“Liquid Detected in Connector” on iPhone — What It Means

Seeing “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” or “Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector” on your iPhone? Learn why charging pauses and what to do safely.

Message shown

“Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” or “Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector”

Your iPhone has detected moisture in the charging connector or on the connected cable and has paused wired charging to protect the phone and accessory.

What it means

This is a device safety check, not an account warning or a virus alert. Moisture, condensation, or debris can create an unwanted electrical path while the cable is connected.

The alert can appear after rain, a humid environment, a spill, or a damp pocket. It can also be caused by a wet cable, so the connector and accessory both need time to dry.

What to do

  1. 1. Unplug the cable from the iPhone and the power adapter immediately.
  2. 2. Hold the iPhone with the connector facing down and gently tap it against your hand to help remove excess liquid.
  3. 3. Leave the iPhone and cable in a dry, well-ventilated place for at least 30 minutes before trying again. It may take up to 24 hours to dry fully.
  4. 4. Use wireless charging if the back of the iPhone is dry and your model supports it.

Keep in mind

  • Do not use a hair dryer, compressed air, cotton swab, paper towel, or rice in the connector.
  • Avoid overriding the warning unless there is a genuine emergency; charging while wet can corrode or damage the connector.
  • If the warning returns with a known-dry cable after the phone has had time to dry, arrange service rather than repeatedly forcing a connection.

Frequently asked questions

Is “Liquid Detected in Connector” a virus warning?
No. It is a hardware safety alert from the iPhone's charging system. It does not indicate malware, an Apple ID problem, or a hacked account.
How long should I wait before charging my iPhone?
Wait at least 30 minutes, then try again only if the connector and cable are dry. If the alert remains, leave them in a dry, ventilated place for up to 24 hours.
Can I charge my iPhone wirelessly while this warning is showing?
Yes, if the outside of the phone and the wireless charger are dry and your iPhone supports wireless charging. Keep the wet connector unplugged.
Why does the warning keep appearing with a dry phone?
The cable may still be damp or damaged, or debris may be affecting the connector. Try a different known-dry cable and seek service if the warning continues.
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