Dust, lint, dirt, grime—we're used to cleaning these things off the floor, but they can also find their way into your phone's charging port. It can happen any time you put your device inside a bag or pocket with the port facing down, and that happens a lot. While a little debris won't affect your phone immediately, over time, it can become so dirty that your device stops working. Show
At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get the most out of their favorite tech, diagnose device problems, and resolve them every day. Here are their tips for cleaning your phone's charging port safely. Why you should clean your phone's charging portThe opening on the bottom of your phone might look small, but it can get dusty fast. And when you charge it, the connector can force this dust and dirt deeper into the charging port until the phone loses power completely. The next time you plug in your phone, consider this: Does the connector fit snugly? Are you having trouble charging the battery? If so, your USB-C or Lightning cable may no longer be making a solid connection and it's time to clean out the port. The first thing to do is inspect your device. Use a bright flashlight or lamp to take a closer look at the charging port. You'll want to check it regularly for dust and debris. How to clean a phone's charging port safelyOnce you determine that you have a dust problem inside the charging port, you'll want to be careful when cleaning it to avoid causing permanent damage to your device. Using sharp metal objects like safety pins, paper clips, or knives can scratch your phone's delicate components or even chip and break off inside the port. What you can use to safely clean your charging portTake a softer, but more effective approach, to cleaning out your phone's charging port with the tools Asurion Experts use:
What not to use when cleaning your charging portWhen cleaning your charging port, using these tools can do more damage than good:
How to clean an iPad or iPhone charging portThe Lightning port on Apple® devices contains slightly different charging pins than a standard USB-C port. However, the steps for how to clean an iPhone charging port or an iPad USB-C charging port are simple:
If these methods don't work, you may need to have your device checked for other battery issues. When your phone stops working, your life shouldn’t have to Our experts can help. Make an appointment at your nearest store today. Schedule a repair How to clean the charging port on a Samsung Galaxy and Google PixelThe USB-C port on Android™ devices can be tough to keep clean, but there are steps you can take to rid your phone of unwanted dirt.
How to get water out of a charging portIn addition to dust, lint, and dirt, your phone's charging port can also malfunction if it gets wet, whether you dropped your phone in water or moisture found its way inside from a spill, rain, or sweat. Here’s how to dry out your phone charging port:
How to clean corrosion off an iPhone charging portCorrosion can also affect your phone's charging port and cause it to stop working altogether. While it's more common with older phones that have experienced extended use, it can form along the walls of your iPhone's Lightning port if you power it up in wet conditions. If you notice green build-up in or around your charging port, it's best to get professional help to clean your phone. But if you choose to do it yourself, you may be able to clear some of the crust with cotton swabs. How to clean a phone's speakerAnother part of your phone that's likely caked with 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!) that can clog the tiny speaker holes and reduce your phone's sound quality. Going too long without cleaning your speakers—both on the bottom of your phone and at the top—will make dust harder to remove and phone calls harder to hear. To prevent more dirt from getting in, Asurion Experts recommend cleaning the speakers with a damp cloth, cotton swab, or soft-bristle keyboard brush. Skip the compressed air for this area, and never use liquids. Both can damage components inside your phone. A clean charging port and crystal-clear speakers will help your phone perform at its best. While you're at it, you may want to give your device a full wipe-down to restore some of its old shine. To help you clean your screen and phone case, our experts created this guide on how to remove bacteria and germs from your phone. Protect your phoneFor more than 25 years, Asurion has helped 300 million customers protect, connect, and enjoy the tech they love most. And smartphones are no exception. Your life is on your device, make sure it’s protected. Learn more about Asurion phone insurance plans today. *The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the respective owners of the other trademarks appearing herein.* How do I remove the debris from the charging port on my phone?How to safely clean your phone's charging port. Turn off your phone.. Gently insert the toothpick into the port and move it around in a circular pattern to loosen the debris.. Inspect the port with a bright light, while using the toothpick to carefully remove any loose debris.. Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my phone charging port?No, you should not clean your iPhone charging port with rubbing alcohol. If cleaning out the charging port with a toothpick or compressed air didn't fix your problem, the port is likely already damaged. Cleaning with alcohol may only cause further damage.
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