Wavex"Liquid detected" on iPhone: what to do
The alert means iOS found moisture in the Lightning or USB-C port, so it blocks cable charging to protect the pins. Unplug the cable, tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the port facing down, and leave it in a dry spot with some airflow. Try again after at least 30 minutes; full drying can take up to 24 hours. Don't use rice, heat, compressed air or cotton swabs. Wireless charging is fine once the back is dry, and there's an emergency override if you really must charge.
What the alert means
iPhone XS and later can detect liquid in the charging port. When they do, you'll see one of these messages: "Charging Not Available", "Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector", "Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector" or simply "Liquid Detected". Charging through the cable and connecting accessories are blocked until the port, the cable ends and the accessory are dry.
Apple explains why: charging while the port is wet can corrode the pins on the iPhone or the cable and cause permanent damage or connection problems.
What to do, step by step
These steps follow Apple's support article. They're also listed as a checklist further down.
- Unplug the cable from the iPhone and from the adapter or accessory, and don't plug it back in until everything is completely dry.
- Tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the connector facing down to remove excess liquid.
- Leave it in a dry area with some airflow. A fan blowing cool air directly into the port may help.
- After at least 30 minutes, try charging again. If the alert comes back, there's still liquid in the port: give it up to a day, trying again now and then.
- If the iPhone is dry but still won't charge, unplug the adapter from the wall (if you can) and reconnect everything.
What not to do
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Put the iPhone in rice | Apple says small rice particles can damage the iPhone |
| Use a hair dryer or heater | Apple says not to dry it with an external heat source |
| Use compressed air | Apple advises against it |
| Insert cotton swabs or paper towels | Foreign objects can damage the connector |
| Keep retrying a wet cable | Charging while wet can corrode the pins |
Charging in the meantime
Wireless charging still works. You can use a Qi-certified wireless charger; for best results make sure the back of the iPhone is dry first.
Emergency override: Apple advises against charging while the port is wet, but in an emergency you can reconnect the cable and choose the option to override liquid detection and charge.
If the iPhone wasn't wet
If the alert appears every time you use one particular cable or accessory, that cable or accessory may be damaged; contact its manufacturer. If it happens with an Apple cable or accessory, the iPhone may need service.
What about the speaker?
The port and the speaker are separate. If calls and music also sound muffled, water is probably sitting in the speaker grille too. Point the speaker down and play a low tone to push it out; see how to get water out of your iPhone speaker. A water eject app like Wavex clears the speaker, not the port, so still let the port dry as described above.
Liquid detected: the checklist
- Unplug everything. Remove the cable from the iPhone and from the power adapter or accessory.
- Tap out the water. Tap the iPhone gently against your hand with the charging port facing down.
- Let it air-dry. Leave it in a dry place with some airflow; a fan blowing cool air into the port may help.
- Try again after 30 minutes. If the alert returns, keep drying for up to 24 hours, trying again from time to time.
- Use wireless charging if needed. A Qi-certified wireless charger works once the back of the iPhone is dry.
Questions and answers
How long does it take for the liquid alert to go away?
Often 30 minutes to a few hours. Apple says drying can take up to 24 hours, and you can try charging again during that time.
Can I ignore the alert and charge anyway?
Only in an emergency. iOS offers an override option, but Apple advises against charging with a wet port because it can corrode the pins and cause permanent damage.
Does putting the iPhone in rice help?
No. Apple says not to, because rice particles can damage the iPhone.
I keep getting the alert but my phone isn't wet. Why?
If it only happens with one cable or accessory, that item may be damaged. If it happens with Apple cables too, the iPhone may need service.
Will a water eject app fix the liquid alert?
No. Water eject tones clear water from the speaker grille, not from the charging port. Let the port dry as Apple describes.
Sources
- Apple Support: If you see a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone
- Apple Support: About splash, water and dust resistance of iPhone