How to clean iPhone charging port WITHOUT breaking it
A DIRTY iPhone charging port can stop the device from being able to charge - so it's important to have the right cleaning regime.
Cleaning a grubby charging port is one simple way to ensure your iPhone is working as it should.
What is the best way to clean a charging port?
It's important to clean your iPhone charging port with care.
After all, if you mess with the Lightning port, you could end up making it impossible to charge your iPhone.
And a severe cleaning blunder could even totally break your expensive smartphone.
How do I remove dirt and debris from my iPhone charging port?
One simple option is to try gently tapping the device.
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Sometimes a little wiggle or tap is all you need to dislodge a bit of dirt or grime from the Lightning port.
Just don't do it too hard or you could cause damage to the device.
Another option is to gentle insert the corner of a microfibre cloth into the port and give it a little rub.
It needs to be a lint-free lens-style cloth that won't cause any abrasive damage.
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The cloth should also be totally dry, and shouldn't be used recently after charging – so that the iPhone isn't warm.
And make sure to avoid applying any pressure, or you could jam debris into the connector.
A more heavy duty option would be to use a can of compressed air – the same kind you'd use to clean the insides of a desktop PC.
It needs to be strictly compressed air only – and not a fluid-based cleansing solution.
Similarly, you could deliver a short sharp blow to the Lightning port – just like if you were trying to de-dust a games cartridge in the late '90s.
Just be careful not to blow any spittle into the port.
Importantly, you should never "wash" the Lightning port, even if you've got a water-resistant iPhone model.
Apple warns: "Do not use liquids or cleaning products when cleaning the Lightning connector."
How do I clean my iPhone charging port with a toothpick?
Don't try to jam hard objects like toothpicks in there.
Apple says: "Do not dry your iPhone using an external heat source or insert a foreign object into the Lightning connector such as a cotton swab or a paper towel."
If you're having real issues with the Lightning connector, you can also take the iPhone to an Apple Store for in-person advice.
Several iPhone owners have reported Apple Store staff cleaning their Lightning ports for free.
How do I remove water from my iPhone charging point?
If your charging port is wet, your iPhone will show an alert telling you so.
To fix it, Apple recommends using the following method:
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- Tap your iPhone gently against your hand with the Lightning connector facing down to remove excess liquid. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow.
- After at least 30 minutes, try charging with a Lightning cable or connecting a Lightning accessory.
- If you see the alert again, there is still liquid in the Lightning port or under the pins of your Lightning cable. Leave your iPhone in a dry area with some airflow for up to a day. You can try again to charge or connect a Lightning accessory throughout this period. It might take up to 24 hours to fully dry.
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