Cables fail more often than ports. Borrow a known-good cable from a friend, or grab a spare. Use a different wall adapter too — counterfeit chargers are a common silent killer.
Step 2: Inspect the Charging Port with a Flashlight
Hold the device under a bright light and look directly into the port. You're looking for:
Gray pocket lint compressed against the back wall (most common)
Bent or recessed pins (drop damage)
Green corrosion on the contacts (liquid damage)
Stuck-on residue from sticky drinks
Step 3: Clean the Port with a Plastic Pick
Power the device OFF first — this prevents short-circuits while you work. Then:
Insert a plastic precision pick at a slight downward angle
Work toward the back wall, then drag forward to pull lint OUT (never push deeper)
Repeat from different angles — port lint is layered
NEVER use metal — paperclips, needles, or pins will short the contacts
Step 4: Brush + Compressed Air
After picking visible debris, sweep the port with a soft anti-static brush, then short bursts (1 sec) of compressed air from 6 inches away. Keep the can upright to avoid propellant spray.
Step 5: Try Wireless Charging
If the device supports MagSafe/Qi: try wireless charging. If wireless works but wired doesn't, the port is dead — you need replacement (see escalation below). If wireless ALSO doesn't work, the issue is likely the battery or charging IC.
Step 6: Force Restart
Sometimes iOS/iPadOS gets stuck in a charging-block state. Force restart resets the power management chip:
iPhone 8 and later: press Vol Up, then Vol Down, then hold Side until Apple logo
iPad with no Home button: same as iPhone 8+
iPad with Home button: hold Top + Home until Apple logo
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pushing lint deeper instead of pulling it out
Using metal tools (instant short risk)
Skipping the cable test — cables fail more than ports
Cleaning while the device is powered on
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If the port has bent pins, visible corrosion, or the contacts feel loose, you need a replacement (Apple: $129, third-party: $79–$99, AppleCare+: $99). Skip DIY for this — bent contacts can damage the logic board.