How to Clean A Phone Charging Port

Max Winters
·4 min read

If your phone is taking forever to charge, or if the cord is only connecting in quick bursts, the first DIY fix is to check for a dirty charging port. Whether you're an Android or iPhone user, USB ports are magnets for all things pocket lint, dust particles, loose debris, and various levels of dirt. Please note that the cleaning process is straightforward, but it's crucial to clean cautiously or you risk damaging the electronic components.

What You Can/Can't Use to Clean the Charging Port

Use this:

  • Compressed Air

  • Soft Brush

  • Cotton Swabs

  • Lint-Free Cloth

  • Toothpick or Wooden Skewer (still very gently!)

  • Plastic Pick (still very gently!)

  • Electronics Cleaning Putty

Not this:

  • Sharp Metal Objects

  • Water or Damp Cloths

  • Excessive Force

  • Sharp Objects

  • Abrasive Materials

4 Ways to Clean Your Charging Port

1. Cleaning With Compressed Air

  • Power off your phone and look for obvious debris.

  • Hold the can of compressed air and blow short bursts of air into the charging port from a 1-2 inch distance. This will help dislodge any loose dust or debris.

  • Do not to hold the can too close to the port or use too much pressure.

2. Cleaning with Soft Brush and Isopropyl Alcohol

  • Power off your phone and look for excess dirt.

  • Use a soft-bristled brush, such as a clean paintbrush or a toothbrush, to gently brush away any loose dirt.

  • Moisten a cotton swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and carefully clean the interior surfaces.

  • Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the edges of the cellphone port and remove any remaining residue.

  • Allow the port to dry completely before turning on your phone or connecting any cables.

3. Wooden Toothpick or Plastic Pick

  • Turn off your phone and look for visible debris.

  • Carefully insert a toothpick or plastic pick into the phone charging port and gently scrape away any stubborn debris or grime.

  • After cleaning, inspect the port again with a flashlight to ensure it's free from any remaining particles.

4. Cleaning Putty

  • Turn off your phone and look for visible dirt.

  • Prepare the Putty: Take a small piece of adhesive putty designed for electronics cleaning and shape it into a small ball or cylinder.

  • Insert and Twist: Gently press the putty into the phone's charging port, applying light pressure. Twist the putty slightly to pick up any dirt or debris clinging to the port's surfaces.

  • Remove and Inspect: Carefully pull the putty out of the port. Inspect the putty to see if it has picked up any dirt or debris. Repeat the process if necessary until you have a clean charger port.

Related: How to Clean a Video Game Controller

8 Ways to Get Water Out of the Phone's Charging Port

  • Shake Gently: Face the charge port downwards and shake it gently to encourage the excess water to drain out.

  • Use Compressed Air: Hold the can upright and use short bursts of air to dislodge trapped water droplets.

  • Dab with a Lint-Free Cloth or Cotton Ball: Put the corner into the charger port to absorb liquid.

  • Rice Method: Place the phone in a container filled with uncooked rice or silica gel packets for 24-28 hours. These materials can help absorb moisture from the phone's interior.

  • Use a Vacuum Cleaner: If you have a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment, carefully hold the nozzle near the port to create suction and draw out any remaining water droplets. Be gentle to avoid damaging the port.

  • Use a Hair Dryer (with Caution): Set the hair dryer to its lowest and coolest setting and hold it at least 6-8 inches away from the phone. Gently blow air into the charging port to help evaporate any water. Avoid using high heat, as it could damage the phone's internal components.

  • Wait for Natural Evaporation: Simply leave the phone in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow the water particles to evaporate naturally over time.

  • Seek Professional Help: If you're unsuccessful or concerned about potential damage to the phone, seek help from a professional technician or the phone's manufacturer.