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Error messageOn supported models, iPhone can detect liquid in a Lightning or USB-C connector, cable or accessory and suspend the connection. Apple documents Liquid Detected and variants including Charging not available. The alert alone does not prove internal damage or justify forcing charging.

iPhone shows a liquid-detection alert

Liquid Detected

Disconnect the cable and let the connector dry without heat, rice or inserted objects before trying to charge again.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~2 min

  1. Disconnect the cableStop wired charging until both ends are dry.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Disconnect the cable

  • Estimated time: 2 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Stop wired charging until both ends are dry.

  1. Unplug the cable from iPhone and from its adapter or accessory. Do not reconnect while moisture remains.

  2. Do not use heat, compressed air or rice, or put paper or swabs into the connector. Do not override liquid detection as a test.

Sources:
02

Allow drying with airflow

  • Estimated time: 30 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Elapsed time does not guarantee it is dry.

  1. With the connector facing down, gently tap iPhone against your hand to remove excess liquid and leave it in a dry place with airflow.

  2. Apple permits a retry after at least 30 minutes; only try if it appears dry. If the alert returns, disconnect and allow more drying time: full drying can take up to 24 hours.

Sources:
03

Distinguish one accessory from a persistent alert

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

A dry-looking exterior does not establish a dry port.

  1. Once phone and accessory are dry, note whether one cable or all cables trigger the alert. If one always triggers it, contact its manufacturer.

  2. If charging is needed while the connector dries, Apple permits wireless charging with a Qi-certified charger and a dry iPhone back on a compatible model.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

If it returns with dry Apple cables or charging does not recover after drying, request service. Visual inspection does not replace a physical connector diagnosis.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.