How to Get Water Out of Charging Port?

Accidentally getting water in your phone’s charging port is more common than you might think. Whether you got caught in the rain, spilled a drink, or dropped your phone near the sink, moisture in the charging port can be a frustrating and potentially damaging problem. Not only can it prevent your phone from charging properly, but it can also lead to long-term internal damage if not handled correctly.

The good news is, with the right steps, you can safely dry out your device and avoid costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do—and what not to do—if your charging port gets wet. From immediate actions to safe drying methods and how to know when it’s finally okay to plug in again, you’ll learn how to handle this tech mishap with confidence.

Immediate Do’s and Don’ts

What You Should Do Right Away

Turn Off Your Device Immediately
As soon as you suspect or notice that water has entered your phone’s charging port, power it down. This is the most important first step because electricity and water do not mix well—keeping the device on increases the risk of short-circuiting internal components.

Unplug All Accessories
Remove any charging cables, headphones, or connected accessories. Leaving them in can trap moisture inside the port and potentially push water deeper into the device. Disconnecting them also prevents electrical current from flowing through a wet connection.

Gently Shake Out the Excess Water
Hold your device with the charging port facing downward and gently shake it to help any loose water droplets escape. Avoid vigorous shaking, as that could cause water to spread to other internal parts of the phone. A few careful shakes should be enough to let gravity help.

What You Should Not Do

Don’t Plug in the Charger
This cannot be stressed enough: never plug your phone into a charger while the charging port is wet. This could not only damage your phone’s charging mechanism but also result in an electrical hazard. Wait until you are 100% sure the port is dry before recharging.

Avoid Using a Hairdryer or Heat Source
While it might seem like a quick fix, using a hairdryer or placing your phone near a heater can actually do more harm than good. Excessive heat may warp internal components or damage your phone’s battery. Instead, opt for cool, natural air circulation to dry your device safely.

Do Not Insert Cotton Swabs or Paper Towels
It may be tempting to dry the port manually, but inserting anything into the charging port—especially materials like cotton or paper—can leave fibers behind or push water further in. These objects can also damage the delicate pins inside the port, making charging difficult or impossible later on.

Safe Methods to Dry the Charging Port

Let It Air Dry Naturally

The Safest and Simplest Method
Allowing your phone to air dry is often the best and safest approach. Place your device on a dry surface in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the charging port is facing downward to help gravity assist in drawing out moisture. Avoid enclosing the phone in tight spaces like drawers or bags where airflow is limited.

Be Patient
Depending on how much water got into the port, drying can take several hours or even up to a full day. Resist the urge to check every few minutes. Instead, leave it undisturbed and check only after a few hours have passed. Trying to use the port before it’s fully dry can cause damage even if it “looks” dry from the outside.

Use a Fan or Cool Air Circulation

Improve Drying Time with Airflow
A small desk fan or any gentle air source can help speed up the drying process. Direct the airflow toward the charging port from a short distance, making sure not to use high-pressure air or anything that could force water deeper into the device. Room-temperature air is ideal; avoid cold or hot blasts.

Avoid Compressed Air Cans
Canned air may seem like a good idea, but it’s not recommended. These products can introduce condensation or harsh bursts of air that might damage internal components. Stick to a fan or natural airflow for a safer alternative.

Use Silica Gel, Not Rice

Silica Gel Is Highly Effective
If you want to absorb moisture more aggressively, place your device in an airtight container with silica gel packets. These are the small bead-filled sachets often found in new shoes or electronics packaging. Silica gel is a desiccant, meaning it actively absorbs water from the environment, and it does so far more efficiently than household methods.

Why Rice Isn’t Ideal
You’ve probably heard the “put it in rice” advice before—but it’s more myth than miracle. Rice is less effective at moisture removal and can actually make things worse by leaving starch dust or small particles inside your phone. If you don’t have silica gel, air drying is still a better option than rice.

How Long to Wait Before Charging

Typical Drying Times

The Safe Timeframe to Wait
In most cases, you should wait at least 4 to 6 hours before attempting to charge your device after it’s been exposed to water. However, if the phone was heavily exposed to moisture or actually submerged, it’s best to wait a full 24 hours to ensure complete drying. The amount of time needed can vary based on humidity, airflow, and the specific model of your phone.

Better Safe Than Sorry
While it might be inconvenient, exercising patience is far less costly than risking internal damage. Charging a damp phone—even if it appears to be working fine—can corrode internal components or permanently ruin the charging mechanism.

Signs That It’s Safe to Charge

No Moisture Alert Messages
Many modern smartphones have built-in moisture detection systems. If you try to plug in your device and see a message like “Moisture detected in charging port,” take it seriously. Do not attempt to override the warning. Wait until the message disappears on its own before retrying.

No Visible Condensation or Dampness
Examine the port carefully under a light. If you see any water droplets, film, or feel any dampness, give it more time to dry. A completely dry charging port should look and feel clean, dry, and clear of any residue.

Use Moisture Detection Features or Tools

Built-In Features Can Help
Some phones—especially newer Android and iPhone models—have software or sensors that detect even small amounts of moisture. Take advantage of these alerts. If they’re still showing up after an extended wait, your phone likely needs more time or professional drying.

Try Wireless Charging (If Available)
If your phone supports wireless charging and the charging port still isn’t dry, consider switching to wireless charging temporarily. This allows you to power up your phone without the risk of damaging the charging port.

Don’t Rush—Long-Term Damage Isn’t Worth It

Avoid Taking Risks
Plugging in your phone too early could lead to short-circuiting or corrosion, issues that often don’t show symptoms until much later. That’s why it’s better to be overly cautious than to assume the port is dry based on a guess.

Test Gradually
When you finally decide to charge your phone, plug it in for a few seconds and observe carefully. If your phone starts charging normally and there are no warning messages, you can likely proceed safely. But if there’s any hesitation, delay, or error message—unplug it immediately and let it dry longer.

Check out our other charging guides below.