How to Fix the Moisture Detected Warning on Samsung Galaxy Phones

The “moisture detected” warning on Galaxy devices is a safety feature that can sometimes get stuck due to a software glitch, even if your phone is bone-dry. If you’ve already tried the obvious (shaking it out or waiting for it to dry), here is how to handle the “bug” version of this error.

1. Clear the USB Cache (The Most Common Software Fix)

Often, the system app responsible for monitoring the port gets “stuck” in an error state. Clearing its cache resets the sensor’s reading.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps.
  2. Tap the “Filter and Sort” icon (the small icon with three lines and an arrow next to “Your apps”).
  3. Toggle “Show system apps” to ON and tap OK.
  4. Search for or scroll down to USBSettings.
  5. Tap Storage > Clear Cache (and Clear Data if cache alone doesn’t work).
  6. Restart your phone immediately.

2. The “Forced Plugin” Trick

If you are confident the port is dry and just need to get past the warning to charge:

  1. Turn your phone completely off.
  2. Plug in your charger while the phone is powered down.
  3. If the moisture icon appears, ignore it and Force Restart the phone (Hold Power + Volume Down for about 10 seconds) while the cable is still plugged in.
  4. Sometimes the system bypasses the check during this specific boot sequence.

3. Check for “Invisible” Debris

The sensor works by measuring conductivity. If you have lint, dust, or tiny salt crystals (from sweat) in the port, they can trap humidity and trigger the sensor.

  • Use a non-conductive tool (like a wooden toothpick or a plastic flosser pick) to gently scrape the bottom of the port.
  • A quick blast of compressed air or using a soft toothbrush with a tiny drop of 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol can clean out conductive residues that are tricking the sensor.

Temporary Workarounds

  • Wireless Charging: This bypasses the USB port entirely and will work regardless of the moisture warning.
  • Disable Fast Charging: Go to Settings > Battery > Charging settings and turn off Fast charging. Lowering the voltage sometimes allows the phone to accept a charge despite a minor sensor fault.

Note: If the error persists for more than 24 hours after cleaning and clearing the cache, the charging port’s hardware sensor may be physically damaged or corroded, which typically requires a professional repair.