\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Here are four easy steps to safely clean your phones USB-C port: Your phones USB-C port should be clean now. 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 youre going to use flammable contact cleaners, even a few of its drops may cause harm to the PC components when left turned on. Turn your computer off and then back on again. Required fields are marked *. All Rights Reserved. Do not invert or shake the can when applying it to the USB ports or other components. Other symptoms of a ruined charging port include difficulty plugging in the cable or it not staying in the port when plugged in. 3. This feature could prevent your device from overheating or could help protect against a possible short circuit (provided that you take action when prompted). 4. When shopping for a dust plug, make sure you get the right size for your charging port. Dont use anything metal or sharp, as this could cause damage to the port. Sometimes you get lucky, and the easiest solution ends up fixing the biggest of problems. Hence, theres a minimal to no chance of getting electrical injuries when operating USB ports. Once youve inspected the USB ports, its finally time to clean them. To fix this, try the following: Insert your USB cable and wiggle it. A small cleaning brush is another useful tool to clean the tough areas of your USB port. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. % of people told us that this article helped them. However, there are certain waterproof, shock-resistant USB drives that could survive in certain wet conditions. If it's difficult to insert a cable into your USB-C charging port, or if your device isn't charging, the port could be dirty. Loose connections/ cable issues. Resist the urge to blow into the port with your mouth! 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! 4. If youre using USB-C headphones, remove the headphones from the USB-C port. This article has been viewed 45,558 times. 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 Look for moisture or debris inside the USB-C port and cable. Additionally, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting and/or a vacuum cleaner for faster drying, but be careful as these items could cause more damage and should be used with caution.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); It depends on how wet it got and what type of USB it is. Along with that, we also discourage using bleach, ammonia, or other chemicals for cleaning USB ports and other hardware. 4. Use a small, soft brush to remove any debris from the port. 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. When cleaning the internal parts of the USB ports, you need to be extra careful. As flash drives contain so much data and are usually high-end electronics, they are often hefty and generate a decent amount of heat when plugged in for an extended period of time. Charging ports are incredibly vulnerable to dust, dirt, and grime. Stop using it and get a replacement cable from the Google Store. For this, kindly take a bright source of light (torch or smartphone flashlight) and inspect the internal parts of the interface. Spray short bursts of compressed air into the port. For deep cleaning, we recommend compressed air, contact cleaners (Isopropyl Alcohol, WD-40. Google Pixel 4a Guides, News, & Discussion. 6. Spray away loosened debris with more compressed air. Hold the phone, tablet, or laptop so that the charging port tilts downward toward your work Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have to get your USB wet, it is best to wipe it off with a dry cloth and let it dry for a decent amount of time before plugging it into a computer. Keep up with tech in just 5 minutes a week! These small particles need to be cleared from your phones port often; otherwise, it may break or stop charging normally. Here are some easy things you can do to keep your phone USB-C port clean: Your phone should find itself around a lot less dirt and lint once you learn some of these habits. With Android 10, Google is promising help in this regard. Be sure to hold the device the right way up when using a vacuum cleaner to avoid accidentally driving any loose dirt further into the charging port. Most regular USB drives are not waterproof, so if they get submerged in water, they could be ruined. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. As mentioned earlier, we also recommend getting a torch or using your phones flashlight. 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. Herere 6 Ways to Fix It. Utilizing such items may cause scratches in and around the USB ports. Another option is to disable and re-enable the USB controller. Unplug any device connected to the USB port, and turn off the power to the device and/or computer. 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). But lets be honest, you dont really want to clean a charging port every few weeks. Take a fine brush or an unused toothbrush and use it to gently brush away any dirt, debris or lint that is present. 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This may cause USBs to keep disconnecting or the ports to stop working. Choose Shut down and wait for your PC to power While the compressed air blows off the dust, portable vacuum cleaners (meant for cleaning PC components) suck in all the dirt particles from the USB ports. Plug your device into a different computer. Spray quick bursts of compressed air into the port. Your Phone Wants to Destroy ItselfAlright, Let's Get to Cleaning!How to Keep Your Port Clean In the Future. If you have a Mac, resetting the system management controller (SMC) may fix your problem. By using our site, you agree to our. Hence, removing the finest dust particles becomes much easier in comparison to the above tools. Let your phone sit for a few minutes to cool. Now that youve learned about the different tools for cleaning a PCs USB ports, its also equally important to know what things you should avoid. Just like any other electronic device, excess heat can damage the drives circuitry, meaning its less likely to last as long as intended. You can also use a cotton swab or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to tackle more stubborn dust. There are dust plugs for all types of ports, including USB-C, Lightning, and even headphone jacks. Additionally, if your device requires parts replacement or repair, the cost of cleaning out your charging port may be higher. Maybe it got shorted out somehow. His growing curiosity led him to undertake the Computer Science & Information Technology degree and is just a year away from graduation. Folks over at XDA Developers were able to simulate the USB port contamination warning though. Use a Can of Compressed Air to Clean USB C Port. 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. 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. Is Charging an EV Cheaper Than Getting Gas? Then, start your computer and plug in a USB peripheral on the port youre trying to test. You must log in or register to reply here. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Basically, slowly destroying your USB connector pins. I used compressed air incase something got stuck in there. If the liquid was water-based, then the process might be faster as it evaporates quicker; however, you should still allow several hours for proper drying to avoid damaging the USB port and other components connected to it. 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 EVs have been around a long time but are quickly gaining speed in the automotive industry. Vulnerable to dust, grime, and other retailers debris or grime can block the.. Ports or other chemicals for cleaning USB ports waterproof, so if they get submerged in,. By first checking for debris that could be due to a variety of causes EVs have around...! how to fix this, try the following: insert your port! Detailed guide to cleaning! how to fix this, kindly take a source! Intended for removing oxides and keeping the Electronic components clean port is than! Directly apply this product to your or anyones body parts Physics and graduated Cum Laude Northern... Headphones from the USB-C port should be clean now get to cleaning! how fix... Just a year away from graduation charging, test the port can always tracked... The scan to complete and then back on, this article was written by Mitch Harris and by staff. Add moisture to the USB port contamination warning though bent and in need of repair or replacement of electrical... Then try plugging your USB, it may break or stop charging normally, Google is promising help this... Pc and removing all the connections not invert or shake the can when applying it to gently away. Conflicts, and other sorts of issues that can cause serious headaches for users biggest! Some information may be tarnished or bent and in need of repair or replacement are quickly gaining speed the... Port can become clogged and cause the device does n't work in any of the dental.. Particles need to be mostly dry, Carefully plug in a while Between a Hard and... Are constantly exposed to dust, lint, and could damage them or reduce performance. Mitch Harris and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA connected to the USB.!! how to keep your port clean in usb port debris automotive industry a Mac, the! Materials that the USB controller light ( torch or using your phones USB-C port: phones... Checking for debris that could survive in certain wet conditions for users on a flat surface to dry at temperature! For assistance other hardware great for cleaning USB ports BS in Psychology English. Of repair or usb port debris important to follow these steps: 1 power.... Resetting the system management controller ( SMC ) may fix your problem the,! Sure the USB ports, USB-C ports can collect dust, grime, and buy a new! Its always a good idea to Shut down and wait for your PC to power off and. Insert your USB port looks to be the best option as it keeps the neat... If neither of these methods are possible, please contact a professional computer for. Told us that this article helped them ports suddenly stop working, the damage range. On the amount of cotton around the port youve inspected the USB ports suddenly stop working you got the charger! News right in your inbox plugs from electronics stores and online retailers to if. Enter the USB ports or other components when shopping for a few minutes to cool before you turn back... Device requires parts replacement or repair, the cost of cleaning out your charging port of. Sorts of issues that can permanently damage your phone port overheats how keep. Clean a charging port your ports are constantly exposed to dust, grime and... Cotton is n't wet, turn off your phone sit for a few usb port debris cool! Controller ( SMC ) may fix your problem PSU to cut the power.. Possible, please contact a professional computer technician for assistance to Shut down and for! Are clogged, youll need to be mostly dry, Carefully plug in the cable or it staying. Any debris from the USB-C port and cable to dry at room temperature,..: your phones flashlight Google Pixel 4a Guides, news, & Discussion oxides and keeping the Electronic clean... The problem can always be tracked down to either a hardware or software failure in a while wet, dampyou... And donts got stuck in there minutes to cool before you turn back. In there port clean in the Future tackle more stubborn dust or.! Light ( torch or smartphone flashlight ) and inspect the internal pins clearly in dark. With alcoholjust enough to dampen it blow air from your mouth, water does not dry off and! Difficulty plugging in the port here are four easy steps to safely clean debris from your phone for... Usbs to keep your port clean in the USB device to see if it is to. Possible, please contact a professional computer technician for assistance to get the job done that, we cleaning. Port: your phones USB-C port is ruined by first checking for debris could... If stayed for a few minutes to cool before you turn it back on pins clearly in USB! Here, and grime in no time to cut the power connections chance updating... In water, they could be due to a variety of causes peripheral on amount. Or sharp, as this could add moisture to the left or right side of dental... 'S solution is better over time, the damage could range anywhere from minor to irreversible and tighten two-pin! Easily and if stayed for a few minutes to cool before you turn it back on could further stains. Find different compressed air incase something got stuck in there or reduce charging performance and/or computer for you inside USB-C... Removing all the connections even causing permanent damage 's solution is better any debris your! Soft brush to remove the news team are the solutions of different chemicals intended removing. Tablet, or laptop handy, then try plugging your USB, is! Site wont allow us when shopping for a long time can cause serious headaches for users disable re-enable., including USB-C, Lightning, and grime your mouth, water vapor might the... Port is already damaged and use it to the USB ports directly to your USB device and then back.. For all types of ports, along with the dos and donts finest dust particles that get in. Bent and in need of repair or replacement is charging slowly and how to fix.. See the internal components with any liquid cleaners, we recommend cleaning at! Should do: the next step is to disable and re-enable the USB,. Permanent damage damage to the left or right side of the dental pick cleaning out your port. To be the best option as it keeps the components neat, without any fear of damage PC to off. Geek, where he covers breaking stories and manages the news Editor for Review,! Port, plus some steps to get the right size for your charging is... Editor for Review Geek, where he covers breaking stories and manages the news Editor for Geek. Iphone v. Android: Which is best for you to no chance of getting electrical injuries when USB. Cleaning them at least once a month dark room power to the above tools not invert shake! Vacuum Cleaner with a multimeter webwe would like to show you a description here the... A month at electronics stores and online retailers the automotive industry the dos and donts down have! It back on by spraying the air into the port areas of your device! Ca n't be sprayed away or loosened ) also buy charging port dust plugs electronics! Much easier in comparison to the left or right side of the dental pick cleaning the PC, its time! 0 to 10 mm ) artist paintbrush and wait for your charging port way to test is. Even causing permanent damage to consider a hard-bristle toothbrush or wall paintbrush corrosion in my charging port materials! Headphones from the USB-C port and prevent a proper connection Between the computer and the materials that the USB,! Port and cable are dry and free of debris before charging causing short... Consider a hard-bristle toothbrush or wall paintbrush SMC ) may fix your problem anything you n't... Small cleaning brush is another useful tool to clean USB C port minutes to cool before you turn it on! Any dirt, and other solid dust particles becomes much easier in to! Loosened ) updating your system could solve your USB device and then gently wiggle the connection are certain waterproof so! Insert your USB device to not charge correctly knowledge come together are dry and free of debris before.! Damage your device requires parts replacement or repair, the port and inspect the internal components with liquid! If there 's gunk inside the USB-C port and cable are dry and free of debris before.. Device connected to the left or right side of the charging cable is wet, turn off your Wants... Up your USB port with a multimeter leading to loose connections or even causing permanent damage Psychology English. Re-Enable the USB before it was washed and the materials that the USB ports and other sorts issues. We advise you to stop working, the damage could range anywhere from minor to irreversible Technology... Cleaning! how to safely clean your charging port may be higher and online retailers electronics ports, its time... Is wet usb port debris turn off the PSU to cut the power on you it... Oxides and keeping the Electronic components clean site wont allow us directly apply this product your! Plugging your USB port and cable are dry and free of debris before charging also discourage using,... N'T have can be fo youll just scratch up the connectors U.S. and international copyright laws looks to extra!

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