If you see the “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” alert when charging your iPhone, your iPhone has detected liquid in the Lightning port or on the Lightning cable. This welcome feature was first added to the iPhone XS, warning users if there’s liquid in the Lightning port.
You can still use your iPhone, but you won’t be able to charge it using a Lightning cable until the charging port is fully dry. If you get this message on your iPhone, rest assured that we are here to help.
This guide will show you how to fix a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone. Before we begin, ensure you do not enable Emergency Override to charge your iPhone. Most of the time, turning on Emergency Override will allow you to charge your device, but it’s not safe to charge an iPhone when there’s liquid inside its charging port.
What Does It Mean?
This alert only pops up if your iPhone detects liquid in the Lightning port or there is liquid on the charging cable or Lightning accessory. Also, you only get this alert if you have an iPhone XS or newer.
In this case, you may get the option to enable Emergency Override, which allows you to charge your iPhone. But as we recommend you wait until your iPhone is fully dry before charging it.
According to Apple, if you attempt to charge your iPhone while there is liquid in its Lightning port, the pins on the port or cable will cause permanent damage to your device’s hardware or lead to connectivity issues on your device.
Can I Use Wireless Charger if My iPhone is Wet?
The short answer is Yes. If your iPhone supports a wireless charger, you can use it to charge your iPhone. You can use the MagSafe charger to charge your iPhone while waiting for it to dry out fully.
How to Get Water Out of Your Lightning Port?
- Before doing anything, we recommend you switch off your iPhone and leave it out until it fully dries.
- Once your iPhone is turned off, unplug any cables or accessories connected to it.
- Now, leave your device in a well-ventilated area. Make sure you keep the charging port uncovered.
- Let your iPhone dry for at least 30 minutes, then come back and check if the charging port is fully dry. If you still get the message, keep waiting.
Alternatively, you can silica gel to dry out your iPhone. This is a better option than uncooked rice. You will find those packets of silica gel inside new handbags, and you may need enough of them to cover your iPhone.
How to Fix a liquid-detection alert If Your iPhone’s Lightning port is not wet
You may get this alert even when your iPhone and Lightning port are not exposed to moisture and water. This is annoying as you cannot charge your device unless you use a wireless charger. Here are our possible fixes.
Force Restart iPhone. One of the most straightforward fixes is to perform a restart, which should fix most technical bugs and glitches. The steps to restart an iPhone differ depending on your model.
If you have an iPhone 8 or newer;
- Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
- Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo shows up.
If you have an iPhone 7;
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons at the same time.
- Release all the buttons when you see the Apple logo.
Enable Emergency Override. If there is no liquid inside your charging port, you can enable Emergency Override to allow you to charge your iPhone. If your iPhone can normally charge, restart it using the steps above to see if the message still pops up.
Check for debris. There may be some dust and debris stuck inside your charging port. In this case, get a flashlight and inspect the charging port. If there is no debris, your iPhone’s lightning port may be damaged. If this is the case, contact Apple.
