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man connecting usb type c

How to Clean a Phone Charging Port

Whether you have an iPhone or Android, it’s important to keep your phone’s charging port clean. Learn why it’s important to routinely clean your charging port and how to keep your phone clean and protected with a phone case, too. Here are some tips on how to clean your phone’s charging port.

man connecting usb type c

Source: Only_NewPhoto/Shutterstock.com

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Phone’s Charging Port

You already clean your clothes and wash your dishes. You probably also wipe down or sanitize your phone when it gets dirty. Things like dust and dirt also end up in your phone’s charging port. Over time, too much debris in your phone’s charging port can cause your device to stop charging properly or stop working correctly altogether. 

How to Clean Your Charging Port

While the opening of the charging port seems small, it’s a small and mighty charging port where all sorts of lint and grime can get into. When you go to charge your phone, the phone charger can push debris further into the port and then cause problems with charging. If you’ve noticed issues when charging your phone lately, take it as a sign you may need to clean your charging port, too. Use a soft cotton swab to clean out your charging port. You can also try a bulb syringe to remove and loosen debris. According to Apple, don’t use any abrasive cleaners like bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting any moisture inside your phone as well. 

Protect Your Phone with a New iPhone 13 Case

What Not to Do When Cleaning the Charging Port

Here’s what not to do when you’re cleaning your phone: don’t use a toothbrush. Toothbrush bristles can accidentally get inside the charging port and make matters worse. Don’t blow on the charging port. The water particles from your mouth can moisten the charging port and damage your phone.



Ways to Get Water Out of a Charging Port

You may have seen those online hacks where people put their wet phones on rice. Don’t put your phone in rice. The rice grains can get stuck in your phone’s charging port or headphone jack, especially when the phone is wet and the rice grain expands. Instead, keep your phone in a dry area with the charging port facing down. Excess water will drip down as airflow goes into the port.

bottom of a mobile phone usb port

Source: ThomasDeco/Shutterstock.com

Clean Corrosion Off a Charging Port

You may not see corrosion on your phone if it’s a new model, but if you’ve had your phone for years, there’s a chance corrosion may have built up on your phone’s charging port. Because of the delicacy of the charging port, it’s best to ask a professional to help clean your phone. If you want to tackle it yourself, try cleaning it out with dry cotton swabs. 

pela cases

Protect Your Phone’s Charging Port with a Phone Case

We’ve talked about what to do once your phone’s charging port already has dirt and debris inside. One way to help protect your phone is to get a great phone case. There are plenty of lightweight and trendy iPhone 13 cases or Google Pixel 6 cases that will protect your phone and phone’s charging port from the elements and accidental drops. 

Shop All Phone Cases from Pela Case

Cleaning Your Phone’s Speakers

If you’re already in the habit of cleaning your phone’s charging port, you’ll also want to clean your phone’s speakers. In the same way that debris and dirt can get into your phone’s charging port, it can also get into your phone’s speakers. Clean your speakers with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Don’t use compressed air in this area. A damp cloth is okay but don’t use liquids. Compressed air and liquids can damage your speakers and phone. 

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be able to keep your phone port clean. Go on and charge your phone with confidence.