The iPhone’s charging port is generally very reliable, but over time it can become clogged, blocked, or dirty, affecting its usefulness. If your phone isn’t charging properly or the battery level isn’t up to par, before you take it to a repair shop, you can try a simple solution: clean the charging port.
Before the beginning
To avoid potential problems, if possible, first try cleaning the charging port without touching it or inserting anything inside. The port includes sensitive touch points and tiny metal strips to which you connect the charging cable. If the contacts are damaged, the charger will not work at all, no matter how much you clean it.
On the other hand, if the anchors securing the parts on both sides are damaged, they will not be able to hold the cable in place, which is another serious problem. The only solution to this problem is to have the charging port replaced by a professional, which takes time and money. Therefore, the first rule is to be extremely careful.
To get your iPhone’s charging port working properly or to get it working again, we present the three best methods to fix it, as well as what you need to know to do it right and get the best results. These methods apparently work for other Apple mobile products, such as the iPad, although you may want to start with the third option if you have a larger or more expensive device.
Option 1: Use compressed air.
One of the best options for cleaning the iPhone charging port is to use a can of compressed air, which can be purchased at any hardware store, warehouse, or online stores. Keep the can close to the port (but not too close) and, of course, do not try to insert the nozzle inside to avoid damaging the fragile parts. Once this is done, spray it into the air in very short, light streams.
We advise you not to give in to the temptation to blow into the port: moist and hot air from a person’s mouth is not favorable to the inside of the port and the places where it touches. Once you have gently sprayed air into the port, wait a few seconds and then try plugging the charging cable back in and see if it is detected by the phone. If the air has cleared the port of dust and debris, it should work normally again.
Option 2: Risk a toothpick
Sometimes a can of air won’t help. There may be dirt that has accumulated in the port that the air cannot remove, or a particle that is stuck too tightly that cannot be easily removed. In such cases, you can try to clean the charging port a little with a thin object. Again, all the dangers we mentioned are still relevant, so it’s important to be as careful as possible. Ideally, use a toothpick as a tool, as wood is softer and more flexible than plastic or metal.
Take a toothpick and turn off your iPhone. Find a place with good lighting, such as under a table lamp. Lightly insert the tip of the toothpick into the charging port and move it gently. Don’t press down on the toothpick at first; But if particles or dirt don’t come out, you can press lightly and scratch gently. If you do more than this, you risk permanently damaging the port.
While working, try to stay away from the harbor shores to avoid damaging the anchors. If you notice that your toothpick is removing dirt, we recommend that if possible, stop digging and use compressed air to remove all particles. Check the charging cable again to make sure it is working.
Option 3: Take your phone to a professional
If you don’t want to risk using the previous methods, or if you’ve tried them and the charging port is still not working, all you have to do is suck it up and take your phone to a professional. If you have a nearby Apple Store that you can visit, this is your best option.
An experienced staff member will know how to safely clean the charging port and will have professional tools at their disposal that will do the job best, such as small vacuum cleaners and other useful gadgets. Best of all, the Apple Store will clean the port and get your iPhone working again for free, so you don’t have to worry about the expense.
If there is no Apple Store nearby, you can take your phone to any repair store or similar company that specializes in mobile devices or hardware and they will be able to help you. Of course, there’s no guarantee that someone else will do it for free, but when it comes to delicate components, your iPhone is generally best left to the professionals, even if it means paying a fee.
If you continue to have problems with your charger port, it may not only need to be cleaned, but also replaced, which adds to the cost. This is the time when you will have to decide whether it is worth investing money or whether you should upgrade to a new phone. If yes, then you should make sure that it also has wireless charging to avoid future mishaps.
Source: Digital Trends
