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How to remove debris or sand in phone charging port
Living near the beach can be a dream, but it also brings some unexpected tech troubles—especially when sand gets lodged in your phone’s charging port. Whether you’ve dropped your device in the sand or tiny grains have gradually built up over time, it’s important to know how to get sand out of charging port areas without causing damage. Even a small amount of sand or debris can block the connection, interfere with charging, or potentially harm internal components. If you’re dealing with this issue, you’re not alone—many smartphone users experience the same frustrating problem. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get sand out of charging port openings using safe, effective techniques to clean it out and get your phone charging smoothly again, without risking further damage.
How to Get Sand Out of Charging Port
Clean with Compressed Air: One of the safest and most effective methods for how to get sand out of charging port areas is by using compressed air. Hold the can upright and spray short bursts of air into the port to dislodge any trapped sand or debris. Tip: Always keep the can at a safe distance to avoid moisture buildup, which could damage your phone’s internal components.
Clean with Toothpick/Clip: Another popular method for how to get sand out of charging port spaces involves using a non-metal tool like a wooden toothpick or plastic SIM card ejector. Gently insert the tool into the charging port and carefully scrape or nudge out any remaining grains of sand. Tip: Avoid using metal objects if you’re not confident in your precision, as these can scratch or damage the delicate pins inside the port.
How NOT to Clean Your Phone
Water: Avoid using water or any liquid. Sharp Objects: No needles or metal tools. Excessive Force: Be gentle with connections.
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How NOT to clean sand from your Phone Charging Port
Before we dive into how to get sand out of charging port areas properly, let’s first clear up some common myths about what not to do when attempting to clean your phone’s charger port. DO NOT try to clean it with a toothbrush or by blowing into it with your mouth. While these methods might seem like simple, logical fixes, they can actually make the problem worse. Toothbrush bristles can break off and become lodged inside the port, creating new issues or compacting the sand further. As for blowing with your mouth, this introduces moisture—tiny droplets of saliva—that could seep into the port and damage the internal components. When learning how to get sand out of charging port areas safely, it’s essential to avoid these risky DIY shortcuts.
STEP 1 – Clean Phone Charging port with Compressed air
When figuring out how to get sand out of charging port components, one of the best and safest methods is to use compressed air. Blasting compressed air directly into the port helps dislodge fine grains of sand and other debris without making physical contact that could cause damage. The most effective way to do this is by using an ‘Air Duster’, a product commonly available in many Australian stores such as Bunnings, Officeworks, Kmart, and even some supermarkets. These air dusters are designed to deliver controlled bursts of air that can safely clear out your phone’s port. If you don’t have an air duster on hand, you can also try using a manual bulb syringe as an alternative. This tool allows you to create a gentle stream of air that can help with how to get sand out of charging port areas when you’re in a pinch. Follow these steps to clean your phone effectively using this method:
- Make sure your phone is off.
- Check instructions on your compressed air cannister and attach the fine nozzle.
- Aim it at the phone charger port and hit it with a few quick blasts.
Note: You may need to try multiple angles to get all the sand out.
STEP 2 – Clean Phone Charging port with a Toothpick or Paper Clip
If step one didn’t solve the issue, or if you don’t have access to the right cleaning tools, another effective method for how to get sand out of charging port areas is to use a thin, non-metallic object to gently dislodge the debris. This technique can also be helpful if moisture or stubborn particles are stuck inside. However, it’s crucial to be extremely careful during this process to avoid damaging the sensitive internal components of your device. Here are the steps you can follow to perform this method safely:
- Make sure your phone is off.
- Wrap some tape around the paperclip or toothpick with the sticky side facing out.
- Slide it around in your phone’s charger port to catch anything foreign in there.
NOTE- This method may dislodge more debris that may need to be removed with the compressed air again so you may want to try step one again.
Now after completing these steps, try plugging your charger in and seeing if it all worked and your phone starts charging as normal. If these steps didn’t work for you, you may need to seek the help of a professional. Here at Phone Expert, we can help with charging port issues and many other phone repairs you may need – contact us or request a quote.
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