Buzz
Here are some solutions to restore your charger port functionality
Is your iPhone charging port not working? Before rushing to a repair shop, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take at home. If you find the charging port itself is faulty, you can still charge your iPhone wirelessly with a Qi-certified charger. Here's a guide to help you fix the issue, plus an expert tip from consumer technology specialist Mitch Harris.
Repairing the iPhone Charging Port
If your iPhone charging port isn't functioning, first inspect it for visible dirt or debris. If you find any, use a dry, soft brush to clean it gently. Additionally, make sure you're using an Apple-certified cable and charger. If the port is damaged, consider using a Qi-certified wireless charger for charging.
Steps
Fixing Charging Port Issues
Clean the charging port. Be sure to turn off your iPhone completely before cleaning. Use a soft, dry brush to gently remove any debris from the charging port.
- If you encounter stubborn debris, use a toothpick or similar pointed object to carefully scrape it out from the port's walls.
- According to Harris, you can also use a cotton swab dipped in mild rubbing alcohol to gently clean the area.
Try using a different cable. Your cable may be damaged or incompatible with your iPhone. Inspect the cable for visible wear and tear.
- Note that some third-party cables may not be supported by Apple devices. For a replacement, purchase a cable from the official Apple store or an authorized retailer.
Switch to a different power source. If you're using the standard iPhone charger block, try plugging it into another outlet.
- If that doesn’t solve the issue, try connecting your cable to a powered-on computer or laptop. Once connected, tap Trust this device on your iPhone if prompted to allow charging.
Remove your phone case before charging. Some phone cases may obstruct certain charging cables from fitting properly. Try charging your iPhone without the case on it.
Check for water damage. If your iPhone has recently come into contact with water or was in a humid environment, leave it off for a few hours to dry completely. Afterward, try charging it again.
Force restart your iPhone. If your iPhone isn’t responding to charging attempts, it might be frozen. To force restart your iPhone, press and hold the side button (or side button + Home button). The screen will go black. Release the button(s) when the Apple logo appears.
Try wireless charging. If you're struggling with cable charging, you can try wireless charging instead. Note that this feature is supported only on iPhone 8 and newer models.
- You’ll need a Qi-certified charger. Once set up, simply place your iPhone screen-side up on the charger to begin charging.
Contact Apple. If the charging port itself is broken, you’ll need a certified technician to either repair or replace it. Be aware that opening your iPhone on your own may void your warranty.
- For repair services, visit Apple’s support page.
Why isn't my iPhone charging properly?
Your cable may be faulty or there could be debris in the charging port. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in your iPhone’s small crevices, including the speakers. This buildup can prevent the charging cable from fitting properly, leading to inconsistent charging results.
- A faulty cable might make it appear as if the port isn't working, when the real issue lies with the cable itself.
How can I tell if the charging port is damaged?
If the charging cable feels loose, the port may be damaged. A properly functioning charging port should hold the cable securely. If the cable fits loosely, the port might be damaged. Check for visible signs like bent pins or debris inside the port.
- Inconsistent or non-existent charging can also be a sign of a damaged charging port.
