- The best way to get water out of the charging port is to just wait and let it dry.
- You can also try to drain the water by tapping the device with your hand with the charging port facing down.
- Do not insert foreign objects such as cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging port – these can push water deeper.
It’s true that most high-end smartphones have some degree of water resistance, and the latest iPhone models can even be submerged up to six meters deep. But the internal components are still sensitive to water, and will corrode if they are too wet.
If you’ve found water in the charging port of your phone, laptop, game console, or other device, you’ll want to get it out quickly.
The best way to get water out of your charging port
It may sound too simple to be true, but the best way to clear water from the charging port is to leave it alone and let it dry.
Leave the device in a well-ventilated area—in other words, a room where air is actively circulating. Keep the charging port open, and if it’s possible, leave it with the charging port facing down so gravity can help with the process.
Make sure the air is blowing in your room. William Antonelli / Insider
Allow your device to dry for at least 30 minutes, then come back and check the port. If you can still see moisture inside, or if the device is still giving you the “Liquid Detected” error, then you need to keep waiting.
If your device is small enough to hold with one hand, try tapping it gently on your palm with your palm pointing toward the charging port. This can help draw out the excess water.
Things to keep in mind while draining water from the charging port
When it comes to drying water there are some bits of conventional wisdom that you absolutely need No Pursuance.
Firstly, do not insert any foreign object like cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging port. Not only can this get moisture deep into your device, but if you’re not careful, you can scratch or dislodge internal components. At that point, it won’t work even if it dries.
Some guides suggest using a hairdryer to bombard the device with hot air. But it can overheat your device and also damage the metal inside the charging port.
And no matter how many websites recommend it, don’t leave your phone in a bowl of dry rice. It doesn’t dry as quickly as air can circulate, and small bits of rice or starch can get stuck in the charging port and damage it.
Small bits of rice can get stuck inside your phone and damage the hardware. Pfeiffer/Shutterstock
Just be patient and let your device dry. When the water is gone and it’s working fine again, you’ll be grateful.
