Apple Warns Customers Over This Simple Mistake That Can Ruin Your Phone—’It Won’t Charge Ever Again’

Since we’re still safely locked into the season of sun, fun, and water hijinks in the ocean, pool, or lake, it stands to reason that a warning is in order: your iPhone and water do NOT play well together. That means that, yes, even if you’ve got yourself a nifty waterproof bag for kayaking, covering it in several layers (or leaving it off the kayak) may be your safest bet.

In fact, one of the biggest mistakes that Apple experts are warning iPhone users about involves water and charging, and the effects of committing this tech sin are so serious that they can include literally destroying your device. Don’t become one of the many iPhone users who make this simple mistake.

Apple tries to be as helpful to users as possible, and this is true even when something like liquid is detected inside of your phone. It doesn’t take much for your phone to become lodged with water — a few splashes by the pool or someone accidentally knocking it into the sink can suffice. But if Apple sends you a message that reads “Liquid has been detected in the Lighting connector. Disconnect to allow the connector to dry. This may take several hours” it’s best to follow directions and not be a maverick taking things into your own hands.