- The best way to clean an iPhone charging port is with a can of compressed air and a toothpick.
- Blasting it with compressed air will shake loose dirt, which you can then clean out with the toothpick.
- If your iPhone’s charging port isn’t working, or the cable won’t fit anymore, it likely needs to be cleaned.
iPhone’s charging port is constantly at risk of getting filled with dust, dirt, and other debris.
It’s not hard to understand why. If you frequently put your iPhone in your pocket or a bag port-side down, loose debris can be forced into the small opening.
If this is the case for you, you might notice that the charging cable doesn’t confidently snap into place anymore, or you might have trouble charging your iPhone. If so, it’s time to clean out your iPhone’s charging port.
Here’s how to do just that, without damaging your iPhone.
Why is it important to clean iPhone charging port?
Ensuring that your iPhone’s charging port stays clear of debris is important for ensuring that the port functions properly and that you don’t inadvertently damage your phone.
USB-C port or lightening port connections that aren’t clean may interfere with charging or iPhone function.
How to properly clean your iPhone’s charging port
If you need to clean your iPhone’s charging port, do so with care. Never insert metal objects like knife blades or safety pins, as metal can scratch delicate contacts and even short out your phone.
Instead, what you’ll need is a can of compressed air and a toothpick or plastic dental floss pick.
You should get a flashlight, or work under a bright LED desk lamp — the brighter the better, since you need to see deep into the charging port.
- Power off your iPhone completely. You can do so by going to Settings app and then tap General, followed by Shut Down.
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Holding the compressed air can upright (so it only blasts air, and doesn’t expel wet propellent) shoot a few short, controlled bursts into the port.
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If the compressed air doesn’t expel all the debris, use a toothpick. Gently insert the toothpick into the port and lightly scrape it against the inside wall of the port. Don’t apply pressure to the inside wall that’s closest to the front of the phone, because there are delicate pins there. Overall, it’s important to be gentle, because in addition to those pins, the sides are home to two small spring-mounted anchors that latch onto the charging port when you insert it (that’s why it "snaps" into place when you push the cable in). If you break anything, its charging days will be over permanently. Quick tip: If you prefer, a disposable plastic dental pick also works well. The pick at the end of disposable dental floss is usually much thinner than a toothpick, and is ideal for the job.
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Finish by blowing compressed air into the port one more time to eject any debris you loosened with the toothpick or dental pick.
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After cleaning out your iPhone’s charging port, turn the phone back on.
How to get water out of your iPhone’s charging port
If you get a notification that there is water in your iPhone’s charging port, unplug all accessories and tap it on your hand with the port facing down.
To completely dry the port, leave the phone in a dry area with decent airflow.
Quick tip: Apple states that it may take up to 24 hours for the port to completely dry. Despite how tempting it may be, don’t use an external heat source, like a hairdryer.
How to keep your iPhone charging port clean in the future
If you have frequent problems with your iPhone charging port getting dirty, try changing the way you carry your phone. The easiest solution is to insert it in your pocket or bag upside down, so the port goes in last and isn’t being driven towards dirt and debris.
Some people apply a small length of tape over the port to keep it clean when it isn’t in use.