wirelessly while the port dries. Make sure the back of the phone is dry first.
Speaker sounds muffled too?
Water often reaches the speaker grille next to the port. Run our iPhone Water Eject tone after the phone is dry on the outside.
When to get help
If the alert keeps appearing after 24 hours, or the port looks green, white or crusty, contact Apple Support or an authorized repair shop.
FAQ
Why does the alert appear when my phone is dry?
Lint or debris in the port can trigger it. Turn the phone off and gently remove lint with a wooden toothpick, never metal.
Will rice help?
No. Rice dust can get into the port and it does not dry phones faster than open air.
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