A phone or powerbank that no longer charges properly is incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, the problem is often easy to fix. In many cases, accumulated dust or dirt in the charging port is the culprit. In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to safely clean your port step by step.
Why is my phone not charging properly anymore?
When your smartphone, tablet, or powerbank isn’t charging well, you might think the battery is worn out or the cable is broken. In reality, the cause is often much simpler: there is dirt or dust in your charging port. Especially if you keep your phone in your pocket or bag, lint can easily accumulate inside the port. This prevents your charging cable from making proper contact, resulting in slow or no charging at all.
Can dirt in my charging port cause damage?
Yes. Built-up dirt can cause more problems than just a poor connection. When you constantly have to press the cable firmly or pull it out roughly, the internal parts of the port wear out faster. In some cases, static electricity can even cause small internal malfunctions. By regularly cleaning your charging port, you can extend the lifespan of your device.
Step-by-step guide: cleaning your charging port
1. Turn off your device
Avoid short circuits by completely switching off your smartphone or powerbank before you start.
2. Inspect the port with a light
Use a flashlight or the flash from another phone to look inside the charging port. Do you see dust, lint, or dirt? Then cleaning is necessary.
3. Carefully remove dirt with a wooden toothpick
Use a dry wooden toothpick, plastic tool, or a special cleaning kit to gently loosen the dirt. Move carefully and don’t scrape too hard.
4. (Optional) Use compressed air
With a can of compressed air, you can remove leftover dust. Blow in short bursts and hold the can upright.
5. Test your connection
Plug in your cable and check if your device charges properly again. You’ll often notice the difference immediately.
What you definitely should NOT do when cleaning your charging port
Although cleaning your charging port seems simple, there are a few things you should absolutely avoid. Never use metal objects like needles, tweezers, or paper clips. These can damage the internal connectors or even cause short circuits. Also, avoid moisture such as water or cleaning alcohol. Your charging port is a delicate electrical component and even small amounts of liquid can cause permanent damage.
Additionally: don’t keep digging forcefully if you feel resistance. If the dirt is stuck deep inside, use compressed air or a specially designed cleaning kit instead. Avoid applying force, as this can cause more damage than solve the problem.
How to prevent a dirty charging port?
• Use a case with a dust flap or a rubber port plug
• Store your device in a separate compartment in your bag or jacket pocket
• Use quality charging cables that fit well and don’t wear out unnecessarily, such as the sturdy Xtorm cables
A phone that won’t charge is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a big problem. Often, a bit of dirt is the culprit. With a few simple steps, you can clean your charging port and prevent further damage.
Looking for a durable cable that stays firmly connected and lasts long?
Check out the Xtorm cables with C-Lock technology and extended lifespan.
Xtorm's durable Cables
CX3081
Next Gen Cable USB-C PD 100W (3m) Black
€29,99
Secure and strong connectionXtorm xFlex technology provides a solid braided cable with a reinforced core and Duo Core connector that will last for years. The USB-C connectors of this cable are reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. These snap securely into your mobile device, charger or power bank for an extremely strong connection. The integrated cable strap is also made of high-quality material and made to last for years. The E-marker chip protects both the cable and connected devices from overheating and ensures safe transfer of data and power.Choose flexible and durableXtorm Next Gen Cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your bag or case; the braided cable easily withstands more than 30,000 bends and does not break even with a weight of 80 kg attached. The ideal cable to have in your bag or suitcase - #Next GenProof. About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! We have been working since 2008 on Next Gen products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use for years to come.
CX3091
Next Gen Cable USB-C PD Ultra 240W (1,5m) Black
€29,99
Ultra-strong and secure connectionXtorm xFlex technology provides a sturdy braided cable with a reinforced core and special Duo Core connector that lasts for years. The USB-C connectors of this cable are reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. These snap securely into your mobile device, laptop or charger for an extremely strong connection. The integrated cable strap is also made of high-quality material and made to last for years. The E-marker chip protects both the cable and connected devices from overheating and ensures safe transfer of data and power.Durable & extra flexibleXtorm Next Gen Cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your bag or suitcase; the braided cable easily withstands more than 30,000 bends and does not break even with a weight of 80 kg attached. The ideal cable to take with you on a camping trip or hike - #Next GenProof. About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! We have been working since 2008 on Next Gen products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use for years to come. Sometimes charging might not work properly, or the cable doesn’t click firmly into the port. In that case, check your device’s port, as there may be dust or debris inside. Carefully remove any dirt or dust, as this can interfere with the C-lock function and charging.
CX3031
Next Gen Cable USB-C to Lightning (1,5m) Black
€27,99
Flexible and strong cableXtorm Next Gen cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your bag or suitcase; the braided cable easily withstands more than 30,000 bends and does not break even with a weight of 80 kg attached to it. The ideal cable to take everywhere. MFi certified for compatibility with Apple productsThe Next Gen USB-C to Lightning cable is MFi certified. The cable is specially designed for secure connection to Apple products such as your iPhone and iPad. This cable safely charges all your iOS devices with a Lightning port and ensures stable data transfer. Ultra-strong connection and easy to carryXtorm xFlex technology provides a sturdy braided cable that won't get tangled. The cable has a reinforced core and special Duo Core connector. The USB-C connector of this cable is reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. This clicks firmly into your mobile device, laptop or charger for a secure connection. The integrated cable strap is also made of high-quality material and made to last for years. The cable hardly wears out, even with daily use. Roll up the cable and take it with you in your bag or backpack on any trip. About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! We have been working since 2008 to create Next Gen products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use for years to come. Sometimes charging might not work properly, or the cable doesn’t click firmly into the port. In that case, check your device’s port, as there may be dust or debris inside. Carefully remove any dirt or dust, as this can interfere with the C-lock function and charging.
CX3051
Next Gen Cable USB to USB-C (1,5m) Black
€19,99
Extra flexible & durableXtorm Next Gen cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your bag or suitcase; the braided cable easily withstands more than 30,000 bends and does not break even with a weight of 80 kg attached. The ideal cable to carry in your backpack for any camping trip or hike - #TravelProof. Ultra-strong connection and easy to carry Xtorm xFlex technology provides a sturdy braided cable that won't get tangled. The cable has a reinforced core and special Duo Core connector. The USB-C connector of this cable is reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. This clicks firmly into your mobile device, laptop or charger for a secure connection. The integrated cable strap is also made of high-quality material and made to last for years. The cable hardly wears out, even with daily use. The ideal cable to carry in your bag or backpack - #TravelProof. About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! We have been working since 2008 on Next Gen products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use for years to come.Sometimes charging might not work properly, or the cable doesn’t click firmly into the port. In that case, check your device’s port, as there may be dust or debris inside. Carefully remove any dirt or dust, as this can interfere with the C-lock function and charging.
CXX2006
Xtreme Cable USB-C PD Ultra 240W 1,5m
Xtreme Durable
€34,99
Extremely flexible & durableXtorm Xtreme cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your luggage; the braided cable withstands more than 100,000 bends and won't break even with a weight of 100 kg attached. The ideal cable to take with you on a camping trip or hike - #TravelProof. Materials in this cable:
54% Nylon weave
13% DuPont™ Kevlar® fibre
33% Recycled plastic
Ultra-strong and secure connectionThis cable's USB-C connectors are reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. These snap securely into your mobile device, laptop or charger for an extremely strong connection. Xtorm xFlex technology provides a sturdy braided cable with a reinforced core and special connector that lasts for years. The E-marker chip protects against overheating and ensures safe transfer of data and power. Every part of this Xtreme cable is designed to be as robust as possible, even the integrated cable strap! About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! Since 2008, we have been developing outdoor products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use, for years to come. Sometimes charging might not work properly, or the cable doesn’t click firmly into the port. In that case, check your device’s port, as there may be dust or debris inside. Carefully remove any dirt or dust, as this can interfere with the C-lock function and charging.
CXX2002
Xtreme Cable USB-C to Lightning 1,5m
€29,99
Extremely flexible & durableXtorm Xtreme cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your luggage; the braided cable withstands more than 100,000 bends and won't break even with a weight of 100 kg attached. The ideal cable to take with you on a camping trip or hike - #TravelProof. Materials in this cable:
54% Nylon weave
13% DuPont™ Kevlar® fibre
33% Recycled plastic
MFi certified and compatible with Apple productsThe Xtorm USB-C to Lightning cable is MFi certified. The cable is specially designed to securely connect to Apple products such as your iPhone and iPad. This cable safely charges all your iOS devices with a Lightning port and ensures stable data transfer. Ultra-strong connectionThe USB-C connector of this cable is reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. This snaps securely into your mobile device, laptop or charger and ensures an extremely strong connection. Xtorm xFlex technology gives you an extremely sturdy braided cable with a reinforced core and special connector that will last for years, or even a lifetime. Every part of this Xtreme cable is designed to be as robust as possible, even the integrated cable tie! Roll up the cable and take it with you in your bag or backpack on any trip. About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! Since 2008, we have been developing outdoor products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use, for years to come. Sometimes charging might not work properly, or the cable doesn’t click firmly into the port. In that case, check your device’s port, as there may be dust or debris inside. Carefully remove any dirt or dust, as this can interfere with the C-lock function and charging.
CXX2003
Xtreme Cable USB to USB-C 1,5m
€24,99
Extremely flexible & durableXtorm Xtreme cables are made of FlexCore material on the inside and DuraCore on the outside. These TPU materials, largely made of GRS-certified recycled plastic, are not only strong but also flexible. No matter how the cable sits in your luggage; the braided cable withstands more than 100,000 bends and won't break even with a weight of 100 kg attached. The ideal cable to carry in your backpack for any camping trip or hike - #TravelProof. Materials in this cable:
54% Nylon weave
13% DuPont™ Kevlar® fibre
33% Recycled plastic
Ultra-strong connectionThis cable's USB-C connector is reinforced with Xtorm C-Lock. This snaps securely into your mobile device, laptop or charger for a sturdy connection. Xtorm xFlex technology creates an extremely sturdy braided cable with a reinforced core and special connector that lasts for years. Every part of this Xtreme cable is designed to be as robust as possible, even the integrated cable strap! About XtormXtorm gives you the best quality, latest tech and most safety for years of #MoreEnergy! Since 2008, we have been developing outdoor products and sustainable devices that give your mobile devices #MoreEnergy. We mainly use premium GRS-certified recycled plastic and all our products are tested according to a 6-layer safety check. This ensures that both the Xtorm product and the connected device are safe to use for years to come. Sometimes charging might not work properly, or the cable doesn’t click firmly into the port. In that case, check your device’s port, as there may be dust or debris inside. Carefully remove any dirt or dust, as this can interfere with the C-lock function and charging.
CXX001
Xtreme USB to Micro USB Cable - 1.5 meter
10,5W USB to Micro USB
€19,95
These Ultra-Strong Xtorm cables are built to last – and offer a Lifetime Warrantee. Every detail is designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy use. It's able to withstand 100.000x bends, and is pull tested to support up to 100kg!Ultra-strong materialsThis cable is made from a multi-layer composite material with a reinforced core, that gives it extra strength and durability. Every detail of this cable is designed to be maximally rugged, even the included cable strap!Reinforced materials33% Aluminium54% Nylon Braiding13% DuPont™ Kevlar® FiberXFLEX Bend-proof technologyXtorm Xtreme Cables are designed and engineered to be able to withstand over 100.000x bends. This is made possible thanks to a combination of features, called XFLEX. XFLEX combines a specially designed connector with a braided nylon cable and reinforced core, making the cable both flexible, and extremely strong.Lifetime WarrantyThe Xtorm Xtreme Cables are built to be life-proof. Their unique XFLEX reinforced design has been thoroughly tested, and is proved to be extreme durable. These qualities allow us to offer a lifetime warranty* on all Xtorm Xtreme Cables.*We offer a lifetime warranty on the operation of this product. This warranty will lapse in the event of improper use.DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. © 2019 DuPont.