If you’re having trouble connecting or charging your iPhone using its Lightning port, it might be time to clean it out. We’ll show you how to do it safely—and to troubleshoot other possible issues. Show
First, Rule Out an Issue With the CableThe charging port at the bottom of all iPhones produced since 2012 is called a Lightning connector. If you try to insert a Lightning cable and the connection seems flaky—it disconnects if you tap the cable or phone lightly—or it won’t insert all the way, the problem could either be the cable itself or the Lightning port on your iPhone. A pencil eraser can help clean gunk off a Lightning connector. Benj EdwardsTo see which component (phone or cable) is causing the trouble, borrow or buy a known-working Lightning cable, plug it into your iPhone, and see if the connection problem persists. If the new cable fixed the problem, then your old cable is bad or dirty. Rub the flat contacts on the old Lightning cable with a pencil eraser to clean off dirt and gunk, then try again. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to buy a new charging cable.
Apple Lightning CableIf your old cable isn't working properly, a new one will fix your charging problems. If the new cable doesn’t solve the problem, then your iPhone’s connector is at fault. A common problem with iPhones is that they accumulate pocket lint or dust in the Lightning port over time, and that physically interferes with the Lightning cable connection. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to clean out the port yourself, as we’ll cover below. RELATED: The Best Lightning Cables of 2022 Getting Started: Turn Off Your iPhone CompletelyTo safely clean your iPhone’s Lightning port without accidentally causing shorts that might damage your phone, it’s important to power off your device first. How you do it depends on which type of iPhone you have:
When the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears on the screen, swipe it to the right, and your device will turn off. RELATED: How to Turn off an iPhone Next, Find and Use a Wooden ToothpickNow that your iPhone is off, you’ll need a small tool that can fit inside the Lightning port on your phone without causing any damage. Based on our experiences, here’s what you shouldn’t use to clean your Lightning port:
We find that a wooden toothpick works best: It doesn’t conduct electricity, so it can’t cause an accidental short, and it’s soft enough to pose a low risk of damaging the connector pins inside the Lightning port. To get started, gently insert the toothpick into the Lightning port at the bottom of your iPhone. Move it back and forth, then try to scoop lint or dust out. As you move the toothpick, try to keep it centered in the port (between the front and the back of the iPhone) to avoid damaging the pins located on the bottom side of the connector (toward the back of the phone). Tim Brookes / How-To GeekBe sure to not use too much force with the toothpick. If you’re too rough, pieces of the toothpick could potentially break off, which will cause more trouble than the lint you’re removing. When you’re done, gently wipe away the lint and power up the iPhone by pressing and holding the top or side button until you see the Apple logo in the center of the screen. Try inserting a known-working Lightning cable and see if you get a solid connection. If it still doesn’t work, you might want to turn off the iPhone and clean the port some more. But if everything’s OK, you’re good to go! RELATED: Why Isn't My iPhone Charging? A Backup Alternative: Wireless ChargingIf you’ve cleaned your iPhone’s charging port and it’s still not working properly, you might want to contact Apple service for help. They can repair or replace your iPhone for a fee. Meanwhile, if you’re in a pinch and need to charge your iPhone, you can potentially use a wireless charging method such as Qi (supported in iPhone 8 and up) or MagSafe (iPhone 12 and up). You’ll need the proper Qi charging pad or MagSafe charger to make it happen. Good luck! RELATED: The Best MagSafe Accessories for iPhone of 2022 READ NEXT
How do I clean my Lightning connector on my iPhone?iPhone Smart Battery Case
When cleaning the internal Lightning connector, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, and don't use liquids or cleaning products.
How do I clean the debris from my iPhone charging port?Using a can of compressed air is the safest way to clean your iPhone's port. Hold the can upright but not too close to the port, and apply a few short blasts of air. You should see small particles falling out of the phone charging port. This is also an option if you need to clean your AirPods and AirPods case.
How do I clean my iPhone charging port without a toothpick?Spray the port with quick bursts of compressed air.
Use short, light bursts rather than one lengthy spray. Use your flashlight to re-inspect the port. If you no longer see debris, give the port 2 to 3 minutes to dry before attempting to charge your iPhone or iPad.
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