Having a wet or damp iPhone charging port can lead to a host of issues, from your phone not charging properly to corrosion damaging the charging port. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can try at home to dry out your iPhone’s Lightning port and get it working properly again.
What causes an iPhone charging port to get wet?
There are a few common ways moisture can get into your iPhone’s charging port:
- Using your phone in the rain, near a pool or other bodies of water
- Spilling liquid on your phone
- Condensation building up inside the port overnight
- Washing your phone or getting soap/shampoo in the charging port
The Lightning port is not fully sealed off, so it’s easy for water or other liquids to get inside. Even a small amount of moisture is enough to impact charging and data transfer through the port.
How to know if your iPhone charging port is wet
Here are some signs that moisture has gotten into your iPhone’s charging port:
- Your iPhone won’t charge when plugged in
- Charging is intermittent (works sometimes but not others)
- You get a “This accessory is not supported” message
- Your iPhone only charges in certain positions
- You see the low liquid contact indicator turned red inside the charging port
- You hear a crackling or popping sound when plugging in to charge
If you notice any of these issues, it’s very likely moisture has gotten inside and needs to be dried out before normal charging will work.
How to dry an iPhone charging port
If your iPhone’s charging port has gotten wet, here are some methods you can try at home to dry it out:
1. Use compressed air
One of the quickest ways to dry out a wet Lightning port is to use compressed air. Canned air dusters work well for this. Simply insert the thin nozzle into the charging port and give a few quick bursts of air. The compressed air will help evaporate any moisture inside the port.
Aim the compressed air along the edges and into crevices of the port to help ensure any lingering droplets get blasted away. After, use a flashlight to visually inspect the port and confirm it looks dry.
2. Try isopropyl alcohol
For more stubborn moisture that compressed air alone can’t seem to dry out, try using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). The alcohol will help displace any water or humidity trapped in your iPhone’s charging port.
Use a cotton swab or toothpick to gently apply some isopropyl alcohol inside the Lightning port. Twist it around carefully to absorb any droplets. Let the phone sit for 10-15 minutes after applying, then use another clean swab or toothpick to remove any excess alcohol.
You can repeat this a few times if needed until the charging port looks and feels completely dry.
3. Absorb with dry rice
One of the most popular tricks to drying out a wet smartphone is to submerge it in a bowl of uncooked dry rice. This works because rice is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and draws moisture out from its surroundings.
Bury your iPhone in a bowl filled with dry rice, making sure the Lightning port is facing down so gravity can help pull any moisture out. Let it sit for at least 24 hours, then retrieve your phone and check the charging port.
The rice should have absorbed any lingering dampness. Use compressed air and/or alcohol afterward if needed to remove any rice dust that remains.
4. Use a drying kit
You can purchase dedicated phone drying kits that are designed to absorb moisture. These contain packs of desiccant beads or other hygroscopic materials you place your phone in for 24-48 hours until fully dry.
The kits come in plastic containers or zipper bags and work much like rice, pulling in and trapping any moisture inside your iPhone’s ports and crevices. Convenience is the main advantage over rice.
5. Try a heat source
Applying gentle warmth is an effective way to evaporate moisture from your iPhone’s Lightning port. Just be very careful not to overheat the phone, as excess heat can damage the battery and internals.
Some safe options include:
- Blow dryer on low setting – Hold the phone about 6 inches away and carefully aim the air into the port.
- Heating pad on low – Let the phone sit on the pad for 30-60 minutes.
- Sunlight – Place the phone in direct sunlight for 30-60 minutes.
Check on your iPhone frequently if using heat and remove it immediately if it feels hot to the touch.
How to prevent water damage in the future
Once your iPhone charging port is dried out, you’ll want to take steps to prevent moisture from getting back inside. Here are some tips to protect your iPhone’s charging port from liquids:
- Avoid exposing your iPhone to moisture (rain, sinks, pools, etc).
- Immediately dry your phone off if it gets wet.
- Don’t use your phone while charging in humid places like bathrooms.
- Keep away from extreme temperature changes that cause condensation.
- Use a plastic adhesive cover over the charging port when at the pool/beach.
- Keep your phone in a waterproof case when outdoors.
- Avoid charging your phone overnight (condensation can form).
Being mindful of how you handle your iPhone around liquids will go a long way in preventing moisture damage to the charging port and other areas.
When to seek professional help
If you’ve tried all the at-home drying methods but your iPhone’s charging port still seems wet, it’s best to take it to an Apple store or repair shop. They have more advanced tools and methods to dry it out.
Seeking professional help is also advised if your iPhone has been:
- Exposed to liquids other than water like juice, soda, saltwater, etc
- Submerged in water deeper than 3 feet
- In water for more than 30 minutes
- Showing signs of corrosion or damage to the charging port
In these cases, there is likely residual moisture trapped deep inside the iPhone that you won’t be able to fully dry at home. Leaving moisture inside for prolonged periods also raises the risk of corrosion occurring.
Apple’s liquid damage diagnostics can detect even slight internal dampness. They also have tools like ultrasonic baths and suction cups designed to thoroughly flush and dry the insides of an iPhone.
Seeking professional help quickly is your best chance for salvaging a water damaged iPhone and preventing long-term charging issues.
Fixing charging issues from water damage
If your iPhone already has charging issues or won’t power on due to liquid exposure, there are a few repair options to consider:
Cleaning the port
If the charging port has visible corrosion but your phone still functions, a simple cleaning may get charging working normally again. Repair shops use special tools to scrub out the port.
Replacing the port
For more significant water damage, you may need the Lightning port replaced entirely. The repair involves disassembling the phone and soldering a new port in place.
Logic board repair
If internal components on the logic board got damaged, board-level microsoldering can bypass and replace damaged chips and connectors.
Full device replacement
For a completely non-functional iPhone due to extensive water damage, a full replacement via your insurance may be most cost-effective.
Working with experienced, Apple-certified technicians gives you the best chance at successfully fixing an iPhone with charging issues related to liquid damage.
Conclusion
Exposing your iPhone to moisture, liquids or even high humidity can easily result in a wet charging port. Thankfully, there are a variety of effective troubleshooting techniques you can try at home to dry it out and restore normal charging function.
Methods like compressed air, isopropyl alcohol, dry rice and gentle heat allow you to evaporate any built-up moisture inside the Lightning port. Preventative steps like waterproof cases, avoiding liquids and managing condensation will also keep your iPhone’s sensitive ports protected.
For significant water damage or corrosion to the charging port, rely on professional repair services to provide the most thorough drying and restoration. With the proper treatment, even a fully soaked iPhone can often be revived and saved from permanent liquid damage.
