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01What the liquid detected alert means
If you see liquid detected in your Lightning or USB-C connector, unplug the cable and let the port dry. Your phone has sensed moisture where the cable connects and has paused wired charging so the contacts don't corrode.
Charging pushes current through the connector pins. With water bridging them, that current can corrode the metal over time, which is how a splash turns into a dead port. The alert stops that from happening. It's not a sign your phone is broken, and on a water-resistant phone the inside is usually fine.
| Phone | What you'll see | Wired charging |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS, XR and later | "Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector" or "USB-C Connector" | Paused until dry; Emergency Override available |
| Samsung Galaxy | A water drop icon and a moisture warning | Paused until the port is dry |
| Google Pixel | "Liquid or debris in USB port" or "Unplug charger" | Paused; Google says to contact them if it lasts 2+ hours |
The alert can also be triggered by a damp cable or accessory rather than the phone. Apple's own wording points to liquid in the connector or on the cable or accessory, so dry both.
02How to fix liquid detected, step by step
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Unplug everything
Disconnect the cable from the phone and from the power adapter. Don't keep retrying while it's wet.
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Tap out the water
Hold the phone with the port facing down and tap it gently against your palm. Samsung suggests gently shaking it with the port down. Gentle is the key word.
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Dry the outside
Wipe the phone and the cable plug with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Don't push the cloth into the port.
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Let it air-dry
Leave it somewhere dry with some airflow for at least 30 minutes. Samsung says a fan is fine. Lying on a cloth, port down or on its side, helps water drain.
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Try again
Plug in after 30 minutes. If the alert returns, there's still liquid trapped. Wait longer; Apple says it can take up to 24 hours to fully dry.
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Still stuck? Reset the connection
If it's dry but still won't charge, unplug the cable from the adapter and the adapter from the wall, then reconnect everything. Try a different cable, since the old one may still be damp.
Water resistance is tested with fresh water. Apple's general advice for spills with anything else is to rinse the affected area with a little tap water, then wipe it dry. Don't do this to the open port itself; wipe around it and let the port air-dry.
03What not to do
Almost every bad outcome comes from trying to speed things up. Apple's support guidance is specific about these:
- No rice. Apple says not to put an iPhone in a bag of rice. Small particles of rice can get into the phone and damage it.
- No external heat. Hair dryers, radiators and ovens can damage the battery and the seals that keep water out.
- No compressed air. It can drive water deeper instead of out.
- Nothing in the port. Apple specifically mentions not inserting a cotton swab or paper towel. Fibers stay behind, and Google says not to put anything into the port at all.
- No repeated plugging in. Each attempt pushes current through wet contacts, which is what the alert exists to prevent.
Unplug, tap, wait. Time does the drying.Start with 30 minutes. Give it up to 24 hours if the alert keeps coming back.
04Emergency Override: when it's worth using
On iPhone, the alert can offer an Emergency Override that lets you charge anyway. Apple keeps it for genuine emergencies, because you're charging through wet contacts, the exact thing the alert is guarding against.
Use it when you truly need the phone and have no other way to charge it: stranded, about to lose your only way to call for help, or needing a boarding pass in the next few minutes. If you have a wireless charger or even a few minutes to wait, use those instead. One emergency charge is unlikely to ruin a port, but making a habit of overriding the alert can lead to corrosion.
Turn on Low Power Mode in Settings > Battery to stretch what you've got while the port dries. On a Galaxy or Pixel, use Power saving or Battery Saver in the battery settings.
05Charge wirelessly while you wait
Wireless charging doesn't use the port, so it's the cleanest workaround. Apple suggests a Qi-certified wireless charger while the connector dries, and Samsung recommends a wireless charger if cable charging still fails after drying. Wipe the back of the phone dry first and put it in the center of the pad.
Most iPhones from iPhone 8 on, and most flagship Galaxy and Pixel phones, support wireless charging. If yours won't start, our guides to iPhone wireless charging problems and Galaxy wireless charging problems cover the usual causes, like thick cases and wallets.
A magnetic charger for MagSafe-compatible phones and flat pads for everything else.
06If the alert won't go away
Lint soaks up water and holds it against the contacts, so a dirty port can keep triggering the alert long after the rest of the phone is dry. Once it's fully dry, clean it with our iPhone port cleaning guide or USB-C port cleaning guide. For a full dunk rather than a splash, see dropped your phone in water.
Questions people ask
How long does it take for liquid detected to go away?
Often about 30 minutes in a dry, ventilated spot. Apple says it can take up to 24 hours for the port to dry completely, so if the alert returns, unplug and give it more time.
Should I put my phone in rice?
No. Apple specifically says not to put an iPhone in a bag of rice, because small rice particles can get into the phone. Air-drying in a ventilated spot works better and is safer.
Is it safe to use Emergency Override?
It's meant for real emergencies. Charging with liquid in the port can corrode the pins over time. Use a wireless charger or wait if you can, and save the override for when you truly need the phone.
Why does my phone say liquid detected when it's not wet?
The cable or accessory may be damp, the air may be very humid, or lint in the port may be holding moisture. Try a dry cable, give it time, and check the port for debris once it's dry.
Can I charge my phone wirelessly when it says liquid detected?
Yes, if your phone supports wireless charging. Dry the back of the phone first, then place it on a Qi-certified charger. The alert only affects the charging port.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry my charging port?
No. Apple advises against drying an iPhone with an external heat source. Heat can harm the battery and the water-resistance seals. Use cool airflow, like a fan, and patience.