How to Get Dust Out of Charging Ports

Without a viable charging port, your smartphone is living on borrowed time. While many smartphones can fuel up on wireless chargers, the process is typically faster with a port connection. The charging port may also support critical connections with external technology, such as car infotainment systems, so a poorly working charging port can be a major inconvenience.

The most common reasons charging ports don't work include:

  • Dust, lint or other debris in the port blocking the connection 
  • Physical damage to elements in the port
  • Damaged or faulty cables or adapters
  • Glitches with phone software

Knowing how to get dust out of charging ports helps you address these issues. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for removing dust from the charging ports on your phone, computer and other devices, as well as dos and don'ts for cleaning your charging port.

What happens if dust gets in your charging port?

Keeping debris and dust out of your charging port is important. If dust accumulates in the port, it can lead to:

  • A poor connection that interrupts connections with external devices, such as car audio systems, computers and other tech
  • Disruption of charging, including slowing charging functions so it takes longer to achieve a full battery or stopping charging altogether 
  • Long-term damage to the device

What tools you need to remove dust from a charging port

Knowing how to get dust out of your iPhone charging port or the port on other devices starts with gathering the right tools. Some items that can be helpful include:

  • Compressed air to blow dust and debris out of the port
  • Toothpicks you can use to dislodge stubborn debris
  • A microfiber cloth that doesn't deposit fibers 
  • Alcohol wipes to clean your device's exterior

For an all-in-one solution, consider the OtterBox Device Care Kit. It includes the essentials for keeping your devices clean, including screen-safe cleaning tools and microfiber options designed to avoid scratching your screens or depositing fibers.

Regular cleaning with the right tools can help maintain your device's performance and extend its lifespan.

Tools to avoid when cleaning charging ports

Some cleaning tools or supplies can cause more damage if you use them to clean your charging port. Tools to avoid include:

  • Paper towels or tissues, as they can deposit fibers into the charging port
  • Cotton swabs, which can leave behind small bits of cotton in the port
  • Metal tools, such as knife tips or paper clips, which may scratch or otherwise damage your device
  • Cleaning chemicals, as they can also damage your device
  • Water, as you should avoid introducing moisture into your charging port

You also shouldn't blow into your charging port to try to dislodge dust, as your breath contains moisture that can harm the device. 

How to check for dust

If you experience problems with slow charging or other disrupted port-related functions, it could be a sign of dust in the port. Shine a flashlight into the port to check. Look for any gunk, dirt or discoloration that might indicate dust.

How to clean a charging port

Knowing how to clean charging ports is easy. Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Turn off your device. Reduce the chance of damage to your device by powering it down before you clean a port.
  2. Use compressed air. Blow out dust and other debris with clean compressed air. Avoid shoving the straw for the compressed air canister into the port.
  3. Use a toothpick. Carefully work stubborn debris out of the port with a toothpick. Be careful not to push too forcefully, or it could break off in the port.
  4. Finish with rubbing alcohol. Use a cloth and a little bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the outside of your phone. 
  5. Turn your device back on. Power on your device and ensure everything works correctly.

Can phone cases keep charging ports clean?

The right phone case can help keep dust and debris out of your ports. When shopping for phone cases, look for features to keep ports clean, such as:

  • A snug fit to help keep dust and debris from getting between the case and phone
  • Port covers that keep openings protected until you need them
  • A custom fit that protects the rest of your device

Top smartphone cases that help avoid dust in charging ports

Protect charging ports and your entire device with smartphone cases that provide comprehensive coverage. Some options to keep dust out of charging ports and protect your device from bumps and drops include:

  • Defender Series Pro, which includes port covers to keep dirt and debris out of device ports
  • Commuter Series, which includes port covers and bumpers to protect cameras 
  • Symmetry Series, which offers streamlined protection that reduces risks associated with dirt building up around your phone

Dust-free, clean charging port

Keeping device charging ports free of dust and debris helps ensure your device can power up quickly and other functions that require an external connection work well. Knowing how to clean phone charging ports can help you maintain your device. A little device housekeeping goes a long way in caring for your tech, and when you OtterBox your phone, you make that job even easier.