Android 10 sounds the alarm if the charging port is overheating or dirty

Android 10 packs a myriad of cool new features—like a system-wide dark mode, native support for foldable devices, and improved gesture navigation—which were widely talked about and anticipated prior to the final release. Aside from those, however, there are also a bunch of smaller new additions that are also worth mentioning.

First up is "Contamination" detection – a feature that disables the USB port on your phone if liquids or debris are detected inside it. Android 10 will automatically display a notification if any substance is detected in the port, telling you that the port will be enabled again when it's deemed safe to use. You also have the option to manually enable the port, should there be a false positive detected, or after you've cleaned it.

This functionality is advertised as a new Usability Enhancement feature of Android 10, though the description is vague on the technical details. Some companies, like Samsung and Apple, have offered similar functionality for years now, so it's good to finally see stock Android catch up in this regard. We currently have no information what phones will be supported, considering that specialized moisture sensors will be needed. However, since this is now a core Usability Enhancement feature of Android, all phones certified to run the latest version of the OS will be able to take advantage of it.

Another new functionality, again pertaining to the USB port, is protecting it from overheating. If the system detects an abnormally high temperature in the port, it will advise you to unplug the charging cable, or any accessories, until the temperature returns to normal.  The folks over at XDA have done some digging through the code of Android 10 and discovered that the system considers the device to be in "critical status" is 60°C (140°F), while 65°C (149°F) is classified as an "emergency" scenario.