Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you’ve ever had your iPhone flash that dreaded “liquid detected” alert, you’re probably wondering what to do. Whether you’ve just spilled your drink or your phone had an accidental spa day, here’s a step-by-step guide to saving your iPhone (and maybe your sanity).
Why the Liquid Alert Happens
Starting with the iPhone XS series and beyond, Apple introduced a clever feature that detects moisture in the Lightning or USB-C port. This alert isn’t just there to annoy you—it’s Apple’s way of saying, “Hey, don’t fry me!” When liquid is detected, charging or accessory connection becomes temporarily unavailable to prevent potential corrosion or permanent damage.
You might encounter one of these alerts:
- “Charging Not Available”: Appears when a wet Lightning or USB-C connector is plugged into a charger.
- “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector”: Shows up if liquid is found in a connected Lightning accessory that doesn’t charge your phone.
- “Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector”: Pops up when a USB-C accessory detects moisture.
If you see any of these, disconnect everything immediately!
Steps to Dry Your iPhone Safely
So, you’ve been hit with the warning—what’s next? Drying your phone is the top priority. Here’s how to do it without causing more harm:
- Unplug Everything
Disconnect the charging cable and any attached accessories. Unplug the other end from the power adapter too. Safety first! - Gently Remove Excess Liquid
Hold your iPhone with the connector facing down and tap it lightly against your hand. This encourages any trapped liquid to escape. - Let It Air Dry
Place your phone in a dry, ventilated space with good airflow. Resist the urge to speed things up with a hairdryer or any heat source—this can do more harm than good. - Be Patient
After about 30 minutes, try charging your iPhone again. Still seeing the alert? Repeat the process and give it up to 24 hours to fully dry. Throughout this time, test intermittently to see if the warning disappears.
Got an Emergency? Here’s What to Do
If you’re stuck in a pinch and absolutely must charge your iPhone, Apple gives you the option to override the liquid detection alert. This isn’t ideal but can be lifesaving when your battery’s gasping for life. Use this sparingly, as it increases the risk of long-term damage.
Alternatively, if you have a wireless charger, this is your moment to shine. Qi-certified chargers don’t care about wet ports—just make sure the back of your phone is dry before placing it on the pad.
What NOT to Do
Before you go MacGyvering your way out of this, here are some major no-nos:
- No Heat or Air Blasts: Don’t dry your phone with a hairdryer or compressed air. The heat can warp internal components, and the air can push liquid deeper into the device.
- No Foreign Objects: Forget about cotton swabs, paper towels, or anything else you might think of stuffing into the port. You’ll only make things worse.
- No Rice Trick: Despite what your grandma’s Facebook post says, putting your phone in rice is a bad idea. The tiny particles can get into the connector and make a bad situation worse.
When the Alert Keeps Showing Up
If your phone and cable are bone-dry and you’re still seeing the alert, there could be an issue with the accessory. Faulty cables or connectors often trigger false positives. Swap out the cable and test again.
Still no luck? It might be time for professional help. Apple’s support team can inspect and service your device if necessary.
Your iPhone’s liquid detection alert is like a smoke alarm—it’s annoying but necessary. Treat it seriously, follow these steps, and you’ll increase your chances of keeping your phone in top shape. Stay dry, folks!
Agnes is a technical writer, being in touch with reports to come up with the latest tech leaks.
