How to Clean a USB-C Port | Step-by-Step Guide, by How-To Authority on YouTube. 3 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
What you need
Steps
Power off the device and unplug the charger or cable. Look into the port under bright light to see where the lint sits.
Blow short bursts of air into the port. Use a can of compressed air held upright, or your mouth while keeping saliva away.
Pick a wooden toothpick or plastic dental pick. Never use metal pins, needles or paper clips, which can short the contacts.
Scrape lightly around the inner edges of the port to loosen lint. Keep the tip away from the middle contact pins.
Blow air into the port again to push out the loosened debris.
Repeat the scraping and blowing until you see no more lint. Then plug in a cable and check that it charges and connects.
Tips and common mistakes
Hold compressed air upright so no liquid sprays into the port.
Work gently and never force the pick, since the contacts bend easily.
If cleaning does not fix charging, stop and take the device to a repair shop.
Questions
Can I use a metal pin or paper clip to clean the port?
No. Metal can scratch the contacts or cause a short. Stick to a wooden toothpick or plastic pick.
Is compressed air safe for a USB-C port?
Yes, in short bursts with the can held upright. Keep the nozzle a little away from the port so no moisture or propellant gets inside.
What if the port still does not charge after cleaning?
The port or cable may be damaged. Try another known-good cable first, then see a repair shop if the problem continues.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
