How to Clean a USB C Charging Port: 6 Easy & Safe Ways (2024)

FAQs

How to Clean a USB C Charging Port: 6 Easy & Safe Ways? ›

The best way to clean a USB-C port is with a can of compressed air and a shaved toothpick. Blasting it with compressed air will shake loose dirt, which you can then clean out with the toothpick. If a USB-C port isn't working, or the cable won't fit anymore, it likely needs to be cleaned.

Don't blow into the port with your mouth to loosen the gunk you remove with the dental pick—this could introduce excess moisture into the port and damage the internal components. Instead, hold the device with the port facing down and blow it free with compressed air.

Compressed air: Use a can of compressed air to blow away loose particles and dust from the charging port without causing any damage. Toothpick: Carefully use a wooden or plastic toothpick to dislodge debris in the charging port.

If moisture is detected in the USB port, an error message will be displayed, and charging will stop. In this case, unplug your device from the charger, then wipe with a dry cloth or gently shake your device (5-10 times) with the port facing downwards to release any excess moisture.

If it is oxidation, plain vinegar works best. If it is just hardened dirt build up (such as the ring dried water leaves), then you can use rubbing alcohol. If you need to get into the port, you can use things like Q-Tips and pipe cleaners. Do not use abrasives on the connectors themselves.

While it's tempting to use cleaning supplies or wet wipes — don't. Cleaning your iPhone charging port with alcohol can damage your phone permanently. What about cleaning your phone's port with a toothbrush?

Use water, isopropyl alcohol, or eyeglass cleaner if needed. When cleaning, apply the liquid to the cloth, and gently wipe the touch screen. To clean the USB port ends on a USB cable and/or vehicle power cable, use a can of compressed air. Aim the can of compressed air at the port.

Clean Corrosion off a Charging Port

To tackle this, try dampening a piece of cloth with vinegar, and wipe the port in a gentle manner. Then, use a cotton-lined toothpick to lightly scrub the inside to remove the corrosion. Finally, dry the port with some cotton.

Use only a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) on a soft, lint-free cloth or a cotton swab. Make sure the swab is not dripping wet. Gently swab around the port's edges without pushing the swab inside. Allow the port to dry entirely before inserting any cables.

What household items can I use to clean my charging port? ›

Hold a compressed air canister 4–5 in (10–13 cm) away from the port, then blow into the port in 1 to 2-second bursts to dislodge debris. Run a toothpick or lightly alcohol-dampened cotton swab inside the port to remove gunk. If charging problems persist, take your phone to an IT specialist.

Avoid using sharper tools like paperclips or tweezers to dig out debris, adds Henry Parra, head of CR's smartphone testing, because they could harm the mesh screen inside the speakers or the metal pins in the charging port.

Gently insert the thinned toothpick or dental pick into the port and carefully maneuver it to capture and extract debris from both sides of the central electrical contact located in the middle of the port. Take caution not to bend or damage the electrical connection while performing this step.

Most commonly, USB ports not working is a matter of dust and debris accumulating. In such a case, use a can of compressed air to clean the ports. Besides, look for any discoloration or charring of the printed circuit board. It may be a sign of the burnt-out USB-C port.

If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. Then set it on a flat surface to dry at room temperature. If the port or charging cable has debris inside, gently tap it against your hand, port down, to remove.