How To Clean Your iPhone Charging Port

Sometimes when you plug in your iPhone to charge the battery, you find that it will not charge. You do not see the lightning bolt charging indicator in the top right of the screen and the amount of charge just continues to dwindle. Most times you will find this is caused by a dirty lightning or usb-c port. This little hole collects dust, lint, and all kinds of nasty things from daily use and being carried in a purse or a pocket. Cleaning your iPhone's charging port can help resolve these charging issues.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean it safely:

Important Safety Tips

Turn Off Your iPhone: Always power off your iPhone before attempting to clean the charging port to avoid damage or accidental electrical issues.

Be Gentle: The charging port is delicate, so avoid using excessive force or sharp objects that could damage the port's internal components.

Tools You’ll Need

Compressed Air Can (optional): Use short bursts of air to blow out loose debris. Avoid using high-pressure air, as it could damage the port.
Plastic or Wooden Toothpick: This is ideal because it won’t conduct electricity and is less likely to damage the port compared to metal objects.
Soft Bristle Brush or Clean, Dry Brush (optional): You can use a very soft brush to remove loose debris gently. Avoid using anything too abrasive.

Cleaning Steps

Use Compressed Air

This is the first step and the easiest fix. Most times this method will solve your problem.

Hold the compressed air can upright and use short bursts of air into the port to loosen any dust or lint.
Hold the compressed air can straight up. Avoid holding the can too close or at an angle, as the liquid propellant in the can could enter the port and cause moisture damage.

Use a Toothpick or Soft Plastic Tool

If the compressed air did not work, you might have to dig out the debris that is lodged in the port. If you have never cleaned the usb-c or lightning port, this is your next step.

Take a plastic or wooden toothpick (or a soft plastic tool) and gently insert it into the port.
Lightly scrape the inner walls of the port to lift out any dirt, lint, or debris. Be very gentle to avoid damaging the internal pins.
If there is a lot of buildup, repeat this a few times to remove as much debris as possible.

Use a Soft Brush (Optional)

In addition to a toothpick, you can use a soft, clean brush (such as a soft bristle toothbrush) to gently brush the inside of the port and remove any debris.
Make sure the brush is completely dry and free of any moisture.

Check and Test

Once you've removed the debris, inspect the port to ensure it’s clean and free from lint or dust.
Power on your iPhone and test the charging port by plugging in the charger to see if it’s working correctly.

If None of the Above Methods Work

Electronics Contact Cleaner (DeoxIT)

If none of the above methods work, you can use contact cleaner. I have personally used this and it worked after all other methods failed.

Most people will tell you not to use any liquids on a charging port, but DeoxIT is a contact cleaner that is specifically made for electronics. It will not leave any residue and it will not harm your iPhone.

Spray a quick burst of DeoxIT into the port using the supplied nozzle straw. Be careful because a lot can come out at once. Have some paper towels or a rag handy to clean up the excess spray.
Let the spray sit in the port for a few seconds
Use your wooden toothpick to gently clean inside the port.
Spray a couple of quick bursts of compressed air into the port to clean out any debris.

What Not to Use

Avoid Metal Objects: Do not use paperclips, pins, or any metal tools. These can damage the pins inside the charging port.
No Liquids: Avoid using liquids or cleaning agents in the port, as even small amounts of moisture can lead to corrosion or permanent damage.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your iPhone still won’t charge or you suspect internal damage, it’s best to take it to an Apple Store or an authorized repair center. They have specialized tools to safely clean and inspect the port.

By following these steps carefully, you should be able to clean your iPhone charging port safely and restore its functionality.