Month: October 2026

Whether it slipped into the sink, the bath or the sea at Portobello, what you do in the first hour after a phone gets wet can make a real difference. Here is a clear, practical guide.

What to do straight away

1. Get it out quickly and wipe off the outside with a soft, dry cloth.
2. Do not charge it and do not plug in any cables or headphones.
3. Remove the case and SIM tray so trapped water can escape.
4. Turn it off if it is still on, unless it is already off.
5. Gently tap it with the charging port facing down to remove excess water.
6. Let it dry in a well-ventilated place at room temperature.

What not to do

• Do not put it in rice. Rice does not draw water out of a phone, and grains and starch dust can end up in the ports. Apple also advises against drying an iPhone in a bag of rice.
• Do not use a hairdryer or radiator. Heat can damage the screen, battery and seals.
• Do not blow into the ports or push cotton buds inside.
• Do not charge it until it is completely dry and has been checked.

Is my phone waterproof?

Many modern phones are water-resistant, not waterproof. Resistance is tested in controlled conditions and the seals wear over time and after drops. Apple explains this on its splash, water and dust resistance page, including that liquid damage is not covered by its standard warranty. Salt water, pool water and drinks are more harmful than fresh water.

Signs of hidden water damage

• Fogging behind the camera lens
• Muffled speakers or microphone
• Lines, spots or flickering on the screen
• Charging problems or a liquid warning
• The phone gets hot or the battery drains fast
• It works at first, then fails days later as corrosion develops

Corrosion can keep developing after the phone seems dry, which is why an early check is worthwhile. Learn more in our guide to how water damage affects different parts of your phone.

Back up as soon as you can

If your phone still works, back up your photos and data straight away. Our phone backup guide explains how.

A phone that will not charge, charges slowly or only works when the cable is held at an angle is one of the most common problems we see. The charging port is often the culprit, but not always. Before you book a repair, these quick checks can help narrow it down.

Common causes of charging problems

• Lint and dust in the port: pocket fluff builds up and stops the cable seating fully.
• A worn or damaged cable or plug: cables fail more often than ports.
• A loose or damaged port: from drops or years of plugging in.
• Liquid damage: corrosion on the port or the board behind it.
• A worn battery: the phone charges, but the battery cannot hold it.
• Software: occasionally a glitch stops charging until the phone restarts.

Safe checks to try at home

1. Try a different cable and plug, ideally ones you know work with another phone.
2. Restart the phone.
3. Look into the port with a torch. If you can see lint, power the phone off and very gently remove it with a wooden toothpick. Never use metal objects, and never push hard.
4. Try wireless charging if your phone supports it. If wireless works but the cable does not, the port is the likely problem.
5. Check for software updates.

Do not use compressed air at close range or liquids in the port, as both can push debris further in or cause damage.

Signs you need a charging port repair

• The cable feels loose or falls out easily
• Charging only works at a certain angle
• Your phone shows a liquid or accessory warning
• Data transfer to a computer also fails
• Cleaning the port has not helped

Some phones have the charging port on a separate part, while on others it is joined to the main board, so the repair varies by model. We check the fault first and tell you the price before we start.

Charging port repairs we offer

We repair charging ports on iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and iPad. If the battery turns out to be the real problem, we will tell you.

If your phone has been in water, read what to do if you drop your phone in water before plugging it in.

If your iPhone needs charging by lunchtime, switches off in the cold or feels slower than it used to, the battery is the first thing to check. Every lithium-ion battery wears out with use. The good news is that a worn battery is one of the simplest and most cost-effective phone repairs.

How to check your iPhone battery health

Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging (on some iOS versions it is Battery Health). You will see two useful pieces of information:

• Maximum Capacity: how much charge the battery can hold compared with when it was new.
• Peak Performance Capability: whether the battery can still deliver enough power, or whether iOS has started to manage performance to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

If you see a message saying the battery has degraded significantly, or a “Service” recommendation, the battery is due for replacement.

What percentage is “too low”?

Apple explains that iPhone batteries are designed to keep a high proportion of their original capacity for a set number of full charge cycles, and that ageing batteries can lead iOS to manage performance. You can read Apple’s own explanation on its iPhone battery and performance page and its general batteries guide.

In practice, once Maximum Capacity drops to around 80% or below, most people notice shorter battery life and a replacement makes a clear difference.

Signs your iPhone battery needs replacing

• Battery life no longer gets you through a normal day
• Your iPhone shuts down suddenly, even with charge left
• The percentage jumps around (for example from 30% to 5%)
• The phone gets warm during light use or charging
• Apps feel slower than they used to
• The screen is lifting or the case is bulging, which can mean a swollen battery. Stop using and charging the phone and get it checked straight away.

Battery replacement or a new phone?

If your iPhone is otherwise in good condition, a new battery can make it feel close to new again for a fraction of the cost of upgrading. It also keeps a working device in use for longer, which is better for the environment. If the screen, charging port or other parts are also failing, it is worth comparing the total repair against an upgrade. See our guide to repairing or replacing your phone.

Tips to make a new battery last longer

• Turn on Optimised Battery Charging in battery settings
• Avoid leaving your phone in very hot places, such as a car dashboard in summer
• Use a good-quality cable and charger
• Keep iOS up to date

For more ideas, read our tips to make your phone battery last longer.

How long does an iPhone battery replacement take?

Most iPhone battery replacements are done the same day, often while you wait. See prices and book on our iPhone battery repair page.