Samsung A33 Not Charging Due to Water Drop Icon – UK Troubleshooting

Samsung A33 Not Charging Due to Water Drop Icon – UK Troubleshooting Guide (2025)

If your Samsung Galaxy A33 suddenly stops charging and shows the water drop icon, the phone believes moisture is inside the USB-C port. I’ve dealt with this on the A33 more times than I expected, especially during colder mornings in Manchester and rainy commutes through London. Even when the phone feels dry, the sensor can stay triggered for hours. Below is a practical UK-focused guide to clearing the warning safely and getting your A33 charging again.

For broader Samsung repair guides, the Samsung Hub has more device-specific help. Charging-related fixes also appear across AvNexo’s connectivity hub.

Why Your Samsung A33 Shows the Water Drop Icon

The water drop icon appears when the A33’s moisture sensor blocks charging to prevent short-circuit damage. However, the trigger isn’t always literal water. UK weather plays a much bigger role than most users realise.

Typical reasons in the UK

• Condensation after stepping indoors from cold weather (very common in Scotland and northern cities like Leeds).
• Humidity after rain, especially in coastal areas such as Brighton or Portsmouth.
• Lint buildup from pockets trapping moisture inside the USB-C port.
• Previous water exposure — even a single splash weeks ago can leave residue on A33 pins.
• Corrosion from long-term humidity or using the phone outdoors during drizzle.

One thing I’ve noticed personally: the A33 moisture sensor is far more sensitive than the A32. Even very slight changes in humidity around the ports can trigger the warning unexpectedly.

Step-by-Step Fixes for the Water Drop Icon on Samsung A33

Follow the steps in this exact order—starting with the simplest. I’ve tested these on multiple A33 units during repairs across Birmingham and Glasgow.

1. Disconnect the charger and restart the phone

A soft reset can clear temporary sensor errors.

2. Leave the phone powered off for 10 minutes

The sensor sometimes needs time to reset itself, especially after sudden temperature changes.

3. Dry the USB-C port with gentle airflow

You can safely use:

• A desk fan
• Room temperature airflow
• A low-heat hairdryer from 20–25cm away

Avoid blowing hot air directly inside the port — it can warp plastic or accelerate corrosion. Also avoid using cotton buds; fibres get trapped between pins.

4. Check the charging cable and adapter

A damp cable head can re-trigger the warning instantly. Try another one if possible.

5. Use the Developer Options reset trick

This often works when the warning refuses to disappear:

Settings → Developer Options → Disable USB default configuration

If Developer Options is hidden:

Settings → About phone → Software information → Tap “Build number” 7 times

6. Clean the USB-C port carefully

This step solves nearly half of the “not charging” cases I see.

• Use a wooden or plastic toothpick
• Gently scrape lint from the port edges
• Finish with a short burst of compressed air

The A33’s port has a narrow bottom shelf that collects debris easily, especially if you keep the phone in jeans pockets.

7. Clear the USB settings cache

Settings → Apps → Show system apps → USB Settings → Storage → Clear data

This resets the moisture detection software layer.

8. Try charging wirelessly (if available)

The A33 doesn’t include wireless charging natively, but a USB-C Qi adapter allows temporary charging while the moisture lockout clears.

When the Water Drop Icon Means Hardware Damage

The following signs typically indicate corrosion or a failing USB-C charging sub-board:

• Phone charges only when cable is angled
• Moisture icon appears randomly during dry weather
• Charging repeatedly disconnects
• The port feels loose

I’ve seen this especially in devices from Cardiff and Newcastle where humidity levels stay high for most of the year.

UK Repair Costs for Samsung A33 Charging Port Issues (2025)

Local Repair Shops (London, Manchester, Leicester)

• £45–£70 for USB-C sub-board replacement
• £10–£20 for cleaning + diagnostics

Authorised Samsung Centres

• £79–£109 depending on region
• Waterproofing seals replaced after service

If you have Samsung Care+, the excess can be as low as £25 depending on your plan.

Things You Should Avoid

• Don’t plug in the charger while the icon is displayed
• Don’t insert metal objects into the port
• Don’t use a charger that shows rust or residue
• Don’t charge in cold environments like inside a car on winter mornings

How to Prevent the A33 Water Drop Issue in the UK

• Keep the port facing down for a few minutes after rain exposure
• Use a USB-C dust plug if you live in wetter cities like Aberdeen
• Avoid charging outdoors or immediately after entering a warmer room
• Clean the port every 2–3 months

For additional device care advice, AvNexo’s repair & screen tools hub can help protect your A-series device long-term.

Final Thoughts

The water drop icon on the Samsung Galaxy A33 is designed to protect the device, but it can be extremely stubborn in the UK’s unpredictable climate. Fortunately, most cases are fixable at home with careful port cleaning, USB reset steps, and proper airflow drying. If the A33 still refuses to charge after following all the steps above, a quick USB-C sub-board replacement at a local repair shop usually restores full charging function.