- The best way to get water out of a charging port is to simply wait and let it dry.
- You can also try to get the water out by tapping the device against your hand, with the charging port facing down.
- Do not insert foreign objects such as cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging port as they can push the water deeper.
It’s true that most high-end smartphones have some degree of water resistance, and newer iPhone models can even be submerged up to six meters deep. But the internal components are still sensitive to water and will malfunction if they are too wet.
If water has gotten into 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 clean water from a charging port is to simply leave it alone and let it dry.
Leave the device in a well-ventilated area; in other words, a room where the air is actively circulating. Keep the charging port uncovered and, if possible, leave it with the charging port pointing down so that gravity can help the process.
Make sure your room has airflow through it.
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Let your device dry for at least 30 minutes, then go back and check the port. If you can still see moisture inside, or if the device still gives you a “liquid detected” error, you should keep waiting.
If your device is small enough to hold in one hand, try tapping it gently against your palm with the charging port facing down. This can help remove excess water.
What to avoid when removing water from a charging port
There are a few bits of conventional wisdom when it comes to drying up water that you absolutely should not follow, continue.
First, please do not insert any foreign object into the charging port, such as a cotton swab or paper towel. Not only can this push moisture deeper into your device, but if you’re not careful, you can end up scratching or displacing the internal components. At that time, it will not work even when it is dry.
Some guides suggest using a hair dryer to blast the device with hot circulating air. But this can overheat your device and even warp 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. This doesn’t dry it faster than circulating air, and small bits of rice or starch can get stuck in the charging port and damage it.
Small pieces of rice can get stuck inside your phone and corrode the hardware.
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Just be patient and let your device dry. You’ll be thankful when the water is gone and it’s working fine again.