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Fix Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector

Updated: February 13, 2026

The "Liquid Detected" alert means moisture is touching the charging pins. Your iPhone has stopped charging to protect itself. Follow these steps to dry it effectively and avoid permanent corrosion.

The Problem

The sensor inside the charging port detected moisture. This could be from a splash, high humidity (shower steam), or a wet charging cable. If you charge while wet, the pins will corrode and permanently break.

The Short Answer

Unplug it immediately. Tap the phone gently against your hand with the port facing down to shake out water. Let it dry for 30 minutes in a breezy area. Do not use rice.

Quick Fixes

Check the Cable: Try a different charger. Sometimes the cable is wet, not the phone.
Wireless Charging: Use a MagSafe or Qi charger. This works safely even if the port is wet.
Fan Air: Place it in front of a fan.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. The Proper Drying Method (No Rice)

PRO TIP: GRAVITY HELPS Prop your phone up against a wall with the charging port facing DOWN. This allows water to drip out naturally. Laying it flat keeps the water pooled inside.

Rice creates dust that gets stuck in the port.

Unplug all cables.
Tap the phone against your palm (port down).
Leave it on a table in a dry room with airflow.
Wait 30 minutes before trying to charge again.

2. The "Emergency Override" Button

WARNING: DAMAGE RISK This will send electricity through wet pins. It can permanently burn the charging chip. Only do this if you have 1% battery and need to make a 911 call.

If you absolutely must charge (dangerous), plug the cable back in. When the alert pops up, tap Emergency Override. This ignores the water warning. WARNING: This can fry your charging chip. Only do this if you have no battery and it's an emergency.

3. Clean the Connector Pins

PRO TIP Use a flashlight. If the pins look green, they are corroded. If they are gold, they are clean.

Sometimes dry corrosion tricks the sensor. Use a toothpick to scrape the pins inside the port gently. If they are green, that is corrosion.

If Nothing Worked

If the phone is bone dry (waited 24 hours) but still says Liquid Detected, the sensor itself is broken or dirty. You need to replace the charging port assembly.

FAQ

Is my phone water damaged?
Likely not. The alert prevented the damage. It is a safety feature.

How long does it take to dry?
Usually 1 to 4 hours. In high humidity, up to 24 hours.

Can I use a hair dryer?
NO. Heat damages the waterproof seals and battery glue.