If you are experiencing intermittent failures while charging your iPhone or iPad, the Lightning port may be clogged with debris or dirt. This guide teaches you how to safely remove dirt, lint and other debris from the iPhone or iPad charging port using homemade items.
Steps
Step 1. Turn off your iPhone or iPad
To do this, press and hold the power button on the top or side of the device and slide your finger across the screen to complete the shutdown.
Step 2. Light the Lightning Door with a flashlight
You will usually be able to see the obstruction with adequate lighting.
Carefully inspect the inner walls of the door. If there is a layer of sticky build-up around the edges, it is possible that it is preventing the cable from making contact with the internal pins
Step 3. Spray the inside of the door with short bursts of compressed air
A can of compressed air is usually enough to release loose particles (such as dust, animal hair and lint) inside. Apply short, light jets instead of a long jet.
Use the flashlight to re-inspect the door. If there is no longer any residue, wait two or three minutes before trying to charge the device again
Step 4. Scrape the door walls with a toothpick
If the door is clogged with dust or lint, one or two light passes will be enough to release trapped particles. If there is a layer of grease or debris coating the walls, gently scrape it off.
- The Lightning port is littered with tiny electronic pins - too heavy a scrape could cause irreparable damage. Try covering the tip of the toothpick with a small amount of cotton to soften it.
- If you have identified a build-up of debris on the inside walls, you may need a tool that is firmer than a toothpick. Try using a plastic mouthwash.
Step 5. Use an alcohol-soaked cotton swab for tougher jobs
If the substance on the door feels sticky or too hard to remove, dip a cotton swab into a small amount of alcohol and gently rub the inside surfaces. Wipe it around the edges as often as necessary for complete debris removal.
Wait two to three minutes until the port is completely dry before trying to turn on the iPhone or iPad
Step 6. Try charging the device
If the problem was related to a dirty door, you can now proceed without difficulty. To avoid suffering from the accumulation of waste, avoid carrying your cell phone or tablet in your pocket or purse.
- If the device is not charging (or the charging process stops randomly), try using a different cable or power source.
- If cleaning the port and replacing the cables does not resolve the issue, contact Apple for repair. Visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232 for the closest contact details in your region.
