How to Clean an iPhone Charging Port with a Toothbrush

Co-authored by Shavo Hacopian and Ellie Salyers

Last Updated: October 31, 2023 References

Are you having some trouble charging your iPhone? If there is any dust or debris stuck inside the charging port, your iPhone may not be able to charge. This wikiHow article will teach you a safe, effective way to clean out your iPhone charging port using a toothbrush.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Inspecting the Charging Port

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1
Remove your phone case. Take off your phone case if you are using one.
- Depending on the case, you can remove it using a variety of methods. A common technique is to first peel off one corner of the case so you can then grip that part of your phone. Once you have a hold on your phone, proceed to remove the other corners of the case.
2
Shine a flashlight on the charging port. In order to clearly see all of the potential debris, we recommend shining a flashlight on the charging port.^{[1]
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Research source} If you see any signs of debris, dirt, or dust, follow along with our next method to learn some cleaning tips and tricks!
- If you don’t have a flashlight handy, ask someone with a smartphone if you can use their built-in flashlight.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Charging Port

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1
Turn off your phone. To do so on an iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13, simultaneously hold down the Power button and one of the Volume buttons.^{[2]
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Research source} For any generation below an iPhone X, simply hold down the Power button.^{[3]
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Research source} You should now see a new screen pop up on your phone. Swipe the “slide to power off” button at the top of your screen by tapping and holding the white circle and then swiping your finger towards the right.
- While powering off your phone is not absolutely necessary, we recommend doing so to avoid accidentally manipulating your phone while cleaning the charging port. ^{[4]
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Using an anti-static toothbrush will minimize the static electricity created when brushing, making it extra safe to use with your iPhone.^{[5]
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Research source} Alternatively, if you do not have access to one, you can use a brand new, clean toothbrush.^{[6]
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3
Gently brush out any debris. Using the head of the toothbrush, carefully swipe the bristles along the charging port to remove any debris. If you observe any particles further within the charging port, use the tip/corner of the bristles to reach inside.^{[7]
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Research source} We recommend using a scooping motion to fully clean out the port.
- Make sure that you never wet the toothbrush. This could potentially cause unwanted water damage to your iPhone.
After you have removed all debris, turn on your phone using the same method as when you turned it off. Plug a charger into the port and see if your phone is now charging. If your phone is still unable to charge, we'll give you some additional cleaning tips.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Hard-to-Get Debris

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Carefully insert the toothpick into the port and lightly guide it along the inside walls. Remove it after you have completed one circle to see if it picked up any debris. If so, wipe off the toothpick with a paper towel or cloth and repeat the process until it comes out clean.^{[8]
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2
Use compressed air. A can of compressed air may help remove any dust. Make sure to hold the can upright and a couple inches away from the charging port. You can now blast a few brief shots of air into the port.^{[9]
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Research source} Just as before, you should power on and plug in your phone to see if it worked.
- Feel free to combine these steps for optimal results. Simply alternate between a toothpick and compressed air until no debris remains.^{[10]
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