Our phones are something most of us will neglect to clean, and if you own an iPhone, sooner or later you'll need to learn how to clean an iPhone’s charging port. While we may take the time to clean the screen or learn how to clean a clear phone case, the charging port in particular is usually forgotten about. However, a surprising amount of gunk and dust build-up will collect in this opening as well.
If ignored, your iPhone will eventually struggle to charge up properly. It’s at this point that you have no choice, but to clean the charging port. This is quite an unnerving chore, and for good reason — if you break this fragile component, you risk damaging your iPhone, much like learning how to clean iPhone speakers.
So if you want to now how to clean an iPhone’s charging port, follow this step-by-step guide and get your iPhone charging and functioning as new again.
Why is my charging port dirty?
You might question how so much gunk has actually built up in your charging port in the first place. It’s not surprising really when you consider that most of us carry our phones around in our pockets and bags.
There’s all sorts of lint and debris that can get caught up in the recesses. Every time you plug in your charger, this dust also gets pushed further into the port and so it will inevitably build up.
What you'll need:
- Flashlight
- Toothpicks
- Compressed air (optional)
How to clean your iPhone charging port
Step 1.
First things first, switch off your iPhone if you haven’t already done so. Next, grab a flashlight and have a look at what you’re dealing with. It’s a good idea to do this after each step as well so you can see your progress.
Step 2.
Apple doesn’t recommend using compressed air to clean iPhones. However, it's a well-known, successful method, so we’ve provided directions for those who choose to use it.
Using a can of compressed air, such as Falcon Dust, hold it upright and give the port a few short blasts to clear away any dust. Afterward, try plugging in your iPhone to see if the problem is resolved. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 3.
You can try to dislodge any visible debris using a toothpick, but you must do so very carefully as the charging point is easily susceptible to damage. Some sites recommend wrapping a toothpick in cotton, but this can potentially add to the debris in the port, so we suggest sticking to the toothpick.
Step 4.
Insert the toothpick very gently and move it side to side without applying pressure to see if it picks up any debris. If you find debris, wipe it off with a dry cloth or use a new toothpick. Periodically try plugging in the phone to see if the issue is resolved.
Step 5.
If there's still no response, gently scrape the toothpick against the port's walls. Regularly check the toothpick for gunk. Apply only light pressure to avoid damaging the port. Be cautious around the sides of the port, as the anchors are very sensitive.
Step 6.
If you’ve opted to use compressed air, you can also give the port a couple of blasts between toothpick insertions. You shouldn’t insert anything other than a toothpick as metal tools will cause damage and result in the whole port needing replacing — not ideal.
Step 7.
You can continue this cycle of cleaning until the iPhone responds. If there’s no luck, you will need to take it to an Apple service center.
Chances are your iPhone's charging port isn't the only crevice filled with lint; be sure to check out our other guide on how to clean an iPhone's speakers. We also have plenty of other iPhone tutorials to help you get the most out of your Apple device, so why not start with our guides on how to save battery life on iPhone, how to identify plants on iPhone and how to change ringer volume using side buttons on iPhone.
