Importance

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Learning how to clean a phone charging port is an essential part of maintenance for any phone. Sure, many phones flaunt wireless charging these days, but relying on it as your only option is like choosing to eat only salad at a buffet—you might end up feeling a bit cheated! Plus, a damaged charging port can turn your phone into a drama queen, throwing a fit over more than just cable issues!

Tools Needed

Steps 

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 ● Power Off Your Phone: Before starting, turn off your phone to avoid any accidental damage. Holding down the side and volume buttons for around four seconds can bring up the power-off slider on iPhones without a home button. If your iPhone has a side button in addition to the home button, press and hold the side button for a few seconds to bring up the power-off slider. Press and hold the top button on iPhones that have a top button and a home button until the power-off slider shows up. Your device will shut off if you swipe the “Slide to Power Of” slider to the right when it shows up on the screen.

● Check the Charging Port: Shine a flashlight into the charging port to check for any visible debris. If you spot dirt or particles, you will know what needs addressing. Even if it looks clean, it is a good idea to clean it anyway. Additionally, if your device has a removable battery, take it out for added safety. This cleaning method is effective for USB-C, Lightning ports, and most other types of charging ports.

● Use Compressed Air: Hold a compressed air can upright 4–5 in away from the charging port, then blow into the port in 2-second bursts to dislodge debris and dust. Take the soft toothbrush or gently brush around the inside of the charging port. Take caution not to exert excessive pressure. Avoid using compressed air on a wet charging port, as the air may force the liquid further into the electronics.

● Use a Toothpick: If there’s stubborn debris, gently use a soft toothpick or wooden pick to scrape it out. Be very careful not to damage the port’s contacts.

● Brush the Charging Port: Grab a small makeup brush or an anti-static brush and gently clean out any leftovers.

● Wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol: Wipe the port carefully with a soft cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. It aids in getting rid of any sticky residue.

● Let it Dry: Before restarting your phone, let the port dry if you use any alcohol. Put your phone somewhere with good airflow for a few hours. For example, leave your phone near an open window or in a room with a running fan with the charging port exposed. Let it air dry for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours until the problem is resolved.

● Test the Charging: Once everything is clean and dry, plug in your charger to see if it works properly. If charging problems persist, take your phone to an IT specialist. 

Tips

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● To avoid accumulation, clean and inspect your charging port on a regular basis.

● Avoid using sharp or metal objects like tacks, needles, or earrings, as these items may scratch the port. Considering how costly and fragile phones can be, inserting anything into the port may be risky.

● Avoid liquid cleaners, and only use small amounts of rubbing alcohol.

How to Fix Your Phone’s Charging Port

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Check the charging port. Use a flashlight or a magnifying glass to check for dirt blocking a secure connection. Then, carefully clean out the charging port.

Test the charger and cable. Use a different charging cable and power adapter to see if the problem persists. If your iPhone does start to charge, switch back to the original line to see if it stops charging again. Make sure the cable is plugged in. A loose or misaligned connection could prevent charging. Disconnect and reconnect your charging cable and iPhone if your iPhone will charge from one source and not another; the power source itself is most likely the problem.

If nothing else has resolved the issue, it may be time for a factory reset. Just keep in mind that this will erase all your apps of your iPhone, settings, contacts, and more. As long as you have a backup, you can restore everything, but it will take some time.

If you’ve cleaned your iPhone’s charging port and it is still not functioning properly, consider reaching out to Apple Support for assistance. They can repair or replace your iPhone for a fee.

You also have a temporary solution: wireless charging. The iPhone 8 and later models support Qi wireless charging, which allows you to charge your device by placing it on a compatible Qi charging pad. And MagSafe is for iPhone 12 and up, you’ll need the proper MagSafe charger to make it happen. A wireless charger is a great investment. Not only does it help limit the use of your iPhone’s charging port and ultimately reduce wear, but it also comes in handy when the charging port isn’t working.

MOKiN 15W Magnetic Wireless Fast Charger

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The MOKiN 15W Wireless Fast Charger is able to make life simpler by keeping our devices juiced up at all times without charging cords. No more juggling between lightning cables and various USB plugs; place your phone on the charger pad, and they’ll be ready to go when you are. Wireless charging has become commonplace, and you can now extend this convenience to your desktop or anywhere else you go for work or travel.

Conclusion

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To pursue higher charging efficiency and avoid damage, regularly cleaning your phone’s charging port is vital. Over time, dust and other things may build up and cause problems. By following the directions in this article, you may properly clean your charging port, make a reliable connection and prolong the life of your device.

You’d better prepare all necessary tools in advance, double-check the port, and use the appropriate cleaning techniques to clean. A clean charging port will allow you to enjoy consistent charging and smooth connectivity with other devices.

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