How to Clean iPhone Charging Port? | Top 4 Solutions to Remove the Dust Particles Carefully
Most of us like to keep our iPhone hardware and software clean. We regularly clear system data by deleting files and external components by using a microfiber cloth, but when it comes to how to clean an iPhone charging port, the story is completely different. We often overlook this small opening and the dust and debris that can be present here.
This affects the charging speed of the device and sometimes blocks the process. That’s why you should regularly clean the charging port with extra care.
Here, we have mentioned 4 effective methods along with some iPhone safety tips to keep working at peak performance.
Try With a Soft Cloth or Toothbrush
It is the safest way to clean the iPhone charging port. Firstly, power off your device and sit in a proper light or use a flashlight to inspect the inside walls of the port closely. If you found gunky buildup around the edges that might be restricting the charging process, take a soft, lint-free, damp cloth that you use to clean your lenses. Use it gently to clean the inside of the charging port of the device.
Also, you can use a dry toothbrush with soft and pliable bristles to reach into the complex port areas and move it back and forth to wipe off the dust particles.
Using Compressed Air
Don’t know how to clean out an iPhone charging port using compressed air? Just take a can of compressed air to clean the looser particles, such as dust, lint, or pet fur from the port, hold the device upright and give the port a few short blasts to remove the dust. Once done, wait for 2–3 minutes to let the port dry, and then plug in your charger to see if the iPhone is charging. In case it doesn’t work, you can proceed with the next hack.
Clean With a Toothpick or Other Similar Object
If you find any visible debris along the walls of the port, you can dislodge it with the help of a toothpick or thin and sharp objects such as a safety pin or push pin. For this, locate the gunk and, carefully, try to remove it with the toothpick.
However, as per the Apple iPhone official cleaning guidelines, this is not a recommended method, but if done with utmost care, it might be favorable for you and solve the charging issue.
Use a Cotton Swab Dipped in Alcohol
In case the substance inside the port is sticky or hard to remove with a dry towel, you can dip the cotton swab in a small amount of rubbing alcohol or lens cleaning solution. Then gently swab it around the inner edges. You can continue swabbing it until the residue is removed. Once done, leave the device for 2–3 minutes to get the port dry, and then plug in the charger to see if it is working.
Also Read: How to Reset an iPhone? A Complete Guide to Reset, Factory Reset, and Force Restart iPhone
Safety Tips to Consider While Cleaning the iPhone Charging Port
While following any of the above-mentioned solutions, there are some safety measures that you should remember for a smooth and safe implementation. Here are a few things that you must consider, to prevent damaging the charging port of your iPhone while cleaning the charging port:
- Never start the cleaning process with the device turned on.
- Don’t put pressure on the inner walls with a toothpick or any hard object, as it may damage the micro-electronic pins present there.
- Try to avoid placing cotton on the edge of the toothpick, as it may push the debris deeper.
- Never use a wet cloth, toothbrush, or cotton to clean the debris, as it may cause a short circuit to the device.
- Compressed air is also a less preferable method, so be careful while performing it and use only two to three short blasts of it.
- Keep the straw of the compressed air can a few inches away from the port while blasting.
- Don’t be so harsh with the cleaning process; always be gentle.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended never to force a connector to the charging port, as it may develop serious damage to the connector and the iPhone.
Also Read: Apple’s New iPhone Has Battery Time Savers!
What if iPhone Port Cleaning Doesn’t Help?
If the charging-related issue persists, it might be because of the loose or defective charging cable or the adaptor. You can try to replace them and see if the charging is happening uninterruptedly. In case there is liquid detected in the lightning connector of your iPhone, turn off the device, blow off some air manually, and let it dry.
Also, the problem may be related to the battery, logic board, or other internal parts. In such instances, it is suggested to seek professional help from the Apple Store or visit the nearby Apple Store.
Conclusion
We provided here plenty of options to solve the issue of how to clean iPhone charging ports without damaging the internal micro components of the device. Whichever way you are using it, always remember the device’s safety is in your hands. Hence, you should try these hacks carefully and also prefer a back cover with a charging port cap to avoid the issue.
Read Next: iPhone 16 Models: Anticipated Changes in Size, Weight, and Battery Capacity
FAQs
Ans: The safest way to clean the charging port is using a cotton cloth, soft toothbrush, or paintbrush to remove dust particles.
Ans: You can clean the port every three months or whenever you see dust inside it that might affect the charging process.
Ans: For this:
- First, clean the charging port.
- Restart the device.
- Try a different USB cable or adapter.
- Contact Apple Support.
Ans: First, turn off your iPhone, hold it with the charging port facing down, tap it on a hard surface to remove excess water, and wait for 24 hours to let it dry. Please note that Apple does not encourage the use of a hair dryer or vacuum, as it may damage the internal parts of the device.
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