How can I safely clean my iPhone charging port?

Hi there! I had the exact same issue with my iPhone a few months ago, and it turned out to be just lint from my jeans pocket stuck inside the charging port. The safest method I found was using a wooden toothpick. I gently scraped out the dust while holding the phone upside down so the debris would fall out, not go further in. Don’t use anything metal like a paperclip—it can scratch or damage the internal pins. Compressed air can also help, but avoid holding the can too close or spraying moisture inside. If you want to be extra safe, Apple actually suggests visiting their store so a technician can clean it for you. But if you’re careful and patient, a toothpick or even a plastic dental flosser tool works perfectly. Once I cleared mine, the cable fit tightly again and the charging problem disappeared. Just go slow and don’t push too hard.

I cleaned mine successfully by shining a flashlight into the port first. You’ll usually see lint balled up at the back. I used a plastic dental pick and carefully scooped it out. Took only a few seconds. Afterward, the charging cable clicked in like new. My advice: avoid cotton swabs since fibers can get stuck, and don’t blow with your mouth—moisture can cause corrosion. Toothpick or dental pick is your best bet if you’re doing it yourself.

I’d recommend shining a flashlight first, then using a soft brush or wooden stick to dislodge lint. Hold the phone upside down so particles fall out. It’s quick, safe, and usually fixes loose charging issues immediately.

A safe way: power off your iPhone, hold it upside down, and gently scrape with a toothpick or plastic tool. Blow gently afterward to clear residue. Avoid liquids and sharp objects.