How to Get Water Out of Your Charging Port
It's true that most high-end smartphones have some degree of water resistance, and the newest 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're too wet.
If you've gotten water into the charging port on your phone, laptop, game console, or other device, you'll want to get it out quickly.
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The best way to get water out of your charging port
It might sound too simple to be true, but the best way to clear water from a charging port is to just 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 it's possible, leave it with the charging port pointed down so gravity can help the process along.
Let your device 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 a "liquid detected" error, you need to keep waiting.
If your device is small enough to hold with one hand, try tapping it gently against your palm with the charging port pointing down. This can help knock out excess water.
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What to avoid when getting water out of a charging port
There are a few bits of conventional wisdom when it comes to drying out water that you should absolutely not follow.
First, don't insert any foreign objects into the charging port, like a cotton swab or paper towel. Not only can this push the moisture deeper into your device, but if you're not careful, you can end up scratching or displacing the internal components. At that point, it won't work even when dry.
Some guides suggest using a hairdryer to bombard the device with hot circulating air. But this can overheat your device and even deform 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 out any quicker than circulating air, and small bits of rice or starch can get stuck in the charging port and damage it.
Just be patient and let your device dry. You'll be thankful when the water is gone and it's working fine again.
William Antonelli
Tech Reporter for Insider Reviews
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@insider.com. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvHqK5mrJ9itKbAjLCYrZ2iYry2wIyonWabmJa%2FqLXNoGSpp6Kp