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So, is everything ok? Needing to know How to clean the charging port on your Android or iPhone? Don't worry, we'll teach you how to solve it quickly and simply. Dust, lint, dirt, grime – we're used to cleaning this stuff off the floor, but it can also find its way into your phone's charging port.
This can happen any time you put your device in a bag or pocket with the door facing down, and it happens a lot.
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While some debris won't affect your phone immediately, over time it can become so dirty that the device stops working.
Why You Should Clean Your Phone's Charging Port
The opening at the bottom of the phone may seem small, but it can get dusty quickly.
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And when you charge it, the connector can force that dust and dirt deeper into the charging port until the phone completely loses power.
The next time you plug in your phone, consider the following: Does the connector fit snugly? Are you having trouble charging your battery?
If so, your USB-C or Lightning cable may no longer be making a solid connection and it's time to clean the port.
The first thing to do is to inspect your device. Use a flashlight or bright lamp to take a look at the charging port. You'll want to check it regularly for dust and debris.
How to Safely Clean a Phone's Charging Port
Once you determine that there is a dust problem inside the charging port, you must be careful when cleaning it to avoid permanent damage to your device.
Using sharp metal objects, such as safety pins, paper clips, or knives, can scratch the phone's delicate components or even chip and break inside the port.
WHAT YOU CAN USE TO SAFELY CLEAN YOUR CHARGING PORT
Take a gentler but more effective approach to cleaning your phone's charging port with the tools Asurion experts use:
- A cotton swab or toothpick — These items are soft and can fit into small spaces, making them less likely to cause physical damage to the charging port.
- Syringe compressed air or bulb — the air from these items can release and extract debris so you don't have to insert anything into the charging port.
WHAT NOT TO USE WHEN CLEANING YOUR CHARGING PORT
When cleaning your charging port, using these tools may cause more harm than good:
- Brush of teeth – the brush bristles can get stuck and make things worse.
- Blowing on the door with your mouth — Your breath contains water particles that can add moisture and damage your device.
How to Clean an iPad or iPhone Charging Port
The Lightning port on Apple® devices contains slightly different charging pins than a standard USB-C port. However, the steps to clean an iPhone charging port or iPad USB-C charging port are simple:
- Turn off the device and use the can of compressed air or the bulb syringe to clean the charging port. Do a few short bursts and see if any dust falls. If using compressed air, be sure to hold the can upright to prevent water from entering the port.
- Turn the device back on and try to charge the battery. If it still doesn't charge, turn the device off again and use a toothpick to gently scrape or remove any debris in the port. Make sure you do this under a bright light so you can see what you're doing, and work slowly so the toothpick doesn't break.
- Spray compressed air or the bulb syringe once again to remove the dust particles you loosened with the toothpick. Then turn your iPhone or iPad back on and see if it charges.
If these methods don't work, you may need to check your device for other battery issues.
How to Clean the Charging Port on a Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel
The USB-C port on Android™ devices can be difficult to keep clean, but there are steps you can take to rid your phone of unwanted dirt.
- Turn off the device and use the can of compressed air or the bulb syringe to clean the charging port. Do a few short bursts and see if any dust falls. If using compressed air, be sure to hold the can upright to prevent water from entering the port.
- Turn the phone back on and try to charge the battery. If your phone won't charge, turn it off again and use a toothpick to gently scrape or remove any debris in the port. Make sure you do this under a bright light so you can see what you're doing, and work slowly so the toothpick doesn't break.
- Spray compressed air syringe or bulb a few more times to remove any dust particles you loosened with the toothpick. Then turn your phone back on and see if it charges.
How to Get Water Out of a Charging Port
In addition to dust, lint, and dirt, your phone's charging port can also malfunction if it gets wet, if you drop your phone in water, or if moisture gets in from a spill, rain, or sweat.
SEE HOW TO DRY YOUR PHONE CHARGING PORT:
- Don't take the rice. Rice can become lodged in your phone's charging port or headphone jack, which can be extremely difficult to dislodge as it swells when exposed to liquids.
- Leave your device in a dry area for at least an hour with the charging port facing down. This will allow airflow into the port and force excess water to drain on its own.
- If you suspect your USB-C or Lightning cable is also wet, store it in a dry place where air can reach it for an hour as well.
How to Clean Corrosion From an iPhone Charging Port
Corrosion can also affect your phone's charging port and cause it to stop working completely.
While it's more common on older phones that have experienced prolonged use, it can form along the walls of your iPhone's Lightning port if you turn it on in humid conditions.
If you notice green buildup in or around the charging port, it's best to get professional help cleaning your phone. But if you choose to do it yourself, you can clean some of the scab with cotton swabs.
How to clean a phone speaker
Another part of your phone that's probably covered in dirt and debris? Your speakers.
Just like a charging port, this area is constantly exposed to dust, lint, food, and even dead skin cells (yuck!)
Going too long without cleaning the speakers – both on the bottom and top of the phone – will make it difficult to remove dust and make phone calls harder to hear.
To prevent more dirt from getting in, Smartech experts recommend cleaning your speakers with a damp cloth, cotton swab, or soft-bristled keyboard brush. Avoid compressed air for this area and never use liquids. Both can damage components inside the phone.
A clean charging port and crystal clear speakers will help your phone perform at its best.
