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Important Note: If your iPhone is still under warranty, it’s advisable to check with Apple first. You might be eligible for a free repair. You can check your warranty status on Apple’s warranty coverage checker.
Comparing Costs of iPhone Charging Port Repair
Here’s a quick comparison of what you might need to spend to repair or replace your iPhone charging port, also known as the lightning connector or lightning port.
- Lint Removal: $0
- DIY Repair: $30 – $100
- Third Party Repair Service: $79 – $159
- Insurance: $99 – $250
Clearing Lint and Other Debris – $0
Over time, lint and other debris can accumulate in the charging port, preventing the charging cable from making a solid connection. This is especially common if you carry your iPhone in your pocket or purse.
Here’s how you can remove it:
- Switch off your iPhone and disconnect the charger.
- Try using compressed air to blow into the port and see if it charges.
- If compressed air doesn’t work, try using a toothpick to clear the debris.
- You might need to alternate between compressed air and the toothpick to completely remove lint from the charging port. Be careful not to damage the contacts.
Once the debris is cleared, your charger should be able to make a solid connection, and your iPhone should charge. If it still doesn’t work, you might need to replace your charging cable or charging port.
AdditionalReading: How-to Clean Your Phone Charging Port
DIY iPhone Charging Port Replacement – $30 to $100
If you’re tech-savvy and patient, you can replace your iPhone charging port yourself. This is the most cost-effective option, but it involves disassembling your iPhone, which you should only attempt if you’re comfortable doing so.
The cost of a new charging port can range from $10 to $100, depending on your iPhone model. All are charging port/flex cable assemblies, which are easier to replace than standalone charging ports because they don’t require soldering. If your model requires soldering (which no iPhone does) unless you have soldering experience, I would just stop and not proceed with a DIY repair. This is not your fathers transistor radio, or car stereo soldering job.
If you don’t have the necessary tools, toolkits start at $15 for the iFixIt Minnow Driver Kit.
Here’s a brief guide on how to replace your iPhone charging port:
Warning: This can be a challenging repair, especially if you aren’t experienced. Be aware of the risk of additional damage that could void any warranties and insurance policies. This is a high level overview, for detailed, step-by-step instructions use iFixit and YouTube.
- Use a hairdryer, heat gun, or iOpener to heat the front glass and soften the underlying adhesive.
- Use a spudger or guitar picks to pry around the seam and gently lift the front glass. Suction cups can help lift the glass.
- Unscrew and disconnect internal components such as the battery first, then access the charging port/flex cable assembly.
- Install the new charging port, test to verify it solved your issue, then reassemble your iPhone.
For a professional, this repair takes about 20 – 40 minutes depending on the model. If you’ve never opened a iPhone before, expect to spend 1 – 2 hours at a minimum.
Third Party iPhone Repair Service – $79 to $159
If you’re not comfortable doing the repair yourself, consider having your iPhone charging port replaced by a professional repair shop. Local shops can often complete the repair in about an hour, either in-store or at your location.
The cost for iPhone charging port replacement can range from $79 to $159, depending on your model and location. However, Apple’s iPhone repair fees tend to be on the higher end. They don’t offer docking port only replacements, and instead will replace your entire device for a flat rate out of warranty fee. This out of warranty fee starts at $269.
Before choosing a repair company, it’s a good idea to ask if they offer any warranties on parts and labor. You should also inquire about the service tech’s experience, credentials, and the quality of the parts they use.
Filing an Insurance Claim – $29 to $250
If you have iPhone insurance, you can file a claim directly with your insurer. They might offer a choice between mail-in, in-store, or on-location repair services. Some companies will send a refurbished replacement iPhone rather than repair and return yours.
Expect to pay a deductible ranging between $29 and $250, depending on your model and insurance company.
iPhone Charging Port Repair Costs at the Apple Store?
When it comes to repairing the charging port of your iPhone at the Apple Store, the cost varies depending on the model. Looking at the most recent models in question:
- For the iPhone 12, Apple charges $449 for a charging port replacement.
- The iPhone 13 sees a slight decrease with a fee of $449.
- The iPhone 11 is the most affordable among the three at $399 for a charging port repair.
When observing the trends, it’s evident that the latest models—specifically the Pro and Pro Max variants—tend to have a higher replacement cost, typically around the $600 mark. The standard and earlier models, on the other hand, often fall in the range of $400 to $500. This suggests that Apple places a premium on their newer models, charg
Opting for a third-party repair facility can offer a significant saving:
- For the iPhone 12, a third-party repair facility would charge around $149. This is a stark 67% reduction compared to the Apple Store’s fee.
- The iPhone 13 also sees a charge of $149 at third-party outlets, translating to a similar 67% discount when compared to Apple’s pricing.
- The iPhone 11 repair at an independent facility would cost $99. This presents a 75% saving compared to the Apple Store’s charge.
Is it Worth Fixing Your iPhone Charging Port?
Should you fix your iPhone charging port or sell it broken? This decision can be based on how much your iPhone is worth in its broken state versus its repaired state, especially if you plan to upgrade soon.
For instance, at the time of writing, an iPhone 12 64GB was worth $400 in good condition.
- DIY: $25 for part + $15 for toolkit = $40
- Independent Repair Shop: $99
- Apple Repair (out of warranty): $449
Next, compare the net value after repair to what your iPhone is worth in its broken condition. At the time of writing, a broken iPhone 12 64GB was worth $105.
Your iPhone 12 will have significantly more net value if you repair it yourself, or take it to an independent repair shop. However, the Apple out of warranty repair does not make sense. (Because they want you to buy a new phone)
Your decision depends not only on the value but also on how long you intend to keep your iPhone. If you plan to hold on to it for a few more years, it’s cheaper to repair the charging port than to buy a new iPhone. If you plan to upgrade soon and trade in your old phone, however, it’s worth running the numbers to see whether you’ll get more value after repair or selling it as-is.
Exploring Other Options?
If you’re contemplating the next steps for your iPhone, whether that be repair or replacement, it’s essential to be informed of all available choices. The iPhone 15 has recently been released, and there are various trade-in deals associated with this new model. To understand these deals and how they might affect your decision, you can refer to our detailed guide on Understanding the iPhone 15 Trade-In Deals. It provides a clear overview of the trade-in opportunities available for those considering an upgrade.
