How to Safely Remove Water from Your iPhone Charging Port

Getting water in an iPhone charging port is more common than you might think. Whether it was a sudden downpour, the phone dropping into the sink, or exposure to a humid environment. Moisture in the charging port can interfere with charging, damage internal components, or even pose safety risks.

This definitive guide will teach you how to get water out of the charger port, mistakes to avoid, and ways to prevent it from happening again.

Plus, we'll share wireless charging alternatives to keep your phone powered while it dries.

Why It's a Problem

iPhones are water-resistant, but that doesn't mean they're waterproof. When there's water in iPhone's charging port, the moisture can corrode connectors, short-circuit internal parts, or trigger your iPhone to stop charging altogether as a safety measure.

iPhones running iOS will even display a warning like "Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector," preventing wired charging until the port is dry. That's helpful—but it also means you'll need to act quickly and smartly.

What You Should Do Immediately

Wondering how to get water out of your iPhone's charging port? As soon as you suspect moisture has entered, time is of the essence. Don't plug in a charger or try to force-dry it with extreme methods.

Step 1: Disconnect and Power Off

If your iPhone is still connected to power when you notice water, unplug it immediately. Power it down to reduce the risk of a short circuit. To do this, hold either or both the side and volume buttons, then slide to power off.

Step 2: Shake to Remove Water Gently

Hold the iPhone with the port facing downward and gently shake it to help any visible moisture escape. Don't shake too forcefully, as this can push water further inside.

Step 3: Air Dry It Naturally

Leave your iPhone in a dry, well-ventilated area for several hours. Avoid sealed containers or anything that traps humidity.

Step 4: Use a Soft Cloth and Wait

Gently wipe the exterior using a lint-free cloth. If possible, keep the iPhone standing upright with the port facing downward. Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before testing the port again—but more time is better.

What Not to Do (Seriously, Don't Do These)

It's tempting to dry your phone faster, but the wrong method can cause serious damage. Here's what not to do when there's water in your charging port:

• Don't insert cotton swabs, paper towels, or tissues—they can leave debris behind.
• Don't use a hairdryer or heat gun. Heat can damage internal parts.
• Don't stick your iPhone in rice. It's largely ineffective and can leave behind residue.
• Don't ignore system warnings. If your iPhone says liquid is detected—take it seriously.

How to Check If the Port is Dry and Safe to Use Again

After waiting a few hours, here's how to test:

1. Gently plug in the charger.
2. If you see the "Liquid Detected" message, unplug it and wait longer.
3. If no warning appears and charging resumes as normal, it's likely safe.

Still unsure? Stick with wireless charging until you're confident it's dry.

The Best Backup: Switch to Wireless Charging

While your port dries—or to avoid the problem entirely—wireless charging is a convenient alternative. These Anker Wireless Chargers for Apple devices keep your phone charged without plugging into a possibly damp port.

Recommended Product: Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station supports MagSafe and Qi2-certified charging for a secure magnetic connection. Features include:

• 15W ultra-fast wireless charging
• Charges iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch
• Foldable and portable design
• Great for travel or workspaces

Wireless charging isn't just a backup—it's a future-ready way to charge safely.

Preventing Future Accidents

Here are a few practical tips to protect your phone:

• If you are often near water (beaches, pools, bathrooms), use a waterproof case.
• Avoid charging in damp environments, like post-shower bathrooms.
• Put your phone away when it rains or during water activities.
• MagSafe accessories eliminate port use entirely—worth considering.

Final Thoughts: Dry Carefully, Charge Smartly

Water in your iPhone's charging port isn't the end of the world—if you know what to do. Act quickly, avoid damaging shortcuts, and allow proper drying time to protect your phone's internals.

It's also a perfect time to consider wireless charging—not just as a temporary fix, but as a safer, long-term solution. Take care of your tech, charge wisely, and don’t rush the drying process.

FAQs

Can I charge my iPhone if there's just a little water in the port?

No. Even a few drops of moisture can lead to short circuits or trigger the protective sensors inside the iPhone. Never charge your iPhone as soon as water touches the port—always wait until it's fully dry.

How long does it take for a wet charging port to dry?

It depends on how much moisture is inside. A light splash might dry up in a couple of hours, while more serious exposure could take upwards of 24 hours. Letting it air dry in a cool, well-ventilated space is a reliable method.

Is wireless charging safe after water exposure?

Yes. As long as the exterior of the phone is dry, wireless charging should be completely safe. It eliminates any risk from a wet port since there's no physical connection between the charger and your phone's internal components.