Has your charging port on your iPhone stopped working? There are a number of things you can do to try and fix this problem. In this article, we go over some quick fixes you can try right away, how much it might cost to get this issue repaired, and some general steps for how to **fix an iPhone charging port that doesn’t work anymore** at home.
How to fix an iPhone charging port
To address an unresponsive iPhone charging port, follow these detailed steps for troubleshooting, professional repair considerations, and DIY replacement.
Quick fixes to try
- Clean your charging port:
- Use a flashlight to look inside the port for debris.
- Spray quick puffs of air into the port with compressed air or an electronics dust blower.
- Use a toothpick to remove any lodged debris. Avoid using metal objects, which can damage your phone.
- Try a different charging cable, charging block, and/or outlet to ensure the issue isn’t with your accessories or power source.
- Restart your iPhone to resolve any temporary glitches or bugs.
- Update your iPhone’s software to the latest iOS version to fix potential software-related charging issues.
- Wait for a completely dead phone to charge: If your iPhone is completely dead, it will take 5 to 10 minutes for it to turn back on after you plug it into a charger.
- Perform a factory reset (after backing up your iPhone):
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Account password, if prompted.
- Click Continue to confirm and begin the factory reset process. If you have an eSIM, select the option to keep it; otherwise, you’ll need to contact your carrier for reactivation.
Cost of professional repair services
- Understand Apple’s repair policy: Apple will likely charge for a full unit replacement if the charging port is broken due to accidental damage. However, if your iPhone is still under warranty and the charging port randomly stopped working, you may be able to get your device fixed or replaced for free.
- Consider independent repair shops: Prices for charging port repair at independent shops can vary between $79-$159 or more, depending on your iPhone model and the specific shop’s pricing. For example, uBreakiFix states an iPhone X charging port repair costs around $99, but this can fluctuate.
At-home replacement tips
- Turn off your iPhone completely to avoid damage or injury.
- Remove the pentalobe screws at the bottom of the case and place them on your magnetic tray.
- Remove the SIM tray (if applicable).
- Heat the surface of your iPhone using your heat source, ideally between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius (176 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Lift the front screen of your phone (or backplate for iPhone 14) using a spudger or guitar pick to pry open the seal.
- Remove the screen by detaching the ribbon cables connecting it to the main body.
- Remove the interior components sitting on top of the charging port, typically including the logic board, SIM card reader, taptic engine, and bottom speaker. This usually involves removing screws and disconnecting ribbon cables.
- Remove the screws holding the charging port in place and set them aside.
- Unplug the charging port from underneath the logic board using a spudger to lift its ribbon cable.
- Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol around the charging port to loosen the adhesive.
- Remove the charging port, ensuring any adhesive or microphones in the way are also handled.
- Place the new charging port in the chassis, applying isopropyl alcohol to the adhesive backing for a few seconds of adjustment.
- Plug in your new port and replace all parts in the reverse order of removal, moving from the top of the chassis to the bottom and reattaching all metal shields and components.
- Install new screen adhesive and replace the screen, plugging it back into the chassis before sealing the phone.
- Reinstall the pentalobe screws and SIM tray.
- Test the new charging port by plugging your phone into a charging cable.
What to do next?
Once your iPhone’s charging port is either repaired or replaced, it’s crucial to take steps to maintain its functionality and prevent future issues. Consider investing in a high-quality charging cable and block, as cheap or non-certified accessories can sometimes contribute to port damage. Additionally, make it a habit to regularly inspect and gently clean your charging port with compressed air to prevent lint and debris buildup.
If you opted for a professional repair, keep your receipt and warranty information handy. For those who performed a DIY repair, understanding the limitations of at-home fixes is important; if issues persist, consulting a certified professional for a thorough diagnostic might be your next best step to ensure the longevity of your device.
