Symptoms
- A liquid-detected alert appears when trying to charge
- Charging is blocked even though the cable is plugged in properly
- Port looks wet or was recently exposed to water
- Alert persists for hours after the exposure
Likely causes
- CommonLiquid detected in the Lightning or USB-C portSensors in the port trigger a protective lockout on charging to prevent corrosion or a short.
- CommonResidual moisture trapped in the port after drying externallyThe outside can look dry while moisture remains deep in the port for hours.
- PossibleHigh humidity environment slowing the drying processHumid air slows evaporation, extending how long the warning stays active.
- Less commonActual corrosion from liquid exposure affecting the port's contactsIf liquid sat in the port a long time, some contacts may corrode even after drying.
What to do
- Do not charge the phone while the liquid-detected warning is showing.
- Gently tap the phone, port facing down, to help any liquid drain out.
- Leave the phone in a dry, room-temperature, well-ventilated area, port down, for at least several hours.
- Do not put the phone in rice, and do not use a hair dryer or other heat source, since heat can damage internal components.
- Do not insert anything into the port to dry it, which can push liquid deeper or damage contacts.
- Check again periodically; the alert should clear on its own once the port is fully dry.
- Once the alert clears, try charging with a known-good cable and adapter.
- If the alert persists for more than 24–48 hours or charging still fails after it clears, treat it as a hardware issue.
When to call a pro
If the warning doesn't clear after a day or two, or charging fails afterward, have the port professionally inspected for corrosion.
Safety
Use caution
Do not charge the phone while a liquid warning is active, and never apply heat or insert objects into the port to speed up drying.