Steps 1. Utilizing such items may cause scratches in and around the USB ports. Dont use anything metal or sharp, as this could cause damage to the port. If it's difficult to get the remaining dirt out of the port, you could try wrapping double-sided tape around the end of a sewing or a syringe needle and gently nudging it free. Instead, apply it first on a small cleaning brush or cotton buds before starting to clean the ports. However, from time to time, the message still appears 4. 3. A plastic dental pick, if there's anything sticky or too hard to remove with compressed air. While they are great for cleaning purposes, some avoid them as they may leave behind small lumps. 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Windows will automatically reinstall the USB controllers, so check to see if your device works. Either Android will auto-detect that the USB ports are safe to use and notify the user, or a user can clear the contaminants and manually enable the USB port again. resetting the system management controller, checking for and installing Windows updates. 5. If youre using USB-C headphones, remove the headphones from the USB-C port. These are non-abrasive materials and will not cause any scratches inside the USB ports. Here are some steps to take: 1. Tap Clear cache located on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to clear your USB cache. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-netboard-1','ezslot_33',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-netboard-1-0');This is an ideal method because it can effectively dislodge any dust particles without damaging any of the surrounding components. Even using small amounts of water may damage the USB ports on your PC. If necessary, reformat the USB. Also, getting your hands on such a device can cost you a fortune. 6. Spray away loosened debris with more compressed air. Hold the phone, tablet, or laptop so that the charging port tilts downward toward your work When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Cover the port with a small strip of adhesive tape when you're not using it. The dirt can also cause corrosion, which further interferes with the power flow. Weve also seen people inserting their nails inside the ports to remove the crumbles and debris. But never consider a vacuum cleaner with high suction power. Instead of alcohol, you could also use a quick-drying electronics cleaner made specifically for cleaning ports, sensors, and other electronics. WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. It is important to ensure that your USB does not have any malicious viruses or malware on it before you continue. Once the USB port looks to be mostly dry, Carefully plug in the USB device and turn the power on. If your USB port is loose, it will cause a broken connection when you link your device. To fix this, try the following: Insert your USB cable and wiggle it. Disconnect the charging cable from your phone. This is an easy way to rule out a problem with the device itself. If you're cleaning the charging port of a PC laptop that has a DC power port instead of USB-C, use a flashlight to look inside the port first. Next, unplug all the USB peripherals from their respective ports. Everyone should own a can of compressed air. 70% isopropyl alcohol or more is fine. If the port still feels crunchy when you plug in a cable, you may want to repeat the cleaning process or check that your charging cable isnt dirty. If the charger still charges slowly, try using a different charger altogether. All in all, its best to avoid leaving a flash drive in for too long, as the risks can range from minor inconveniences to major headaches. On macOS on High Sierra and earlier, open the app store. This wikiHow teaches you how to safely remove dirt and other substances from USB-C charging port using compressed air and a dental pick. By far, this seems to be the best option as it keeps the components neat, without any fear of damage. Use a very small amount of rubbing alcohol on the pad if necessary. Find and touch USB Settings. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 370,458 times. Important: Be careful. Be very careful not to insert anything sharp or hard into the port, as this may damage your device. Below is a table summarizing all the points we will discuss ahead. Over time, the port can become clogged and cause the device to not charge correctly. My pixel 5 wouldn't charge through the port anymore after 2 months because of dirt and debris in the port. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. This article was written by Mitch Harris and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. One way to test this is to insert your USB device and then gently wiggle the connection. Use a small, soft brush to remove any Cleaning your phones USB-C port is easier than you might expect. When shopping for a dust plug, make sure you get the right size for your charging port. 5. Loose connections/ cable issues. However, there are certain waterproof, shock-resistant USB drives that could survive in certain wet conditions. Leaving a flash drive in too long can lead to a variety of issues. If youre cleaning the USB-C, they are way smaller but have a 24-pin configuration. Make sure to hold the can vertically, with the nozzle pointing downward, not directly into the USB port. If your device suddenly starts working, then you know that the problem was a broken wire inside the other cable. A small cleaning brush is another useful tool to clean the tough areas of your USB port. Keep your phone's USB-C port free of dust and lint with these cheap and stylish port covers. If you see anything stuck inside, shut your computer down and gently remove the obstruction with a thin plastic or wooden implement like a toothpick. Last Updated: October 12, 2022 6. 5. Firmware problems. Learn how the long-coming and inevitable shift to electric impacts you. Sometimes these ports have pins at their centers that can be easy to break. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-netboard-2','ezslot_34',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-netboard-2-0');This can be particularly troublesome depending on the type of tasks the computer is doing. Andrew is the News Editor for Review Geek, where he covers breaking stories and manages the news team. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. As flash drives contain so much data and are usually high-end electronics, they are often hefty and generate a decent amount of heat when plugged in for an extended period of time. All you have to do is squeeze the blower to apply small bursts of air in succession. A good indicator that something is stuck is if the cable doesn't plug in all the way. While the compressed air blows off the dust, portable vacuum cleaners (meant for cleaning PC components) suck in all the dirt particles from the USB ports. As mentioned earlier, we also recommend getting a torch or using your phones flashlight. If yes, you risk messing up your phone by plugging in a cable too soon or overheating the device by leaving it plugged in too long. Spray short bursts of compressed air into the port. The best way to do this is to use compressed air. Hence, theres a minimal to no chance of getting electrical injuries when operating USB ports. Then set it on a flat surface to dry at room temperature. Like other exposed electronics ports, USB-C ports can collect dust, grime, and debris. 2. Unplug any device connected to the USB port, and turn off the power to the device and/or computer. And for the love of all that is holy, dont stick bobby pins or other pieces of metal in any of your phones holes. Caution: Pulling out any USB parts from a port can accidentally break the power pins and cause permanent damage. Obviously, Pixel 4a can not detect the presence or not of liquid accurately. If that doesn't help, take your device to a service center. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Unfortunately, phones are constantly exposed to small particles. Also, do not use them for cleaning your clothes. The latter one might be comparatively costly but better for cleaning. Look for moisture or debris inside the USB-C port and cable. Helpful tech how-tos delivered to your inbox every week! There are two ways this will work. Charging ports are incredibly vulnerable to dust, dirt, and grime. There are already specialized cleaning kits available in the market. In the device manager, click the arrow next to the little USB cable so that it points down instead of to the right. Hold the bottom end with your thumb and press the other end using the index finger to pluck out fine particles stuck inside the USB ports.
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