Why Does My iPhone Only Charge if I Insert the Wire Deeply? Fixing the Problem

Have you ever encountered the frustrating situation where your iPhone only charges when you deeply insert the charging wire into the port? This article aims to explain why this might be happening and how you can resolve the issue.

Understanding the Issue

One possible reason for this issue is that the charging port has disintegrated somewhat from its connection to the printed circuit board (PCB) it is soldered to. When you press on the port, you are effectively pressing the connection into the metal of the PCB, which can lead to sparks and eventually damage the board. Therefore, it’s recommended to have the port resoldered to avoid damaging the entire board.

Gathering More Information

A common problem arises from what is often referred to as pocket fuzz or lint. This refers to the small amount of fibrous matter that can accumulate in USB connectors. For micro-USB connectors, this was a notorious issue, and it was traditionally fixed by using an insulin needle (commonly used by diabetics) to remove the lint. USB-C connectors, while less problematic, can also form lint deposits that could cause similar issues.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:

Check for Foreign Matter: The first step is to inspect the charging port for any foreign objects. Carefully remove anything that might be lodged in the port. Try a New Charging Cable: If the lint or other debris is the cause, a new charging cable might resolve the issue. Electronic Resoldering: If the port itself is damaged or disconnected from the PCB, it may need to be resoldered by a professional technician. Contact Warranty Provider or Manufacturer: If your phone is still under warranty, you should contact your vendor or the manufacturer for assistance. Seek Professional Help: If your device is no longer under warranty, take it to a reputable cell phone repair shop for diagnosis and repair. Regular Cleaning: For iPhones, induction charging and the accumulation of lint within the port can be a common issue. Regular cleaning is a simple method to resolve this. A wooden toothpick can be used to gently clean the port, followed by a blow-out using either your mouth or compressed air.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps and taking preventative measures, you can often resolve the issue of an iPhone only charging when the charging wire is deeply inserted. Keep your phone’s charging ports clean, and consider regular cleans to avoid future issues.