Rule out the cable and charger first
Test with a different cable and a different charger before suspecting the port — a worn cable is a far more common cause of charging issues than actual port damage.
Inspect the port visually
Lint and pocket debris commonly pack into charging ports and physically block a proper connection; a flashlight makes this easy to spot without any tools.
Clean it carefully if needed
A dry, soft brush or a wooden toothpick (never metal) can gently clear visible debris — compressed air in short bursts also helps dislodge lint without touching the port\’s internal contacts.
Signs it\’s genuinely the port, not debris
If the cable only charges when held at a specific angle, or charging stops with the slightest movement, that points to a loose or damaged internal connector rather than simple blockage.
[mkg_pros_cons pros=\”Swapping cable and charger first rules out the most common cause quickly|A flashlight and soft brush handle most debris-related charging issues|Angle-dependent charging is a clear, specific signal worth acting on\” cons=\”Metal tools risk damaging the port\’s delicate internal contacts|Some debris is packed too deep to safely remove without professional tools|A genuinely damaged port usually does need a repair, not just cleaning\”]