Dirt and debris are the most common thing to blame for messing up a charging port. You can put low-intensity rubbing alcohol on a q-tip. Unplug any device connected to the USB port, and turn off the power to the device and/or computer. Moreover, applying too much pressure may even bend or break your USB. Andrew is the News Editor for Review Geek, where he covers breaking stories and manages the news team. Make sure to hold the can vertically, with the nozzle pointing downward, not directly into the USB port. Last Updated: October 12, 2022 % of people told us that this article helped them. This wikiHow teaches you how to safely clean debris from your phone, tablet, or laptop's USB-C or Lightning charging port. Delete all unnecessary files from the USB. This article has been viewed 45,558 times. Furthermore, the dust particles might revert and contaminate your nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. In some cases, a product like canned air can be useful in blowing obstructions out of a USB port. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While balancing his study and work life for over four years, he has harnessed different sets of technical skills. Other symptoms of a ruined charging port include difficulty plugging in the cable or it not staying in the port when plugged in. By using our site, you agree to our. Consumer Technology Expert. Water has the potential to corrode the electrical components inside a USB and if water enters into the device, it can cause a short circuit or even cause permanent damage to the hardware. However, this is completely wrong. Look closer at your USB ports. Start with Compressed Air: Canned air or a canless air duster can get most of the lint and debris out of your phones USB-C port. When a port is full of dirt, dust and debris, it prevents the connector from making secure contact with the charging cable. If you do not have a dedicated cleaning brush, its completely fine. ), or a portable vacuum cleaner. As mentioned earlier, we also recommend getting a torch or using your phones flashlight. Since you may not see the internal pins clearly in the dark, we highly discourage cleaning in a dark room. In this section, you will learn about handy tools recommended for cleaning USB ports. Most regular USB drives are not waterproof, so if they get submerged in water, they could be ruined. Here are four easy steps to safely clean your phones USB-C port: Your phones USB-C port should be clean now. 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By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. While they are great for cleaning purposes, some avoid them as they may leave behind small lumps. Restart your computer and check to see if your USB device works. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day. Reformatting your USB erases all files and settings, so make sure you have a backup before reformatting. Maybe it got shorted out somehow. Look for moisture or debris inside the USB-C port and cable. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. There are two ways this will work. Cotton buds are easily accessible and are also used in our day-to-day life. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. While its completely safe to use Isopropyl Alcohol, you should never apply it directly. Try plugging in a different USB device. You can contact him at bhishu@technewstoday.com. Using a flashlight, inspect the port and make sure there is nothing blocking it. etc. This feature could prevent your device from overheating or could help protect against a possible short circuit (provided that you take action when prompted). If all you have is a cotton swab, remove some of the cotton so that only a small amount remains around each tip. What is the Average Lifespan of SSD? If there is goo or gunk, wrap a small amount of cotton around the end of the dental pick. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Generally speaking, USB ports can take several hours to dry, especially if they have multiple small crevices and channels that the liquid could have travelled into, as well as the type of liquid spilled (oil-based or water-based). If it's difficult to get the remaining dirt out of the port, you could try wrapping double-sided tape around the end of a sewing or a syringe needle and gently nudging it free. Even using small amounts of water may damage the USB ports on your PC. Have you experience erroneous moisture detection notifications before? Youll fill it with moisture.) USB Data port. When transferring data, it is important to use the proper etiquette to ensure that the flash drive has enough space available and is not overloaded. If the multimeter measures zero voltage, then your charging port is likely fried and needs to be replaced. Whether you want to build your own home theater or just learn more about TVs, displays, projectors, and more, we've got you covered. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. According to XDA, once a USB-C port reaches a given temperature, Android will tell the user to unplug (the) charger and take care as the cable may be warm.. If your ports are clogged, youll need to deep clean the ports. Cover the port with a small strip of adhesive tape when you're not using it. PCs and laptops also often have their own quality control mechanisms in place which may prevent the flash drive from working correctly after a certain period of time. This is an easy way to rule out a problem with the device itself. Scan for hardware changes by right-clicking the name of your computer, and then clicking on scan for hardware changes. How to Install a Tempered Glass Screen Protector. Such issues may even lead the peripherals to be loosely seated, and they may not function properly. Ensure the product youre using doesnt exceed 30 psi. Debris build-up in the USB port. Finally, make sure to wipe down the port with a slightly damp cloth afterwards to remove any residue and then use a dry cloth to dry it off. These small pieces are easy to find at electronics stores and other retailers. Do not put anything into them. Ever since getting his hands on a personal computer, Bhishu started exploring its internal components at just 10. If you got the 'Unplug charger' message, turn off your phone. The charging cable could be very warm. But only a few of us are aware of the right tools required for this purpose. I waited days. Utilizing such items may cause scratches in and around the USB ports. USB Port not working in your car: Know the causes. Use a different phone, tablet, or computer to contact us. Do You Need An Apple Pencil With Your iPad? If the port is still clogged after brushing, try using a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle attachment to suck out any remaining dirt. If necessary, reformat the USB. Once youve inspected the USB ports, its finally time to clean them. A thin wooden toothpick or the sharp end of a plastic dental pick. If your charger is suddenly charging slow, it could be due to a variety of causes. Try a different USB port. Thats why you should build some simple habits to keep the crap out of your phones portI swear its easy! Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. If you can't fit a toothpick inside of the port without touching the pin, take your PC to a service center for cleaning instead. Let your phone sit for a few minutes to cool. Use a lint-free cloth to gently dry the USB port. Over time, our PC gets exposed to dust, hair, and debris, which can easily clog the USB ports and other components. Power Bank Not Charging? Repeat for each USB controller you find. Cleaning USB ports is an easy task and should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Any brush with hard bristles can cause scratches when you clean the ports roughly. To do this, turn off your device and remove the cable from it. Either Android will auto-detect that the USB ports are safe to use and notify the user, or a user can clear the contaminants and manually enable the USB port again. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 3. Use a Cotton Swab For standard USB-A ports, a cotton WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. Along with rags, you should also avoid paper towels and old clothes, especially those having a rough surface. You may even utilize a smartphones flashlight for this purpose. Folks over at XDA Developers were able to simulate the USB port contamination warning though. Swap to a different USB cable. If your phones USB-C port or charging cable heats up too much, or if your phone senses liquid or debris in its USB-C port, youll get a message that says either: Fix 'Unplug charger' or 'Liquid or debris' message. 3. If your device suddenly starts working, then you know that the problem was a broken wire inside the other cable. First things first, switch off your iPhone if you havent already done so. Restart your computer. WebThis happened on my S20+. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 370,458 times. If your device starts working when plugged into different ports, then the first port probably has a physical problem that needs to be fixed. When you blow air from your mouth, water vapor might enter the USB ports, and could damage them. This process is different depending on whether youre checking for and installing Windows updates or updating macOS. Try another cable. I had corrosion in my charging port causing a short. Herere 6 Ways to Fix It. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are meant to be portable. WebUSB Charging port. Do notput anything into them. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University. Dampen the cotton end with isopropyl alcohol and circle the inside of the port until it's clean. Wear and tear is also a major culprit, as ports that get used often can start to degrade and eventually become unusable. If you fail to clean a congested USB, they become prone to overheating and in the long run, may get damaged. Unwanted files can cause your USB to run slower, so make sure that you delete any files or folders that you no longer need. 3. Lastly, reload the backed up data onto the USB. Web@frobert , Robert, Use canned compressed air to blow the dust from port ( if need be, carefully pick lint out with tooth pick) and then cover port with a small piece of tape to keep clean. You may also want to try using a wall adapter rather than a power bank, as power banks generally do not provide a strong enough charge. 4. Blow compressed air into the charger port in 1 to 2-second bursts. Position the straw to the left or right side of the charging port. Press down Many modern laptops, gaming systems, phones, and tablets now come with USB-C charging ports, which makes it easy to charge different devices with the same style of charger. Use a toothpick or compressed air to clean the port. Do not invert or shake the can when applying it to the USB ports or other components. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-leader-3','ezslot_24',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-leader-3','ezslot_25',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-168{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Yes, a dirty charging port can affect charging. If your USB device is not recognized, try restarting the laptop. Be gentle, but firmjust firm enough to remove stuck-on debris. An alternative to compressed air is a silicon air blower. If you have a Mac, resetting the system management controller (SMC) may fix your problem. Right-click on the first USB controller in the list and select Uninstall device. 2. Why Does Restarting Fix Many Computer Problems? Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. 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Heres a detailed step-by-step guide on what you should do: Navigate to the Start menu and click the power icon. WebJust a side note, something bad WOULD happen. These ports are constantly exposed to dust, lint, and dirt that can permanently damage your phone or reduce charging performance. Did your phone have trouble charging before you cleaned it? You may utilize tools already available at home, like tweezers, cotton buds, etc. Learn how the long-coming and inevitable shift to electric impacts you. Multiple users in the past have complained about random moisture detection notifications on devices like the LG G6, LG V30, Galaxy S7 Edge, and others. Generally, if youre looking to have an electronic repair shop clean out your charging port, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $90. If youre going to use flammable contact cleaners, even a few of its drops may cause harm to the PC components when left turned on. If any updates are available, click on update or update all. I let it dry, stayed on. To ensure its continued use, you should store the device in a secure place and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, dust and magnetic fields. 5. Receive the freshest Android & development news right in your inbox! Locate the two-pin holders that serve as support. Just like any other electronic device, excess heat can damage the drives circuitry, meaning its less likely to last as long as intended. No RGB Header on MotherboardWhat Should You Do? In the device manager, click the arrow next to the little USB cable so that it points down instead of to the right. It is now a valuable resource for people who want to make the most of their mobile devices, from customizing the look and feel to adding new functionality. Plug your device into a different computer. Additionally, if your device requires parts replacement or repair, the cost of cleaning out your charging port may be higher. It may not display this or other websites correctly. It's also possible that there's a connection problem with all of the USB ports on the front or the back, which is why it's important to try more than one on both sides. Shut down your phone, tablet, or laptop. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The ports connector may be tarnished or bent and in need of repair or replacement. We tried pouring some water on the USB port of our updated Pixel 2 but were unable to generate a system warning. This wikiHow teaches you how to safely remove dirt and other substances from USB-C charging port using compressed air and a dental pick. Once the USB port looks to be mostly dry, Carefully plug in the USB device and turn the power on. Although less likely, there is a chance that updating your system could solve your USB port problems. Scan your USB for viruses. If youre going to spend a little more bucks, you may even try the WD-40 contact cleaner. You should regularly clean your phones USB-C port to prevent dust, lint, and other debris from piling up. Regarding the same, this article focuses on a detailed guide to cleaning USB ports, along with the dos and donts. If youre using USB-C headphones, remove the headphones from the USB-C port. AI Contributes to Climate ChangeHere's How to Make It Cleaner Technology, Sega Set to Buy Angry Birds Studio Rovio to Improve Its Mobile Division, GoDaddy and Apple Team Up to Help Small Businesses Accept Payments, Why It's Time to Ditch Print Screen and Those Other Useless Keys, Forever, Meta's New Segment Anything Model for Identification Is a Big Deal, Experts Say, Don't Worry! (Beginners Guide). If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. Bhishu Acharya is a technical content writer at TechNewsToday. These instructions do not apply if the Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip. Just like the former, it can blow away dust from USB ports with a powerful stream of air. These cans come with thin straws that attaches to their nozzles, making it easy to spray controlled bursts into small spaces. Debris or grime can block the port and prevent a proper connection between the computer and the plug. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, 4 Easy Ways to Keep a Clear Case from Turning Yellow, How to Make a Homemade Phone Stand in Less than a Minute, https://appletoolbox.com/how-to-clean-a-usb-c-charging-port-on-your-macbook-ipad-or-phone/. When your USB ports suddenly stop working, the problem can always be tracked down to either a hardware or software failure. USB cable failures are more common than USB port failures, so make sure to swap in a different cable if you have one handy. Eroding the "electrodes" over time. Apply short bursts of air as longer ones may damage the ports. It is always important to have a backup of your data on a separate device in case something goes wrong during the cleaning process. Step 4. To update macOS on Mojave and later, click the Apple icon at the top left, and choose System Preferences > Software Update. Thats the beauty and simplicity of USB, or universal serial bus, which is designed to allow devices to be connected and disconnected at will, often to both Windows and Mac computers, without a whole lot of hassle. Then, use a cotton swab or other soft cloth to clean the inside of the port where debris may remain. Although rags are common and inexpensive, we highly discourage them when cleaning your PC components. If your phones USB-C port looks burned, melted, or corroded, learn how to file a warranty claim or find an authorized repair partner. If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. This will help to ensure your USB is up-to-date and running efficiently. Then let it sit for a few minutes to cool before you turn it back on. Choose Shut down and wait for your PC to power off. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Try These 8 Fixes, How to Fix Printer Alignment (All Brands), Fix: Ryzen Master Driver Not Installed Properly, Cookie Clicker Garden Guide to Unlocking Every Seed, Computer Turns On But Monitor Says No Signal (9 Ways To Fix), Tweezers to pull out hairs and food crumbles, Do not insert fingers and nails inside the USB ports, Toothpicks, cotton buds, or microfiber swaps to remove dust and grime, Avoid large-sized brushes with hard bristles, Blast short bursts of compressed air with a nozzle, Avoid any compressed air cans with more than 30 psi pressure and do not invert when using it, Apply Isopropyl alcohols (up to 99%) in cotton buds and microfiber swabs to remove tough stains, Do not apply Isopropyl alcohol directly to the USB ports, A portable vacuum cleaner (meant for cleaning PC components) is only recommended as this is much more favorable than blowing away the dust, Do not use a vacuum cleaner with high-suction power to suck in dirt, Use a bright source of light to inspect USB ports, Turn off the PC and remove power connections before cleaning, Use a silicon air blower as an alternative to compressed air, Do not blow air from your mouth to dust off particles, Clean in the same direction to avoid scratches, Avoid rough cleaning and applying too much pressure. Many computers have more than one USB port, so a good way to rule out a single broken port is to unplug your USB device and try it in different ports. Use a different phone, tablet or computer to contact us. If its still having trouble, I suggest visiting a repair professional. Check for loose or broken internal connections. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg\/aid12790469-v4-728px-Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"