How to clean iPhone charging port in 3 easy ways?

by John Griffith
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Believe it or not 45% of the US population has used an iPhone. The line of smartphones, produced by Apple Inc., was first introduced in 2007 by former CEO and Apple founder Steve Jobs. Since its introduction, the iPhone has taken over the smartphone market. It uses its own operating system, known as iOS. The iPhone’s biggest rival has always been Samsung and their Android smartphones. However, it is clear to see that the Apple product is the most popular among US citizens. Having an iPhone, however, might mean that sometimes you need to do some upkeep. For example, if your phone isn’t charging. Well, one of the reasons for that might be that your charging port needs cleaning. So, today in this article, we are going to show you how to clean iPhone charging port in 3 easy ways at home.

The half-eaten apple is one of the most recognisable logos in the world

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What is the story behind Apple Inc.

Apple Inc. is the world’s largest technology company by revenue, which is estimated at around $274 billion as of 2021. It is also the world’s most valuable company. Started in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, its first product was the Apple 1 computer. The Apple 1 and Apple 2 computers saw huge sales, which made the company very successful. That resulted in the company going public in 1980 with great success. This, however, was followed by a dip in sales and the next few years were turbulent for the company and its founders. Finally in 1997, Steve Jobs took over as CEO of Apple Inc and revitalized the company. Since then, the company introduced the iPhone, iPod, as well as Mac computers and laptops. They have also invested in different companies to broaden their portfolio. In 2011, however, Jobs resigned as CEO and passed away shortly after. He was succeeded by Tim Cook.

Steve Jobs will remain in history as one of the biggest innovaters of our time

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The current CEO of Apple Inc. – Tim Cook

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Why isn’t my iPhone charging?

There might be a few reasons for that. First of all, if your phone is charging very slowly and is more than 2 years old, chances are that your battery is just not working properly anymore. You can either take your phone to the closest Apple Store for a repair or you can upgrade to a newer iPhone. Another reason might be the actual charger. Unfortunately, iPhone chargers are notorious for breaking easily. Check your cable for any tears and damage. If you notice any you should purchase a new cable. The final reason might be the simplest – dirt, dust and lint. Just think about it, think of all the places your phone has been in throughout the last week. Chances are you’ve left it on a surface, covered with dust, in your pocket at least a few times or even in a bag. Throughout all of this your phone’s charging port collects all the dust, lint from your pocket and dirt from your bag. So, naturally, it might need some cleaning.

If your phone isn’t charging, check the cable for any tears or damage first

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How to clean iPhone charging port?

First of all it is important to say that you can take it to an Apple Store and check if it is possible for someone to clean it for you. However, there are 3 different ways in which you can clean it yourself at home. Before you begin though, it is important to remember a few simple rules, which are going to keep your phone from being damaged. What are they, you may ask? Well, here they are:

  • Do not to use any wet cloths. Do not get your charging port wet under any circumstances! First of all, this will void your phone’s guarantee. And second of all, it can damage your phone beyond repair.
  • Make sure your phone is completely turned off. Before you start doing anything to your phone, turn it off and wait for a few seconds to make sure that it has absolutely stopped working.
  • Be gentle and use a flashlight. Do we even need to explain this. This is a very high tech device. Be very gentle when cleaning it. And, to make things easier, use a flashlight, so that you can see better and make sure that it is fully clean of dirt, dust or lint.

Be gentle, don’t use a wet cloth and turn off your phone before you start cleaning it

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How to clean iPhone charging port with a toothpick?

Yes, you can clean your iPhone charging port with a toothpick. But, you need to be very, very gentle and careful. First of all, turn off your phone completely. Then remember to work with a flashlight or under an LED light to make sure you can see properly inside. Now it is time to start working with the toothpick. Insert it gently and swipe it around the charging port, while touching the sides. You have to be extra careful especially with the top side, which is facing the display of the phone, because it has lots of delicate pins there. Take out the toothpick, clean it and look again into the port. If you see that it needs more cleaning, keep going in with the toothpick until it is completely clean.

Just make sure you are extremely gentle so as not to damage your phone

how to clean iphone charging port with toothpick

Clean iPhone charging port using compressed air

If your charging port isn’t extremely dirty, compressed air might do the trick. Once again, start by turning off your phone. Get a flashlight or an LED light and inspect the port. Then, get a can of compressed air, holding it upright and blow the air into the port. You will notice small particles come out of the port. Inspect with the flashlight or LED light again. If there is more dust, you can repeat with the compressed air until your port is clean. Turn on your phone again, try to charge it and thank us later.

Charging your iPhone when the port is clean is so much easier

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How to clean charging port with cotton?

For this DIY tutorial you are going to need a toothpick once again and a little bit of cotton. We are not going to get tired of reminding you that the first step is to turn off your phone. Then, grab a toothpick and gently roll it over a cotton swab until the cotton starts twisting over the toothpick. Just remember, you need a very small amount. Once you have enough cotton, insert the toothpick into the port and scrape against the walls of the port. Be very gentle not to damage anything. Finally, take out the toothpick and if the port is still dirty, replace the cotton and repeat the same process.

Keep your charging port clean with our easy hacks

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Apple Inc.’s iPhones are the best selling smartphone in the US

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Before you purchase a new charger, borrow one from a friend to make sure the problem isn’t with your phone

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Ever since the iPhone 13 came out, old iPhones just look so out of date

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Whenever you are charging your phone, make sure the charger is straight, so as not to damage it

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If you want you can even invest in a wireless charging station

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Unfortunately, iPhone chargers are notorious for breaking easily

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.