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While I don’t personally use an iPhone or iPad, my partner does. I would say that throughout the year, she has had multiple instances where she struggles to charge one of her devices via cable.
With wireless charging on the iPhone, this isn’t as much of a problem as it used to be, but it is still a problem she experiences a frustrating amount of times.
The obvious cause is the cable itself. The official Lightning cable is not the best quality, and the cable is prone to breaking, especially at the joint of the Lightning connector.
In my partners’ case, she has a tendency to stand up the tablet on her lap while it is on charge, causing an unnecessary amount of stress at that point, and it inevitably breaks.
However, it may not always be the cable that is faulty.
Check the Lightning for dust and dirt
Lightning ports (and USB-C on Android) are perfect little holes to collect dust and dirt.
In theory, I’d say USB-C should be worse for this as the pins inside the receptacle are a tab that slots inside the USB cable. With the Lightning port, the connections encircle the Lightning connector, which shouldn’t be as easy to clog up. However, I seem to experience charging issues more on Apple devices.
Therefore, if you have charging problems using the Lightning cable on either the iPhone or iPad you should try and inspect inside the port to see if there is a build up of dirt or dust.
How to Clean Your iPhone and iPad Charging Port
I have to admit, I rarely take too much care when cleaning charging ports. I tend to find a pin or a sim-card tool and scrape out any dirt.
However, when advising people, I should advise some caution as you don’t want to damage any of the sensitive electrical pins inside the port.
To clean the port you should:
- Turn off your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Shut Down.
- Grab a small toothpick, pin, or sim card too.
- Carefully insert the tip into the port and jiggle it to loosen dirt or debris.
- Give the port another burst of compressed air to help remove anything you’ve loosened. Sometimes you can get away with blowing into it.
- Reinsert the Lightning connector into the port and turn the phone back on.
Recommended Replacement Durable Lightning Cables
If you still have problems with charging, it may be the cable after all. Ideally, you should try and borrow or find a spare and see if that works before buying a new one.
If you find that you need a new cable, then it is worth investing in a durable cable. Nylon cables are less likely to split along the cable than the plastic-coated cables.
I have always been a fan of Anker, they have excellent quality at a reasonable price. Looking on Amazon, the Syncwire range of cables is possibly the best-reviewed options. Anker appears to be a bit cheaper if you want a couple of cables.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker iPhone Charger Cable, (2-Pack) 6ft, Premium Nylon... |
£19.49 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Syncwire iPhone Charger Lightning Cable - 2M (6.5ft) [Apple... | Buy on Amazon |
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
