How to Dry an iPhone Charging Port

There's nothing worse than moisture in your phone's charging port; that's why it's so important to dry your charging port as soon as possible. Yet, it's even more important to do this correctly so you don't risk further damaging your iPhone. Although there are some common misconceptions surrounding drying your iPhone, it's essential to know what could happen if you don't fix the problem and how best to do so. Read on to discover all the necessary steps and get your charging port dried today.

Why Moisture Is Risky for Charging Ports

While a bit of moisture may not cause too much harm, unfortunately, excessive moisture in the case of charging ports can lead to an electrical short, which can damage an iPhone internally. But how does this actually occur? 

Water is a conductor of electricity, so when this is combined with the power flowing from a charger, it can ruin the necessary resistance needed to work efficiently, thus the power takes a “shortcut”, and this can lead to sparks or severe damage to the device internally, or the charging port. 

Another component to be aware of is the danger of corrosion when the charging port is exposed to moisture. Corrosion isn’t an immediate danger, unlike short-circuiting, but over time, the moisture could cause the port’s metal pins to corrode. Likewise, this can also occur on the metal connector of the charging cable. Often, this will lead to a shorter lifespan for the charging port and make it harder for the charging port to connect to the charging cable. As a result, you might find that the iPhone experiences slower or less efficient charging. You might think that using wireless charging is not a problem; however, it's still possible that water can cause corrosion and other issues. 

If you’re charging port is short-circuiting or it has corrosion as a result of moisture in the port, then unfortunately, this can lead to long-term damage to your iPhone device. In the event of either, your device may become unusable, and the repairs will likely be costly. Depending on the severity, it’s possible you would need to replace your iPhone altogether. 

Prepare for Safe Drying

If your charging port has moisture inside, it’s best to dry it as soon as possible. However, it’s essential to do this safely so that you don’t put yourself or your iPhone at any greater risk than necessary. 

Disconnect from All Cables Before Drying

Before you begin, remove the case and disconnect your iPhone from all cables and avoid charging it until the dry process is complete. Then, once your iPhone is disconnected, please turn it off to prevent further damage.

Position Port Downward and Tap Gently

Gravity is your friend in this process. Hold your phone so that the charging port is facing downwards, as this will help empty the port of any excess liquid. You can also gently tap the iPhone on a surface to loosen any trapped moisture. However, the key is not to shake the iPhone, as this can cause the liquid to become even more deeply embedded in the phone.

Allow Airflow

It may be tempting to insert a cloth or similar material into the port to dry it, but this won’t help and could actually cause debris to become stuck inside the port, leading to further issues. Instead, place your iPhone in a well-ventilated area for at least 30 minutes. 

Avoid Heat, Rice, and Harsh Methods

It might be tempting to try to blow warm or hot air into the charging point to cause the moisture to dissipate; however, this is a bad idea. If you do this, you risk blowing debris into the charging point and potentially damaging the port's interior. Likewise, leaving your iPhone in the sun is not a good idea. This can lead to overheating and doesn’t actually help the charging point; the overheating can then damage your iPhone even more. 

There’s a common misconception that if you expose your iPhone to water and get moisture inside, you should put your phone in rice. In fact, Apple advises against it. This is because the rice can enter the port and get stuck. This will then cause you even more problems, as trying to get stuck rice grains out is difficult, and you could damage your phone in the process. 

Compressed air is excellent for removing debris from your charging point, as blowing into it will likely cause unnecessary moisture to enter the port. Yet for removing moisture, compressed air is not the answer, as it could force the moisture further into the phone, thereby damaging it beyond an inexpensive repair. 

Safe Ways To Dry an iPhone Charging Port

When it comes to your iPhone, it’s always best not to panic and instead choose a method that is safer for your device overall. That’s why it’s best to try to use silica gel packs and absorbents instead.

Silica Gel Packets and Absorbents

Silica gel packets are not absorbents because they don’t actually work by absorbing water. Instead, they use a process called adsorption. The porous silicon dioxide materials adsorb moisture from the air, essentially “sticking” the water molecules to the surface of the gel packet. While it’s not guaranteed to remove all the moisture from your device, it’s a much better option to try compared to rice.  

Promote Airflow with a Fan

If you have access to a fan, you can use it on a low setting to circulate the air near the port. You should avoid fanning the air directly into the port, as this might send debris into it and might push the moisture even further into the iPhone. Instead, use the fan to ventilate the area and help speed up the process. To be safe, keep the iPhone off for as long as possible (up to 24 hours) to ensure as much moisture as possible has been air-dried.

What to Do If Moisture Persists

Once you’re happy that the moisture has likely been removed, it’s time to turn your iPhone back on and assess if there is any internal damage. If your iPhone is working well, then you can proceed to use it as usual and charge it again. However, if you still experience problems or notice more moisture at the charging point, it’s best to wait and repeat the steps before using your iPhone again.

Knowing how long to wait can depend on how much water your iPhone was exposed to, so there’s no set amount of time. Getting water out of your iPhone can be tricky. However, avoiding methods like rice and compressed air and instead opting for solutions like silicon gel packets and air drying should help considerably. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does an iPhone Charging Port Take To Dry?

The time it takes to dry really depends, and it can be as little as 30 minutes if you’ve used all of the correct methods and your iPhone wasn’t exposed to too much water. However, for other situations, it can take 24 hours and even 48 hours before it’s working again as it should be. 

How Can I Dry My iPhone Charging Port Faster?

To speed up the drying process, it’s best to air-dry in a well-ventilated room and use devices such as fans to expedite the process. However, it’s essential to avoid direct blowing to prevent further damage to the iPhone. Additionally, using a silicon gel packet can aid in the adsorption process. 

Smart Drying Methods Preserve iPhone Performance and Port Health

Don't let a damp, moisture-filled charging port hinder your iPhone's functionality. There are ways to dry your iPhone that don't involve further damage, such as using silicon gel packets or a fan to ventilate the room well while it's air-drying. Knowing what not to do is sometimes almost as important as knowing what is best practice. That's why it's crucial always to protect your phone to the max, and you can start with a Casely case. With long-lasting, top-quality protection and a range of chic designs, Casely has a case for you. Why not discover our range of iPhone cases today, and find your perfect fit?