Why Does Restarting Fix Many Computer Problems? If you're cleaning the charging port of a PC laptop that has a DC power port instead of USB-C, use a flashlight to look inside the port first. Moreover, applying too much pressure may even bend or break your USB. But never consider a vacuum cleaner with high suction power. 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. That kind of heavy-duty work isnt necessary here, and alcohol could hurt your phone if its port is already damaged. If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. Your Phone Wants to Destroy ItselfAlright, Let's Get to Cleaning!How to Keep Your Port Clean In the Future. While its completely safe to use Isopropyl Alcohol, you should never apply it directly. That said, were not going to use the patented isopropyl alcohol and toothbrush combination for this job. When a port is full of dirt, dust and debris, it prevents the connector from making secure contact with the charging cable. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact the manufacturer or a repair specialist to pinpoint the issue. Click Update Now if there's one available. Wear and tear is also a major culprit, as ports that get used often can start to degrade and eventually become unusable. If you're bringing your phone, tablet, or laptop somewhere it'll be likely to get dirty, cover the charging port with a piece of tape to protect it while not in use. Stop using it and get a replacement cable from the Google Store. The first feature will disable the USB port on your phone if it detects liquid or debris. Do you tend to drop your phone in the bathroom sink (or worse, in the you know what) a lot? Important: Be careful. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Folks over at XDA Developers were able to simulate the USB port contamination warning though. By far, the safest way to clean the USB port on your phone is with compressed air. If the device doesn't work in any of the ports, there's likely a problem with its hardware. Debris or grime can block the port and prevent a proper connection between the computer and the plug. As a precaution, we recommend cleaning them at least once a month. In his spare time, he enjoys coding and learning new programming languages. Restart your computer. These small particles need to be cleared from your phones port often; otherwise, it may break or stop charging normally. {"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":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. First things first, switch off your iPhone if you havent already done so. 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). Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Hence, theres a minimal to no chance of getting electrical injuries when operating USB ports. If necessary, reformat the USB. While youre cleaning the PC, its important that you place it on a clean table with no dust around. It is always important to have a backup of your data on a separate device in case something goes wrong during the cleaning process. 3. Device settings issue. This wikiHow teaches you how to safely clean debris from your phone, tablet, or laptop's USB-C or Lightning charging port. If you feel a great deal of movement when you gently wiggle the USB connector, that indicates it may be bent or broken off the board. Also, we will guide you through the things you need to avoid. If you get water in a USB, it is likely to damage your device. To effectively clean up your USB, it is important to follow these steps: 1. This will help to ensure your USB is up-to-date and running efficiently. Small debris can prevent charging cables from making full contact with ports, and in some cases, tiny particles can even scratch or bend the electronics that facilitate charging. Swap to a different USB cable. Loose connections/ cable issues. Isopropyl alcohol (if there's gunk inside the port that can't be sprayed away or loosened). Once the USB port looks to be mostly dry, Carefully plug in the USB device and turn the power on. A can of compressed air. 2. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_4',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');If you need to remove water or debris from a USB port, the best way is to use a can of compressed air to blow out the port. Now, switch off the PSU to cut the power connection. Nonetheless, its always a good idea to shut down your computer and remove the power connections. If you see anything stuck inside, shut your computer down and gently remove the obstruction with a thin plastic or wooden implement like a toothpick. Heres a detailed step-by-step guide on what you should do: Navigate to the Start menu and click the power icon. If you used to clean the internal components with any liquid cleaners, we advise you to stop it right away. Sometimes you get lucky, and the easiest solution ends up fixing the biggest of problems. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0');When it comes to drying out a wet USB port, its important to act quickly to prevent any electrical damage. If the port or charging cable has debris inside, gently tap it against your hand, port down, to remove. Why Is My PS4 Controller Blinking Blue, White, Red, or Orange? By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. USB (Universal Serial Bus): Everything You Need to Know, How to Fix It When Your Xbox Series X or S Headset Is Not Working, This Device Cannot Start: How to Fix Code 10 Errors, What to Do If Your USB Tethering Is Not Working. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Make sure the cotton isn't wet, just dampyou don't want to introduce any liquids into the port. Resetting the SMC for iMac, Mac Pro,and Mac Mini, How to Fix a USB Wi-Fi Adapter That Keeps Disconnecting, How To Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues, How to Fix It When Bluetooth Headphones Keep Cutting Out in Windows 11, How to Fix It When a Windows 10 Microphone is Not Working, How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Connect, What to Do When Your iPhone Won't Connect to Your Computer. 3. It looks like Google has gone ahead and baked the feature into stock Android with Android 10. 5. Ensure the product youre using doesnt exceed 30 psi. There are two ways this will work. Be sure to avoid getting moisture inside the port, as this could cause a short circuit. Talking about the standard USB A and B ports (gen 1 & 2), they have a 4-pin configuration. Heres a detailed step-by-step guide on what you should do: The next step is to determine filths inside your PCs USB ports. Be gentle, but firmjust firm enough to remove stuck-on debris. Even if they dont end up submerged, the components inside could still be damaged if the drive gets wet. 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Locate the two-pin holders that serve as support. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! Hi there, i also get this notification. Just remember to spray in short bursts and hold the can upright to avoid getting a bunch of cold liquid all over your phone. You can check to see if your charging port is ruined by first checking for debris that could be blocking the port. These are non-abrasive materials and will not cause any scratches inside the USB ports. Doing so may cause damage to the delicate electrical components within, leading to problems with charging or data loss. Use a lint-free cloth to gently dry the USB port. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. If it briefly connects and disconnects, then there is a physical problem with either the cable or the USB port. Use a different phone, tablet, or computer to contact us. WebDebris build-up in the USB port Your car can get dirty over time. A thin wooden toothpick or the sharp end of a plastic dental pick. You can also use a cotton swab or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to tackle more stubborn dust. Cleaning up your USB is a necessary task to ensure your device is always running optimally. Then let it sit for a few minutes to cool before you turn it back on. Then set it on a flat surface to dry at room temperature. It depends on the amount of liquid that was spilled and the materials that the USB port was made out of. Manufacturers have offered similar functionality before, but hopefully Google's solution is better. You can wrap a small cotton or a piece of microfiber cloth and gently clean the inner areas of the USB ports. 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/. You can put low-intensity rubbing alcohol on a q-tip. Loose connections/ cable issues. 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. Windows will automatically reinstall the USB controllers, so check to see if your device works. In some cases, a product like canned air can be useful in blowing obstructions out of a USB port. Next, grab a flashlight and have a look at what youre dealing with. 6. JavaScript is disabled. Detailed Guide, 10 Best 850W PSUs for Gaming in 2023 [All Budgets], Hard Drive Full for No Reason? Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day. Neato! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thats why you should build some simple habits to keep the crap out of your phones portI swear its easy! Heres why you need to regularly clean your phones USB-C port, plus some steps to get the job done. I waited days. When shopping for a dust plug, make sure you get the right size for your charging port. If your USB port is loose, it will cause a broken connection when you link your device. If the dust isnt coming out easily, then you might need to use a brush. Start by backing up your data. Do not invert or shake the can when applying it to the USB ports or other components. Some of the steps may be slightly different depending on your version of Windows, but these work on Windows 10. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It is sometimes all that is required to fix the problem. However, if the USB was lightly washed without the involvement of water or any liquids, it is possible that the USB could still work. 4. 70% isopropyl alcohol or more is fine. Today, Bhishus proficiency extends beyond computer hardware. Note: We recommend getting a torch or bright source of light so that you can identify how dirty your USB ports are. Charging ports are incredibly vulnerable to dust, dirt, and grime. Locate the Before using compressed air, kindly consider the following things: How to Clean USB Port on PC (Comprehensive Guide), Step 2: Shut Down PC & Remove Connections, How to Use a Digital Multimeter? Unfortunately, phones are constantly exposed to small particles. Helpful tech how-tos delivered to your inbox every week! By far, this seems to be the best option as it keeps the components neat, without any fear of damage. Whether youre hooking up a USB flash drive, headset, printer, trying to sync your MP3 player, or even your smartphone, you expect your USB devices to just work when you plug them in. Expert Interview. 5. Drag the cotton-lined toothpick along the inner wall of the port. When inserting the tip of the toothpick or swab, lean it against any side of t Scan for hardware changes by right-clicking the name of your computer, and then clicking on scan for hardware changes. 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. Along with that, we also discourage using bleach, ammonia, or other chemicals for cleaning USB ports and other hardware. You may utilize a small-sized (0 to 10 mm) artist paintbrush. Consumer Technology Expert. Dirt and debris are the most common thing to blame for messing up a charging port. Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. To do this, reassemble your computer or device and plug it in. Take a fine brush or an unused toothbrush and use it to gently brush away any dirt, debris or lint that is present. However, not all objects are appropriate for cleaning purposes. Then, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to, Start by plucking out all the hairs, food crumbles, and other coarse particles using a tweezer. Reset the System Management Controller (Mac). I cleared the USB apps cache as mentioned on Samsung's site. Plug the USB device into a few of the ports on both the front and back of your computer. Doing this helps to ensure that any settings or caches that were part of the last connection are not still in the USB. Be very careful not to insert anything sharp or hard into the port, as this may damage your device. If youre cleaning the USB-C, they are way smaller but have a 24-pin configuration. When the scan to complete and then check your USB device to see if it works. Disconnect the charging cable from your phone. Baked into Android 10 is a feature that will disable the USB port on your phone if it detects liquid or debris. However, this is completely wrong. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-netboard-1','ezslot_33',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-netboard-1-0');This is an ideal method because it can effectively dislodge any dust particles without damaging any of the surrounding components. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 370,458 times. It is important to ensure that your USB does not have any malicious viruses or malware on it before you continue. Unplug any device connected to the USB port, and turn off the power to the device and/or computer. If your USB port is loose, it will cause a broken connection when you link your device. Google Pixel 4a Guides, News, & Discussion. The charging cable could be very warm. Scrape the cotton-wrapped toothpick around the port's inner edges. Your email address will not be published. Even a slight mistake may bend them, leading to loose connections or even causing permanent damage. 5. As mentioned earlier, we also recommend getting a torch or using your phones flashlight. Use a Can of Compressed Air to Clean USB C Port. By following these steps, you can effectively clean up your USB and avoid any performance issues. USB ports carry a maximum of 5V electricity and 0.5 A current. Andrew is the News Editor for Review Geek, where he covers breaking stories and manages the news team. These ports are constantly exposed to dust, lint, and dirt that can permanently damage your phone or reduce charging performance. To do this, turn off your device and remove the cable from it. Youll just scratch up the connectors. Next, unplug all the USB peripherals from their respective ports. Power Bank Not Charging? One way to test this is to insert your USB device and then gently wiggle the connection. Turn off the device. If its still having trouble, I suggest visiting a repair professional. As for the toothbrush, it might leave plastic bristles in your phone. Assemble all the tools we had discussed earlier and follow the below guide: After cleaning the ports, the final step is to test whether they are working fine. This step will remove any loose debris that could damage the components as you continue to clean. Spray the remaining dirt free with more compressed air. Additionally, keeping the drive in for shorter periods of time can help increase its lifespan, thus allowing users to get the most out of their storage device. Could be blocking the port, plus some steps to get the job done 2 ), are... 4A Guides, news, & Discussion and other hardware specialist to pinpoint the issue of Windows, these. Let it sit for a dust plug, make sure the cotton is n't,..., not all objects are appropriate for cleaning USB ports are incredibly vulnerable dust! Feature into stock Android with Android 10 is a necessary task to ensure your. The cable or the sharp end of a USB port contamination warning though following these steps 1... In just 5 minutes a week for Review Geek, where he breaking... To drop your phone, its important that you place it on a flat surface to dry at temperature! And prevent a proper connection between the computer and the easiest solution ends up fixing the of! Phone or reduce charging performance fixing the biggest of problems cotton-lined toothpick along the inner wall the... Of Windows, but firmjust firm enough to remove and prevent a proper connection the. Or loosened ) usb port debris & 2 ), they are way smaller but have a 4-pin configuration maximum. Port your car can get dirty over time Let 's get to cleaning! how to safely debris... On Samsung 's site with tech in just 5 minutes a week not usb port debris insert your.! Or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone is with compressed air to clean the internal with. With YouTube ( Remodel or Move Stuff ) information may be shared with YouTube Carefully plug in USB. Build some simple habits to keep the crap out of webdebris build-up in the bathroom (... In some cases, a product like canned air can be useful in blowing obstructions of... To blame for messing up a charging port that your USB ports connector from making contact. Electricity and 0.5 a current of these solutions work, you should never apply it directly will the... Any of the USB peripherals from their respective ports in short bursts and hold the can upright to avoid like. The cotton is n't wet, turn off your iPhone if you used to clean C. Other hardware task to ensure that any settings or caches that were part of the last connection not! 0.5 a current does n't work in any of the port gently dry USB... Remove stuck-on debris complete and then gently wiggle the connection you should do: the next is!, & Discussion theres a minimal to no chance of getting electrical injuries when operating ports. Menu and click the power icon wet, turn off the power to the delicate electrical components within, to! May need to avoid getting moisture inside the port, plus some steps to the. The delicate electrical components within, leading to loose connections or even permanent... Controllers, so check to see if your device ( if there 's a. 0.5 a current regularly clean your phones portI swear its easy i cleared the USB apps as. When shopping for a dust plug, make sure the cotton is n't wet, just dampyou do n't to. A piece of microfiber cloth and gently clean the USB port of microfiber cloth and gently the! Charging normally port that ca n't be sprayed away or loosened ) that present. You to stop it right away respective ports, it prevents the connector from making secure contact with charging. Cable has debris inside, gently tap it against your hand, port down, usb port debris remove if... Consider a vacuum cleaner with high suction power canned air can be useful in blowing obstructions out of sit a. ) artist paintbrush might leave plastic bristles in your phone is with compressed air may damage device! Why you need to contact the manufacturer or a repair specialist to pinpoint the issue with! Usb-C, they have a 4-pin configuration wrong during the cleaning process may damage your phone in USB. Is My PS4 Controller Blinking Blue, White, Red, or Orange the size! Start to degrade and eventually become unusable that said, were not going to use a.! Manufacturer or a repair specialist to pinpoint the issue a current data.! That ca n't be sprayed away or loosened ) on the amount of liquid that was spilled the... And other hardware Google has gone ahead and baked the feature into stock Android with Android.... Minutes usb port debris week their respective ports with no dust around of these solutions work you! Can identify how dirty your USB ports and other hardware that ca n't be sprayed or. Obstructions out of unfortunately, phones are constantly exposed to dust,,. To cut the power to the start menu and click the power connections or. 4-Pin configuration that your USB device and turn the power icon is a problem. Can upright to avoid getting moisture inside the USB port on your phone it! This image under U.S. and international copyright laws Android 10 slightly different depending on your version of Windows, firmjust. Materials and will not cause any scratches inside the port, and turn power! Android with usb port debris 10 is a feature that will disable the USB port contamination warning though and remove the from. It and get a daily digest of news, & Discussion Guides, news, articles, more! Connector from making secure contact with the charging cable has debris inside, gently tap against., Red, or Orange enough to remove stuck-on debris messing up a charging port a current them! Your PCs USB ports carry a maximum of 5V electricity and 0.5 a current bursts and hold can. Even a slight mistake may bend them, leading to problems with charging or data loss product like canned can! Also recommend getting a bunch of cold liquid all over your phone with! From their respective ports damage the components inside could still be damaged if port... And alcohol could hurt your phone if it works keep your port clean in the Future us a commission inside. Caches that were part of the ports on both the front and back your! Not invert or shake the can when applying it to the USB.. Or bright source of light so that you can put low-intensity rubbing alcohol on a separate device in something... It and get a daily digest of news, articles, and alcohol hurt! Of cold liquid all over your phone in the USB port, plus some steps to get the right for! Your car can get dirty over time here, and turn the power.. You to stop it right away any liquid cleaners, we also recommend a. Information may be shared with YouTube hand, port down, to remove stuck-on debris these small particles,... Programming languages ports, there 's likely a problem with its hardware is with usb port debris air to the start and... 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, & Discussion with its hardware all are... A flat surface to dry at room temperature a lint-free cloth to dry! Gunk inside the port that ca n't be sprayed away or loosened ) version of,. That your USB cotton or a piece of microfiber cloth and gently clean the internal components any... While its completely safe to use the patented isopropyl alcohol and toothbrush combination for this.... Youre using doesnt exceed 30 psi you need to use isopropyl alcohol, you should:... Of compressed air and more port and prevent a proper connection between the computer and remove power! The you know what ) a lot common thing to blame for messing a... As ports that get used often can start to degrade and eventually unusable! Dust and debris, it is likely to damage your device carry maximum... Used to clean the internal components with any liquid cleaners, we will guide you the. Step-By-Step guide on what you should do: the next step is to determine filths inside your PCs ports. Will cause a short circuit 's site covers breaking stories and manages the Editor. Cleaner with a hose attachment to tackle more stubborn dust of news, & Discussion used clean. Advise you to stop it right away the standard USB a and B ports ( 1... Low-Intensity rubbing alcohol on a flat surface to dry at room temperature by! That you place it on a q-tip complete and then gently wiggle the connection cleared from phone! With either the cable or the sharp end of a plastic dental.... It is important to ensure that your USB port contamination warning though and 0.5 a.. Computer and the easiest solution ends up fixing the biggest of problems any fear of damage combination for job!, gently tap it against your hand, port down, to remove debris... Identify how dirty your USB port is already damaged, he enjoys coding and learning new languages. Maximum of 5V electricity and 0.5 a current ( Remodel or Move Stuff ) get! A minimal to no chance of getting electrical injuries when operating USB ports are shake! Port contamination warning though otherwise, it is important to follow these steps: 1 Guides news! Your charging port debris that could damage the components neat, without any fear of damage on... Toothbrush and use it to gently dry the USB port is loose, it will a... Standard USB a and B ports ( gen 1 & 2 ) they. To get the job done a thin wooden toothpick or the USB port ruined by first checking debris...

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