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01Is it the port, the cable or something else?
To clean a USB-C port, turn the phone off, tap out loose debris, then gently ease packed lint out with a wooden toothpick, keeping clear of the contact tongue in the middle. But before you clean anything, spend 30 seconds making sure the port is actually the problem.
The cable is worn out
Cables fail at the neck by the connector long before ports do. Replace it and keep the old one for data only, if it still works for that.
Shop USB-C cablesLint is packed in the port
The plug can't seat fully, so contacts don't meet. Follow the cleaning steps below.
See the stepsMoisture in the port
Don't clean or charge a wet port. Unplug, tap out the water and let it air-dry. Our liquid detected guide walks through it.
Fix the liquid warningWorn or damaged port
If a clean port and a new cable still won't charge or hold the plug, the port needs a repair. Charge wirelessly in the meantime if your phone supports it.
Shop wireless chargers02What Apple, Samsung and Google say
None of the big three publish a detailed port-cleaning procedure, and their advice leans cautious. That's worth knowing before you pick up a toothpick.
| Brand | What their support pages say | What that means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Apple (iPhone 15 and later) | Remove any debris from the charging port. When cleaning iPhone, don't use compressed air and avoid moisture in openings. | Debris removal is expected; keep it dry and air-free |
| Google (Pixel) | Check the port for moisture or debris, and don't put anything into it. Tap the phone port-down against your hand. | Start with tapping; anything inserted is at your own risk |
| Samsung (Galaxy) | For moisture, gently shake the phone port-down, wipe it with a dry cloth and let it air-dry in a ventilated spot. | Gentle, dry methods only |
Scratched contacts from a home cleaning job aren't something a warranty will cheerfully cover. If the phone is new or covered, a service visit costs you less risk.
03How to clean a USB-C port safely
A USB-C port is a small oval with a flat tongue running down the middle. The contacts sit on both faces of that tongue, so lint packs into the gap around it and at the back wall. You want to clear that gap without bending or scraping the tongue.
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Power off and remove the case
A switched-off phone can't short if a tool touches two contacts at once. Taking the case off gives you a clear view and a straight angle in.
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Light it up
Shine a flashlight in at an angle. Packed lint shows up as a gray mat at the back, often pressed flat around the base of the tongue.
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Tap first
Hold the phone port-down and tap it against your palm. Loose sand and crumbs often fall straight out.
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Work the edges with a wooden toothpick
Slide the tip in along the outer wall of the port, above or below the tongue, and gently scrape toward the opening. Go around the oval. Don't push down on the tongue or pry against it.
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Clear the back wall
Lightly loosen the mat at the back, then hook it out. It often comes out as a compressed sliver. Repeat until the back wall looks clean under the light.
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Test with a known-good cable
Power on and plug in. A clean port gives a firm click, and the cable shouldn't wiggle.
Metal SIM tools, pins and paperclips can scratch or short the contacts. Cotton swabs leave fibers. Liquids, including alcohol, can trigger moisture alerts and corrosion. Apple advises against compressed air on iPhone, and it can push lint deeper on any phone.
04When the cable is the culprit
USB-C plugs collect lint too, and a cable plug with grime on its contacts can act just like a dirty port. Look at the plug under a light. If it's dirty, a dry, soft cloth or a dry toothbrush cleans the outside. If the metal shell is bent or the cable is frayed at the neck, retire it.
- Charges slowly but connects: often a low-rated cable or charger. See USB-C cable not charging.
- Works only at an angle: lint in the port or a worn plug. Clean first, then swap the cable.
- Data or Android Auto drops: charging-only cables can't carry data. See Android Auto not connecting.
Swap in a fresh cable to rule out the cable before you blame the port.
05Keep lint out of the port
Most port lint comes from the same pocket, day after day. Turn that pocket out now and then, and slip the phone in port-up when you can. Charging wirelessly part of the time cuts how often a plug pushes lint deeper. If your phone supports it, our Galaxy wireless charging guide and Pixel wireless charging guide help you set it up reliably. Using an iPhone with Lightning? See how to clean an iPhone charging port.
Questions people ask
What is the best tool to clean a USB-C port?
A wooden or plastic toothpick, used gently with the phone off. It's thin enough to reach the gap around the center tongue and won't conduct electricity. Avoid metal tools and cotton swabs.
Can I use isopropyl alcohol to clean a USB-C port?
It's best not to on a phone. Apple says to keep moisture out of openings, and liquid in the port can trigger moisture warnings and corrosion. Dry lint comes out with a toothpick.
Can I blow into my USB-C port?
Don't. Your breath carries moisture into the port. Tap the phone port-down against your hand instead, then use a toothpick for anything packed in.
How do I know if my USB-C port is damaged?
If the port is clean, several cables won't charge or hold firmly, and you see bent, discolored or burned contacts, it's likely damaged. Google says not to charge a port that looks burned, melted or corroded. Get it repaired.
Why does my USB-C cable keep disconnecting?
Lint in the port is the most common cause, followed by a worn cable plug. Clean the port, then try a different cable to see which one is at fault.