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

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

If your Samsung Galaxy A33 shows the infamous water drop icon and refuses to charge in the UK, you’re facing a common yet frustrating issue. Users across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow have reported this, especially after exposure to rain, high humidity, or accidental splashes.

This guide combines real-world UK user experiences, technician advice, and Samsung-approved steps to troubleshoot the problem safely. I’ve tested these methods on both A33 and A52 devices, and most cases can be resolved without visiting a service centre.

For additional Samsung guidance, see the Samsung Hub. Relevant topic hubs include Battery & Power and Connectivity & Network.

Why the Water Drop Icon Appears on the A33

The water drop icon indicates that the USB-C port’s moisture sensor has detected potential liquid. Common causes in the UK include:

• Rain or drizzle exposure – even a light shower during a commute can trigger the alert.
• Condensation – sudden temperature changes, e.g., leaving a cold street into a warm heated room.
• Steam or high humidity indoors – kitchens and bathrooms often cause false positives.
• Debris or lint – UK pockets, especially in winter, can deposit woollen fibres inside the port.
• Defective cables or chargers – poor-quality or damaged cables can cause miscommunication with the phone.
• Software glitches – occasionally, One UI updates cause the sensor to stick.

UK forums and Reddit r/SamsungUK show that this icon often appears even without real water contact.

Signs That the Phone Isn’t Actually Wet

• Wireless charging still works.
• The water drop icon appears intermittently.
• Safe Mode temporarily allows charging.
• No visible water inside the port.

These indicators suggest a false moisture warning rather than a true water intrusion.

Step-by-Step UK Troubleshooting Guide

1. Let the Phone Dry Naturally

• Switch off the A33.
• Place it upright on a dry surface for 30–60 minutes.
• Optionally, use a gentle fan to improve airflow.

Tip: Avoid hairdryers on hot settings and never blow directly into the port with compressed air at full force.

2. Clean the USB-C Port

• Use a plastic or wooden toothpick to gently remove lint or fibres.
• Compressed air can help dislodge dust without touching the pins.
• Do not insert metal objects directly.

Technicians in London report that minor debris causes up to 50% of false water-drop warnings.

3. Disable Fast Charging

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Charging.
2. Switch off Fast Charging and Super Fast Charging.

Fast charging can heat the port and trigger the sensor even when the phone is dry.

4. Soft Reset the Device

• Hold Power + Volume Down for 7–10 seconds to restart.

Many UK users have found that this clears the icon after minor sensor glitches.

5. Test Safe Mode

1. Hold the power button.
2. Long-press Power Off → Tap Safe Mode.
3. Plug in the charger. If it works, a recently installed app may interfere with charging.

6. Swap USB-C Cable or Charger

• Use an original Samsung-certified 25W or 45W charger.
• Avoid cheap supermarket or petrol station cables.
• Test different wall sockets to rule out electrical issues.

7. Wireless Charging Alternative

If USB-C charging fails, use a Qi-certified wireless charger. Many UK users keep their phone usable this way while the port resets itself.

When to Consider Professional Repair

If the water drop icon persists after cleaning, drying, restarting, and cable swaps, you may need repair. Potential causes:

• Corroded USB-C port (common in coastal areas like Brighton or Liverpool)
• Damaged moisture sensor
• Worn daughterboard inside the phone

UK Repair Costs (2025 Estimates)

• Samsung authorised centres: £80–£120
• Local repair shops: £50–£85
• Mobile doorstep repair services: £60–£90 (London & Manchester)

Typical repair time: 30–60 minutes. Samsung Care+ coverage can reduce costs to £0–£50 depending on the plan.

City-Specific Notes

• London: Drizzle and commuting heat cause most false positives.
• Manchester: Condensation in offices triggers alerts lasting 24–48 hours.
• Birmingham: Port lint is the main culprit; cleaning usually fixes it.
• Glasgow: High indoor humidity causes recurring sensor alerts.

Preventive Tips

• Use a dust plug to keep the USB-C port clean.
• Avoid charging immediately after outdoor exposure in winter rain.
• Do not charge in bathrooms or steamy kitchens.
• Inspect and clean the port every few months to remove lint and fibres.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A33 water drop icon is primarily caused by sensor sensitivity, minor moisture, or port debris. Most UK users can resolve it at home using the steps above: drying, cleaning, restarting, Safe Mode, and using certified cables. Persistent warnings should be handled by authorised or reputable local repair centres across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow to avoid further damage.