The essentials in 30 seconds
If your iPhone won't charge or shows an accessory not supported alert, Apple's checklist includes removing any debris from the charging port on the bottom of the device, then plugging the cable in firmly. Before cleaning, unplug all cables and turn the iPhone off. Apple's cleaning guidance says don't use compressed air, avoid getting moisture in openings and don't use cleaning products except for its disinfecting instructions on the exterior. If the iPhone warns of liquid in the connector, unplug, tap it gently with the connector facing down, and let it dry with some airflow for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours: no heat, no compressed air, no cotton bud or paper towel in the connector, and no bag of rice. If the problem continues, Apple suggests a service.
- Check the cable and adapter for damage before blaming the port.
- A port that is dirty or damaged can trigger the "not supported" alert, says Apple.
Is it really the port?
Apple's checklist for an iPhone that won't charge, trying again after each step:
-
01
Another power source
Plug into a computer, a power accessory or a wall socket.
-
02
Restart
Restart the iPhone.
-
03
Cable and adapter
Check for breakage or bent prongs; don't use damaged accessories.
-
04
Firm connections
Use a wall socket, check every connection, or try a different socket.
-
05
Debris
Remove any debris from the charging port on the bottom of the device, then plug the cable in firmly.
-
06
Wait
Let it charge for half an hour; if needed, force restart and charge another half hour.
Apple lists a dirty or damaged charging port as one reason for the "accessory not supported or certified" alert, alongside a defective accessory or a charger not designed to charge devices.
Clean the port without damaging it
-
01
Power off
Unplug all cables and turn off the iPhone, as Apple says before any cleaning.
-
02
Look
Shine a light into the port to see whether lint or dirt is packed at the bottom.
-
03
Remove debris gently
Lift loose lint out without pushing it deeper and without force. Apple's advice for the AirPods case port is a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush and nothing pushed into the port to avoid damaging the metal contacts; the same gentle approach makes sense here.
-
04
No air, no liquid
Don't use compressed air, and don't put liquids or cleaning products into the opening.
-
05
Test
Plug the cable in firmly and let the iPhone charge for half an hour.
-
06
Still nothing
If the cable still doesn't seat or charge, stop and get a service rather than scraping inside the port.
If the iPhone says there's liquid in the connector
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Unplug the cable from the iPhone and from the adapter or accessory | Plug the cable back in before the iPhone and cable are completely dry |
| Tap the iPhone gently against your hand, connector facing down | Dry it with an external heat source or compressed air |
| Leave it in a dry area with some airflow | Insert a cotton bud, paper towel or other object into the connector |
| Try charging again after at least 30 minutes; it can take up to 24 hours | Put the iPhone in a bag of rice (small particles can damage it) |
| Use a Qi-certified wireless charger if the back is dry | Charge while wet except in an emergency (pins can corrode) |
On an iPhone XS or later, the alert blocks charging and accessories until the connector, cable ends and accessory are dry. You can override it in an emergency, but Apple warns that charging a wet connector can corrode the pins and cause permanent damage. If the alert appears every time with Apple cables when nothing is wet, Apple says you may need a service.
Cleaning the outside
- Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth, such as a lens or microfibre cloth.
- To disinfect, Apple allows 70 % isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75 % ethyl alcohol wipes or disinfecting wipes on exterior surfaces, not on openings; no products with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, and don't submerge the phone.
- Cleaning products and abrasive materials wear the oil-repellent coating and may scratch the iPhone.
Cleaning an iPhone charging port: FAQs
How do I clean my iPhone charging port?
Turn the iPhone off, unplug all cables, and gently remove debris from the port; Apple says not to use compressed air or get moisture in openings.
Can I use compressed air?
No. Apple's cleaning guidance for iPhone says not to use compressed air, and not to dry a wet connector with it.
Can I use a cotton bud?
Apple says not to insert foreign objects such as a cotton bud or paper towel into a wet connector.
Should I put a wet iPhone in rice?
No. Apple says small particles of rice could damage the iPhone; leave it in a dry area with airflow instead.
What if it still won't charge?
Work through Apple's checklist (power source, restart, cable and adapter, connections), and if it still won't charge, get a service.
Sources
Apple Support pages, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Apple Support · If your iPhone or iPod touch won't charge (published 12 December 2025) ↗Checklist: power source, restart, check cable and adapter, firm connections, remove any debris from the charging port and plug in firmly, charge half an hour, force restart; accessory not supported alert can come from a dirty or damaged port. Read in the browser.
- Apple Support · How to clean your iPhone (published 29 October 2026) ↗Unplug all cables and turn off; soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth; avoid moisture in openings; no cleaning products except disinfecting; no compressed air; 70 % isopropyl, 75 % ethyl or disinfecting wipes on exterior; no bleach or hydrogen peroxide; oleophobic coating. Read in the browser.
- Apple Support · If you see a liquid-detection alert on your iPhone (published 7 November 2024) ↗iPhone XS and later; unplug; tap with connector down; dry area with airflow; at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours; no heat, no compressed air, no cotton bud or paper towel, no rice; emergency override; pins can corrode; wireless charging when dry; service if alert with every Apple cable. Read in the browser.
- Apple Support · How to clean your AirPods (published 29 October 2026) ↗Case port: clean, dry, soft-bristled brush; nothing in the ports to avoid damaging the metal contacts. Read in the browser.
Still not charging?
Rule out the cable and adapter, clean the port gently with the phone off, and if the cable still won't seat, get a service instead of digging in the port.