You need to be extra careful when cleaning this area. Cleaning USB ports is an easy task and should take no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Cover the port with a small strip of adhesive tape when you're not using it. If your device suddenly starts working, then you know that the problem was a broken wire inside the other cable. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Look closer at your USB ports. If the multimeter measures zero voltage, then your charging port is likely fried and needs to be replaced. It shows at random (sometimes twice a day, sometimes i have few days without). Remove, Now, dip a cotton/microfiber swab in 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and. If you're cleaning the charging port of a PC laptop that has a DC power port instead of USB-C, use a flashlight to look inside the port first. WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. As such, it is important to take steps to protect your USB and other devices from water damage. It's also possible that there's a connection problem with all of the USB ports on the front or the back, which is why it's important to try more than one on both sides. If the USB was submerged in water or put in a washing machine, it is likely it wont work after being washed. Instead, apply it first on a small cleaning brush or cotton buds before starting to clean the ports. Click Update Now if there's one available. Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. USB ports carry a maximum of 5V electricity and 0.5 A current. If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. Multiple users in the past have complained about random moisture detection notifications on devices like the LG G6, LG V30, Galaxy S7 Edge, and others. You can also buy charging port dust plugs from electronics stores and online retailers. Do notput anything into them. Some of us have a habit of using our bare fingers to wipe out dust particles. Isopropyl alcohol (if there's gunk inside the port that can't be sprayed away or loosened). Another option is to disable and re-enable the USB controller. Baked into Android 10 is a feature that will disable the USB port on your phone if it detects liquid or debris. 3. If your phones USB-C port looks burned, melted or corroded, find out how to file a warranty claim or find an authorised repair partner. If neither of these methods are possible, please contact a professional computer technician for assistance. USB Port not working in your car: Know the causes. Plug the USB device into a few of the ports on both the front and back of your computer. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This will take care of a lot of dust and debris and loosen anything that might be stuck deeper in the port. Use a different phone, tablet, or computer to contact us. However, from time to time, the message still appears He specializes in monitors, laptops, storage devices, and other peripherals. These cans come with thin straws that attaches to their nozzles, making it easy to spray controlled bursts into small spaces. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 370,458 times. Either Android will auto-detect that the USB ports are safe to use and notify the user, or a user can clear the contaminants and manually enable the USB port again. Let your phone sit for a few minutes to cool. Reset the System Management Controller (Mac). For this, kindly take a bright source of light (torch or smartphone flashlight) and inspect the internal parts of the interface. But only a few of us are aware of the right tools required for this purpose. Did your phone have trouble charging before you cleaned it? The first, and most common, is the risk of data corruption or loss due to heat. This may leave a little residue on the port over time, but you can easily clean it off with isopropyl alcohol and cotton. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you apply too much pressure, you may break or bend them. 1. Then set it on a flat surface to Such issues may even lead the peripherals to be loosely seated, and they may not function properly. If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. My pixel 5 wouldn't charge through the port anymore after 2 months because of dirt and debris in the port. Release the keys and power button all at the same time. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. If youre using USB-C headphones, remove the headphones from the USB-C port. To fix this, try the following: Insert your USB cable and wiggle it. As a precaution, we recommend cleaning them at least once a month. You can also use a cotton swab or vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to tackle more stubborn dust. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If your USB device springs to life the moment you plug it into your backup computer, then you know for sure that youre dealing with a USB port problem. By using our site, you agree to our. If you can't fit a toothpick inside of the port without touching the pin, take your PC to a service center for cleaning instead. You may utilize any type of tweezer (precision sharp tips or flat ones) available at your home or workplace. 2. Wrap a small amount of cotton around the end of a toothpick. Bhishu Acharya is a technical content writer at TechNewsToday. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Turn off your device. JavaScript is disabled. Look for debris in the USB port. Be careful not to get rubbing alcohol anywhere else on your device, as it can ruin certain oleophobic screen coatings, as well as the rubber seals inside of waterproof phones and tablets. Note: We recommend getting a torch or bright source of light so that you can identify how dirty your USB ports are. I had to get it repaired. Whether you use a cotton or microfiber swab, they are both great for removing dust and debris. Just like the former, it can blow away dust from USB ports with a powerful stream of air. The longer the drive is in, the more its putting strain on the computers system resources and can eventually lead to a crash or freeze. You can find different compressed air cans specialized for cleaning your PC. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It looks like Google has gone ahead and baked the feature into stock Android with Android 10. Spray the remaining dirt free with more compressed air. To update macOS on Mojave and later, click the Apple icon at the top left, and choose System Preferences > Software Update. Water has the potential to corrode the electrical components inside a USB and if water enters into the device, it can cause a short circuit or even cause permanent damage to the hardware. This wikiHow teaches you how to safely remove dirt and other substances from USB-C charging port using compressed air and a dental pick. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Resist the urge to blow into the port with your mouth! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Remove Scratches from a Phone Screen, What To Do If Your Phone or SIM Card is Cloned. (Also, dont blow in your phone with your mouth. 3. Other symptoms of a ruined charging port include difficulty plugging in the cable or it not staying in the port when plugged in. However, a basic cleaning job might cost less than $30, while a more complicated cleaning may cost more. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. There are many free programs that you can use to do this. Just like any other electronic device, excess heat can damage the drives circuitry, meaning its less likely to last as long as intended. To ensure its continued use, you should store the device in a secure place and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, dust and magnetic fields. Ensure the product youre using doesnt exceed 30 psi. If your USB port is loose, it will cause a broken connection when you link your device. Depending on the amount and type of water that has entered your USB, the damage could range anywhere from minor to irreversible. When cleaning the internal parts of the USB ports, you need to be extra careful. But, after I get a message "OK to use USB port, no longer detect By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Loose connections/ cable issues. Restart your computer and check to see if your USB device works. First, make sure you're working on a clean, flat surface with sufficient lighting. Eroding the "electrodes" over time. Everyone should own a can of compressed air. It could be due to a fault in your device, such as a worn-out battery, a software glitch, or a damaged charging port. Gather your cleaning materials. Steps 1. Important: Be careful. You may even utilize a smartphones flashlight for this purpose. Select the General tab; Up next, from the options that will be displayed choose Backup & Reset; Tap on Factory Data Reset and from the bottom of the display choose Reset Phone; Agree with the alerts by choosing the option Delete All. You could try a cotton swab, but they are usually too thick to fit inside of a charging port. Hence, removing the finest dust particles becomes much easier in comparison to the above tools. When your USB ports suddenly stop working, the problem can always be tracked down to either a hardware or software failure. If the device still isnt working, it could be a sign of a more serious electrical issue and you should seek professional help. Most phone and tablet cases leave USB-C charging ports exposed for ease of use, but you can opt for one that doesn't. An alternative to cotton buds is microfiber swabs. Then, start your computer and plug in a USB peripheral on the port youre trying to test. Use a case that covers the port when you're not using the device. Try plugging in a different USB device. USB (Universal Serial Bus): Everything You Need to Know, How to Fix It When Your Xbox Series X or S Headset Is Not Working, This Device Cannot Start: How to Fix Code 10 Errors, What to Do If Your USB Tethering Is Not Working. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact the manufacturer or a repair specialist to pinpoint the issue. For example, you can place protective covers on the ports of your USB, keep it away from water sources, and take extra care not to expose it to wet conditions. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you dont have a spare computer, but you do have an extra flash drive laying around, or any other USB device, then try plugging that in before you move on to anything more complicated. If nothing is obstructing it and the port appears to be clean, try charging your device. Tweezers are an excellent instrument for pulling out hairs, food crumbles, and other solid dust particles that get stuck in USB ports. 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! Remove and reapply tape when required or you may be able to purchase USB-C Dust Plugs as seen in the link below . 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. All Rights Reserved. Plug your device into a different computer. Except for a message "liquid or debris in USB port", the mobile phone was operating normally. 31 August 31 2021. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-clean-usb-c-port, https://www.imore.com/how-clean-your-iphones-charging-port, https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/how-to-clean-out-your-android-or-iphone-charging-port/, https://appletoolbox.com/how-to-clean-a-usb-c-charging-port-on-your-macbook-ipad-or-phone/, (Clean a Charger Port). If there is goo or gunk, wrap a small amount of cotton around the end of the dental pick. Find and touch USB Settings. Blown fuse. If that doesn't help, take your device to a service center. Ever since getting his hands on a personal computer, Bhishu started exploring its internal components at just 10. Here are four easy steps to safely clean your phones USB-C port: Your phones USB-C port should be clean now. Small debris can prevent charging cables from making full contact with ports, and in some cases, tiny particles can even scratch or bend the electronics that facilitate charging. It is always important to have a backup of your data on a separate device in case something goes wrong during the cleaning process. If the port or charging cable is wet, turn off your phone. WebUSB Charging port. Ethernet Splitter Vs SwitchWhats the Difference? Receive the freshest Android & development news right in your inbox! These soft plastic flossers are perfect for fishing clumps of nastiness out of your phone. In the next Andrew is the News Editor for Review Geek, where he covers breaking stories and manages the news team. If your USB device is not recognized, try restarting the laptop. Be firm, but not roughyou don't want to loosen the port. If there is gunk inside of the port, you could dampen the cotton with a very small amount of rubbing alcohol and repeat the process. You may even opt for a plastic, wooden, or metal toothpick. You can use it to clean your phone, your laptop, your keyboard, and any number of electronics in your home. Then, use a cotton swab or other soft cloth to clean the inside of the port where debris may remain. In some cases, a product like canned air can be useful in blowing obstructions out of a USB port. If you're bringing your phone, tablet, or laptop somewhere it'll be likely to get dirty, cover the charging port with a piece of tape to protect it while not in use. Firmware problems. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are meant to be portable. That kind of heavy-duty work isnt necessary here, and alcohol could hurt your phone if its port is already damaged. 3. This small tool can get inside any USB port, even the smallest UBS-C or mini-USBs. Just remember to spray in short Folks over at XDA Developers were able to simulate the USB port contamination warning though. S22 Ultra I got this warning after my phone was in a damp pocket. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. We do not recommend large-sized brushes because they will likely not get inside the ports. Make sure the USB port and cable are dry and free of debris before charging. % of people told us that this article helped them. This is one of the easiest ways to clean any port. Mitch Harris. Of course, youll still need to clean your phones charging port every once in a while. These ports are wide open whenever you don't have a device plugged in so it's easy for debris, like dust or food, to get wedged inside. Disconnect the charging cable from your phone. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0');When it comes to drying out a wet USB port, its important to act quickly to prevent any electrical damage. If restarting doesn't do the trick, then you'll want to move on to more complicated fixes. Resetting the SMC for iMac, Mac Pro,and Mac Mini, How to Fix a USB Wi-Fi Adapter That Keeps Disconnecting, How To Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues, How to Fix It When Bluetooth Headphones Keep Cutting Out in Windows 11, How to Fix It When a Windows 10 Microphone is Not Working, How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Connect, What to Do When Your iPhone Won't Connect to Your Computer. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, there are certain waterproof, shock-resistant USB drives that could survive in certain wet conditions. We tried pouring some water on the USB port of our updated Pixel 2 but were unable to generate a system warning. It might be a bug in OS Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. It could be caused by a faulty charger, one that has seen a lot of wear and tear, or one that is too old and out-dated. Manufacturers have offered similar functionality before, but hopefully Google's solution is better. According to XDA, once a USB-C port reaches a given temperature, Android will tell the user to unplug (the) charger and take care as the cable may be warm.. 4. When the Mac starts back up, the SMC will have reset. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then, connect a USB device to the port and observe if it is recognized and functions correctly. Web@frobert , Robert, Use canned compressed air to blow the dust from port ( if need be, carefully pick lint out with tooth pick) and then cover port with a small piece of tape to keep clean. There are two ways this will work. Next, unplug all the USB peripherals from their respective ports. References. Over time, the port can become clogged and cause the device to not charge correctly. Wear and tear is also a major culprit, as ports that get used often can start to degrade and eventually become unusable. I'm 100% sure, that usb port is clean. Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Drag a dental pick around the inner edges. How to Install a Tempered Glass Screen Protector. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Turn off the device. How do I get my computer to play sound through my phone? Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Tap Storage. Otherwise, blasting compressed air or dusting off using a brush would be enough. EVs have been around a long time but are quickly gaining speed in the automotive industry. These small particles need to be cleared from your phones port often; otherwise, it may break or stop charging normally. However, note that you should only use those having soft bristles. WebJust a side note, something bad WOULD happen. Press the power button and hold it for at least five seconds. 2. Press Esc to cancel. 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 Pull up and tighten the two-pin holders using a needle or sharp-edged object. From Settings, navigate to Apps, then tap the Filter and sort icon. Take a fine brush or an unused toothbrush and use it to gently brush away any dirt, debris or lint that is present. It can also come in handy if you do not possess a cotton or microfiber swab. If your device starts working when plugged into different ports, then the first port probably has a physical problem that needs to be fixed. While youre cleaning the PC, its important that you place it on a clean table with no dust around. To narrow down the cause, you can try a few different solutions. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University. Also, you need to examine the USB ports during the process. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. What's the Difference Between a Hard Reset and a Factory Reset? If it's difficult to get the remaining dirt out of the port, you could try wrapping double-sided tape around the end of a sewing or a syringe needle and gently nudging it free. Caution: Pulling out any USB parts from a port can accidentally break the power pins and cause permanent damage. I waited days. Compressed air will loosen dust and blow out dirt without you needing to insert Read more Whens the last time you cleaned your phones USB-C port? Youll just scratch up the connectors. We select and review products independently. Furthermore, the dust particles might revert and contaminate your nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Dampen the cotton end with isopropyl alcohol and circle the inside of the port until it's clean. Maybe it got shorted out somehow. Instead of alcohol, you could also use a quick-drying electronics cleaner made specifically for cleaning ports, sensors, and other electronics. Although less likely, there is a chance that updating your system could solve your USB port problems. If you got the 'Liquid or debris' message, wait a few minutes until you get the message 'OK to use USB port'. 1. Damage in the USB Port itself. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. In either case, its always best to try to keep your USB dry. Even if they dont end up submerged, the components inside could still be damaged if the drive gets wet. The ports connector may be tarnished or bent and in need of repair or replacement. If it's harder to insert your charging cable into the port, the cable pops out, or charging is taking longer than usual, it's likely that dust and/or other debris has made its way inside the port. 5. All you have to do is use a can of compressed air to blow away all the dust from your USB C Port. If you feel a great deal of movement when you gently wiggle the USB connector, that indicates it may be bent or broken off the board. Leave a magnetic charger in your phone's USB-C port and never worry about lint or dust again! 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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg\/aid12790469-v4-728px-Clean-a-USB-C-Charging-Port-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 2. Below is a table summarizing all the points we will discuss ahead. We have seen users insert random pieces of clothing in the PC ports. Which Music Streaming Service Is the Best? It is possible to reuse a flash drive an unlimited amount of times, as long as the device is properly maintained and no physical damage occurs to it. Use a small, soft brush to remove any debris from the port. There are two things you can do with the device manager in Windows to get USB ports working again. 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. The best way to do this is to use compressed air. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Type above and press Enter to search. This may cause USBs to keep disconnecting or the ports to stop working. resetting the system management controller, checking for and installing Windows updates. If yes, you risk messing up your phone by plugging in a cable too soon or overheating the device by leaving it plugged in too long. Debris or grime can block the port and prevent a proper Then, press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to, Start by plucking out all the hairs, food crumbles, and other coarse particles using a tweezer. Lastly, reload the backed up data onto the USB. Stop using it and get a replacement cable from the Google Store. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. All in all, its best to avoid leaving a flash drive in for too long, as the risks can range from minor inconveniences to major headaches. However, if the USB was lightly washed without the involvement of water or any liquids, it is possible that the USB could still work. Even if you dont see a cartoonish lump of lint sticking out of your phones USB-C port, its time to clean the dang thing. USB cable failures are more common than USB port failures, so make sure to swap in a different cable if you have one handy. Regarding the same, this article focuses on a detailed guide to cleaning USB ports, along with the dos and donts. 4. Detailed Guide, 10 Best 850W PSUs for Gaming in 2023 [All Budgets], Hard Drive Full for No Reason? Spray quick bursts of compressed air into the port. In this case, you may need to fix or replace the device that failed to connect. Water can also damage delicate components and circuits, as well as interfere with the data transfer abilities of your USB. If you got the Liquid or debris message, wait a few minutes until you get the message Okay to use USB port.. Loose connections/ cable issues. Next, grab a flashlight and have a look at what youre dealing with. 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 Swap to a different USB cable. Do notput anything into them. Even if you keep your phone away from the beach, it still encounters things like lint, sand, dirt, and other gunk when its in your pocket or bag. So, proceed with care. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A good indicator that something is stuck is if the cable doesn't plug in all the way. If you got the Unplug charger message, turn off your phone. Scan your USB for viruses. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 2. Use a lint-free cloth to gently dry the USB port. You may utilize a small-sized (0 to 10 mm) artist paintbrush. Device settings issue.