So, you've done your research and you think you might need a new charging port. But that's expensive. For most iPhones, a charging port replacement will run you anywhere from $79-$89. No one wants to spend that kind of money on their phone (especially if you're still paying it off). We totally get it.

That's why, at iRepairIT, we offer charging port cleanup for $25. But if you're not sure if you need a cleaning or a replacement, keep reading to find out which option may be for you.

4 Signs You Need To Clean Your Charging Port

(but it really is just gunk)

The "Right Angle" Dilemma

Do you have to have your phone at just the right angle for it to charge? This may be a sign that there's gunk living in your charging port space. Gunk can accumulate from anywhere and everything – from dead skin cells to dust to pet hair. All those miniscule particles get caught in your charging port and prevent the connections (the little gold lines on the head of your charger and inside the port) from making contact. I.E. your phone won't charge!

Charging Cable Pops Out of Charging Port

It seems like, no matter how hard you try, your charger flat-out refuses to stay plugged in. You can't even fit it all the way inside the port anymore! This is a more advanced stage of the "right angle" dilemma, because it's all the gunk in your charging port that's preventing the charger from making a connection. Time for a clean-up!

Charges Slowly

You may have a lightning charger, but it seems like lately, your phone takes forever to charge. You're sitting there, watching, waiting for it to hit an acceptable percentage so you can go on about your day. Aint nobody got time for that. This is a classic sign of a charging port in need of some spring cleaning!

Won't Charge At All

And if it gets bad enough, your phone may not charge at all.

What You Can Do To Fix It

(the secret is: ask for help)

So how do you go about cleaning your phone's charging port? It's not as simple as blowing into the port to remove all the built-up gunk. In fact: we recommend you don't blow into the charger because it could leave moisture in the port.

And you'll look ridiculous, like this:

Patrick Star Blowing Bubbles and Failing

You could use a magnifying glass and some tweezers to clean it out yourself, but we don't recommend this either, as it could damage the charging pins. And you'd end up needing to replace the entire charging port anyways.

spy kids magnify glasses

Bring It To A Professional

Instead of looking silly or causing more damage to your phone, bring it to a professional. They have the tools and know-how necessary to preserve your phone's charging capabilities while making sure it's good as new.

Also, they can diagnose the problem further if a simple cleaning doesn't help your phone charge again.

At iRepairIT, a charging port cleaning only costs $25. And if our technicians find that the cleaning wasn't the issue, and you still need to replace the charging port, the $25 you paid for the cleaning go towards the replacement. Easy-peasy.