One common problem most iPhone users encounter is an error message that reads “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector.”
Although Apple devices are usually highly sophisticated and water resistant, users still need help with liquid on devices because there’s a limit to how far the water resistance feature can function.
The Lightning connector on an iPhone device is a vital component that allows users to charge and transfer data. ‘Liquid detected on the lightning connector’ usually appears when the phone’s sensor detects water or moisture in the lightning port.
One delight of using Apple products is the endless world of new features it offers its users. For example, if you’re using iPhone X and other higher iPhone models, you can enjoy their unique features that allow your iPhone to detect moisture in the lightning port.
What Does the “Liquid Detected in the Lightning Connector” Error Mean?
‘Liquid Detected in Lightning connector’ is an error message that usually pops up when your iPhone detects liquid in the lightning port, cable, or accessory.
Once your iPhone detects liquid in a cable or lightning port, it sends a signal message that says ‘Charging Not Available’ or ‘Liquid Detected in Lightning connector.’
While the former occurs when you plug your iPhone into a charger and it detects liquid, the former occurs when the device detects liquid after you connect a lightning accessory that doesn’t charge your iPhone.
What Causes Liquid in Lightning Connector on iPhone
Water or moisture is the primary cause of liquid in the lightning connector on an iPhone. But these can occur in several ways, which include:
Water damage: The lightning port of your iPhone can get faulty if exposed to water. iPhone phones usually have a water resistance feature, but there’s a limit to the effectiveness of this feature.
Accidental spills: Spillage of water, juice or any form of liquid can seep into the lightning port and cause the iPhone to give out a ‘fluid detected d’ error message.
Humid environments: Most times, just living or being around a humid climate can cause the lightning port of your iPhone to become damp and send out error messages.
Things to Avoid When Your iPhone Displays “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” Error Message
Before we discuss how to fix the liquid detected in the lightning connector on the iPhone, it’s paramount that we check out things you shouldn’t do whenever you see the “Liquid Detected in the Lightning Connector” error message.
- Do not tap the Emergency Override button until you have ascertained that your device has no liquid.
- Avoid inserting cotton buds or other adsorbents into the port.
- Resist the urge to place your iPhone in rice.
- Do not blow out the lightning port with compressed air.
- Avoid drying out the port or cable of your iPhone with a hair dryer.
- Avoid panic, and keep a calm mind.
How to Fix “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” on iPhone
1. Remove the Cable
Once you insert a cable into your iPhone and it gives a warning signal, the first thing to do is to immediately remove the charging cable from the device to prevent further damage.
Removing the cable would reduce the chances of an electric shock and shorten the time needed for the water to dry out from the device.
2. Dismiss the ”Liquid Detected” Error Message
When you see a liquid-detected error message after plugging a cable into your iPhone, a reasonable thing to do is to dismiss the error text and look for a probable solution.
“Liquid Detected on Lightning Connector” pops up with an option to dismiss and perform an Emergency Override. Just tap on dismiss, and the message will immediately disappear.
It would be best if you resisted pressing the Emergency Override Button except in cases of emergency. We will give more detailed information on “emergency overrides” before the end of this writing, so ensure you read till the end.
3. Dry Your Lightning Connector
Although several reasons may cause our smartphone to give out false signals, it’s always advisable that once your iPhone gives out a “Liquid Detected” alert, it’s safer first to assume that it’s true even if you’re holding a dry iPhone.
Note: Apple phones are water resistant, but that doesn’t mean they are waterproof. And it’s also important to note that not all iPhones are water-resistant.
So there’s a high chance that water seeped into your device when you went swimming, and the best solution is to dry your device’s charging port.
4. Turn off Your iPhone
If you’re yet to detect what caused the “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” error message, it’s advisable to turn off your device until you can find a solution.
Turning off your iPhone would prevent current from flowing through your iPhone, which may lead to more damage.
5. Clean the Lightning Port of Your iPhone
Dirt and debris may be the reason for the error message. But, unfortunately, computers aren’t brilliant and are prone to errors. So it could detect debris as liquid, thereby giving a fluid signal in the iPhone charging port.
You can gently eject your Sim Card and clean the charging port, and the error message will disappear.
Note: Avoid spraying cleaning agents directly on your iPhone or use compressed air when cleaning your iPhone.
6. Use a Different Charger
As stated earlier, computers aren’t 100% accurate and may sometimes send false signals. For example, liquid detected in the lightning connector may be a false positive caused by a faulty cable or charger.
If your iPhone gives a liquid detection error even when your port is dry, it’s most likely a fault from the cable. You can try a different charging cable to see if it resolves the problem.
You can use the wireless charge option if your iPhone has wireless charging.
7. Restart Your Phone
If the “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” error message persists after trying all the fixes listed above, you can try restarting your iPhone.
The cause of the error message may be a due glitch that would quickly resolve once you do a phone restart.
For iPhones with Home Button, Press and Hold the side button until a slider to power off pops up. Move the slider to the right,t and your device will turn off after a few seconds. Press the side button until an Apple logo appears to turn the phone back on.
On the other hand, for iPhones without a Home button, Hold the side button and volume up button simultaneously until you see a slider to power off. Slide on it, and your device will go off after a while, after which you press the side button till the Apple logo appears to turn the phone back on.
8. Update Your iPhone
Software bugs and glitches can cause your iPhone to malfunction and send error signals. To fix this, search for newer iOS updates and update your iOS.
Updating iOS helps fix bugs and improves your iPhone’s performance. To update your iOS, Go to Settings > General > Software Updates > Download and Install.
9. Contact Apple Support
If all the methods above prove abortive, you’ll have to contact Apple support to help detect the problem and a possible solution.
FAQs on “Liquid Detected in Lightning Connector” on iPhone
What Happens if I Charge My iPhone While the Lightning Port is Wet?
Charging your iPhone while the lightning port is wet is not ideal because it can corrode the cable or pins on your connector. That is, it may permanently damage your accessory or iPhone.
Is it Advisable to Use Emergency Override Mode
Charging your iPhone while the charging port is wet can permanently damage your iPhone and accessories. So when your iPhone detects water in the lightning port, it gives an option that allows users to override the alert and continue with charging.
You must understand that it’s not advisable to override emergency mode except in cases of a real emergency. If your iPhone has a wireless charging feature, you can try charging with a wireless charger instead of plugging your phone into a socket.
Conclusion
“Liquid Detected on Lightning Connector” is a general problem iPhone users encounter. However, you don’t have to panic whenever you see a liquid detention error, as following the steps in this article will help you resolve the issue.