iPhone Charging Port: Clean, Repair, or Replace?

With so many of us working remotely and using our iPhones for business, we can't afford for the devices not to charge. iPhone repair shops know that you'll pay about anything to get that connection working again. 

DoNotPay is here to make sure you don't overpay for an iPhone charging port repair or replacement. Keep reading to learn how you can solve the problem yourself, or find the best repair shop if it's more than you can handle.

What Exactly Is the Charging Port?

If you're not technologically inclined, the charging port is that little hole in the bottom of your phone where you plug in the lightning pin cable to charge it. If you look closely, you'll see the port is quite finely detailed, so the pin fits exactly—and why a Samsung phone charger won't work here. iPhone ports are not known to fail, so if yours isn't working, it's easy to diagnose the problem and quite possibly do an iPhone charging port repair yourself.

Troubleshoot the Easy Stuff First

Your iPhone is a delicate computer, even though you keep it in your pocket or toss it on the dashboard like your wallet. There could be a simple reason it's not charging, so rule those out first.

• Your lightning cable is bad. Cables wear out, and when they start to fray at the ends, they lose their connectivity to the port and the wall charger. Try another cable to see if you need a new one.
• You bought a cheapie at the gas station. We've all done it; gotten a few miles away on a road trip and realized somebody took the power cord out of the car. Unless the cord specifically says it's made for an Apple product, it probably won't last very long. You know it's not an iPhone charger when you get the  "this accessory may not be supported" message on your screen. Look for the MFi branding on the package—you'll know it was made to Apple specs and is likely covered by a warranty.
• Do you need to update the phone? Apple occasionally pushes out an update that they want you to download, so the phone won't charge until you've shut it down and updated it. And sometimes, the charging ghosts want to mess with you, and all you have to do is turn off the phone and restart it to solve the problem.

Apple loves to switch things up, so how you restart your phone depends on the model. If your phone is an 8 or earlier, hold down the home button and swipe the icon across the screen. If you have a later model, press and hold the side and volume buttons at the same time until the Slide to power off screen appears. If you're rebooting, wait a minute or two before you turn the phone back on.

Just How Grungy Is the Port?

Take a good look at the port—how gross is it? Specks of dust, dirt, and grime settle in the minuscule crevices of the port and eventually prevent the charger from really connecting with the port. Here's how you can clean the port safely. Before you start cleaning the phone, turn it off.

How to Clean the Charging Port

1. Compressed air—those little cans you can pick up anywhere—is the first line of defense. Attach the tiny pipe to the nozzle and send a strong puff of air at the port to blow off dirt and debris. Make sure you hold the can upright so it shoots out air and is not propellant. Use a flashlight to check that you've gotten the grunge out.
2. If the port is still dirty, move on to the next step—a toothpick or Q-Tip. Gently clean around the port with the toothpick, but if that's not enough, dip a Q-Tip in rubbing alcohol and swab it around inside and out. Never put anything metal in the port to pry out dirt—remember it's a sensitive electronic, and sharp metal will damage the port.

Nope, It Doesn't Work

When you've exhausted the simple DIY remedies, it's time to find a pro to fix the port. Depending on which iPhone you have, expect to pay between $5 and $100 unless you decide to file an insurance claim and get a whole new phone, $150. 

Some iPhone owners are handy and are game to try to replace the port themselves, but that is a tricky business at best, and only for people who know how to work with circuit boards. If you're reading this, you aren't one of those people. 

DoNotPay Researches Repair Shops for You

Electronics repair shops are everywhere, but how do you know which one will do the best job on your iPhone? Here's where DoNotPay goes from being a trusted advisor to an active assistant. We can find the best repair options for iPhones in your area, based on things like consumer reviews and time in business.

Here’s how you can start saving on repairs with DoNotPay:

1. Search for Quote My Repair on DoNotPay.

    

2. Enter the details of the repair you need.

    

3. Let DoNotPay find competitive rates for that repair in your area and any relevant information to keep you from being overcharged.

    

Now all you have to do is take it in and rest easy you're getting a good technician at a fair price.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Aside from the iPhone charging port repair, we can also assist you with the following inquiries:

DoNotPay is like your life assistant. We can help you get through a lot of nuisance tasks by contacting the vendors and getting the process started. Here are a few areas we cover:

• Chargebacks and refunds from retailers—Amazon, Wal-Mart, and Neiman Marcus
• Discounts on hotels, airline perks, and even cashback from gift cards
•  Help with bills
• Automotive repair
• Appliance repair

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