Physical & water damage

Corrosion inside the charging port

Green or white buildup inside the charging port is corrosion from past moisture exposure and will worsen if not cleaned promptly.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
20–30 minutes
DIY cost
$5–$10
Pro cost
$50–$150

Symptoms

  • Visible green, white, or crusty residue inside the port
  • Charging is intermittent or has stopped working
  • Port may have a slightly off smell

Likely causes

  • CommonPast water or humidity exposure that wasn't fully driedEven a small amount of moisture left in the port oxidizes the metal contacts over time.
  • PossibleSweat exposure from workouts or humid climatesRepeated moisture without full drying can slowly corrode contacts.

What to do

  1. Power off the phone before doing anything else to avoid a short circuit.
  2. Do not plug in a charger until the corrosion is cleaned — this can worsen the damage.
  3. If you're comfortable, gently clean visible corrosion with a dry soft brush or a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (90%+), then let it fully air dry.
  4. Avoid metal tools that could scratch the contacts or push corrosion in deeper.
  5. If corrosion is heavy or charging still doesn't work after cleaning, professional cleaning or port replacement is the safer route.

Tools and parts

  • Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
  • Cotton swab
  • Soft brush
Charging port flex cableSearch: “charging port replacement for your model”

When to call a pro

If corrosion is extensive or cleaning doesn't restore charging, a repair shop can professionally clean or replace the port.

Safety

Use caution

Never plug a charger into a visibly corroded port — this risks a short circuit. Power off before cleaning.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.