Is your mobile phone charging more and more poorly, or even not at all? Before taking it to a specialist repairer, try this simple and free little tip to solve a very common problem.

Is your mobile phone charging more and more poorly, or even not at all? Before taking it to a specialist repairer, try this simple and free little tip to solve a very common problem.

Is your smartphone charging poorly? The plug at the end of the cable no longer fits very well in its housing? Do not panic ! Before taking your precious mobile to a repairer, taking out the soldering iron or thinking about changing the model, simply try cleaning the connector. Indeed, if you are in the habit – like many – of leaving your smartphone in a pocket, it is more than likely that the problem comes from dust, or, more precisely, from fabric residue accumulated over time at the bottom. of the orifice. It is these micro-lints that prevent the connector from being correctly inserted into the phone port, preventing good electrical contact. The diagnosis is also quite easy to establish: if the male plug does not fit well in the female housing and the charging is carried out in dotted lines, it is generally the fault of the lint toys! And this little common problem concerns both Android phones which use classic USB sockets (micro-USB or USB-C) and iPhones which use Apple’s Lightning format.

The solution to this very common problem is extremely simple and within everyone’s reach because it requires neither technical knowledge nor special equipment. The only tool you need is a simple toothpick, made of wood or plastic – metal needle-like objects can cause damage when used in certain circumstances. Failing that, you can also use a toothbrush or a nail brush, these small toiletry accessories do the trick.

Even if it’s not essential, turn off your phone – no need to remove the battery – then insert the toothpick or toothbrush into the socket and scrape gently. In just a few seconds, you will remove the famous accumulated lint. Repeat the operation to remove as much residue as possible. You may be surprised by what you come out with, especially if you have never performed the operation…

If you have one, possibly use a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner, with the appropriate reducer – a small plastic accessory that reduces the diameter and increases the suction flow –, in order to remove the residual dust . Then check that the contact is made correctly when you insert the male plug. That’s all !

Note that this small cleaning – to be carried out regularly for prevention, or as soon as the first symptoms appear – concerns all small mobile devices, whatever their brand. But also tablets: of course, we rarely slip them into a pocket, but they can lie on the cover of a bed, for example… You can also apply the method to other female sockets – in fact, anywhere where stuffed toys can be found. ‘accumulate -, including mini-jack sockets for headphones. Be careful though, as these connectors are very small, the toothpick will not be the most suitable. Try the operation with a finer tool – a sewing needle, for example –, this time taking the precaution of removing the battery if it is removable.

Finally, if this little cleaning does not produce conclusive results, try charging your phone with another charger and another cable: we forget it too often, but this flexible element is fragile, especially when handled without caution. And also remember to check your charger and cable on another phone or tablet.