Charging ports collect more than people realise — pocket lint, dust, the odd bit of fluff that somehow always finds its way in. Before assuming the worst, it's worth ruling out the simple causes first.
Gentle things worth trying
- Look inside with a torch. Lint and fluff are the most common culprits, and often visible if you look closely.
- Clean it gently. A dry, soft-bristled brush or a wooden toothpick (never metal, and never anything sharp) can sometimes dislodge debris — go slowly and don't force anything.
- Try a different cable and charger. Worn cables cause more grief than the ports they plug into.
- Restart the phone. Occasionally a charging hiccup is a software blip rather than a physical one.
Signs it needs the bench, not the toothpick
- The cable only connects at one specific angle, or needs constant wiggling
- You can see bent pins, corrosion, or moisture residue inside the port
- Charging stops and starts even with a brand new cable
- The phone has been splashed, dropped, or exposed to moisture recently
When in doubt, bring it in
Forcing a cable into a stubborn port is the easiest way to turn a small problem into a bigger one. If gentle cleaning hasn't helped, we'll take it from there — free diagnosis, honest explanation, and a proper repair if one's needed.