How to Get a Broken Micro USB Port Working Again

Has the micro USB port on your Smartphone ever become loose or stopped functioning?  Have you experienced the frustration of plugging your phone in all night just to find a dead battery in the morning?  If you have a loose micro USB port, suddenly you can’t charge your battery or even retrieve data from your device. Fortunately, there is a simple way to fix your micro-USB ports and get your devices working again without the need of a professional.

Pockets and purses aren’t as clean as you thought

Unprotected device ports are exposed to a variety of debris such as dirt, dust, sand, and tiny pieces of pocket lint. Over time, this can affect the fit of your USB charging cable and prevents the device from charging properly. Just like anything else that is used daily, some preventative maintenance goes a long way especially with expensive Smartphones and tablets. If you’re not aware how easy it is to fix a loose micro-USB, you could spend a large amount of money trying to get it fixed by a professional.

9 out of Dentists would approve

There’s a quick simple way which you can fix a loose micro USB port without the need of professional repair, and the best part is that you can find this tool you need at virtually any restaurant for free. Cleaning the inside of the USB port using a toothpick is the easy way to fix a loose micro USB.  By design, a Micro USB port charging and data port has a pretty strong fit, but over time they can get loose and become useless. Even if your device doesn’t hold the connector plugs firmly anymore, the simple trick of cleaning the inside of the USB can fix this problem. There is no need to open the device, only a sharp and thin toothpick is needed. The toothpick must be out of wood, in order for it to not conduct electricity and cause you harm. The toothpick can be made smaller and sharpened more for it to fit inside the USB port. Simply poking and scrapping inside the port will reveal all the dirt and gunk that has accumulated inside all this time. You will notice that the USB will not be as loose as before, and that it is now working as if it were new. Try this trick on any old USB port and you will see that the port will start working again.

Protect your investment

A broken micro-USB port can be prevented in the first place if the ports are sealed while they are not being used. In other words, sealing the port when not in use is the best way to solve this problem. Device makers are keenly aware of the potential hazards when designing their latest phone, which is why the Samsung Galaxy S5 has a built in port cover developed by Samsung designers. This port cover is a simple flap that covers the port, preventing dirt and water to enter it. Certain high-end cases such as LifeProof and Otterbox have this protection built in to their design and are available now for those who don’t have a Samsung Galaxy phone. An affordable way to protect your USB ports is by using a simple accessory commonly referred to as a dust plug. Dust plugs are made from flexible silicone, sealing out debris and they are compatible with everything from the latest Android smartphones and tablets, to iPhones, iPads and even laptops. Although they won’t make your phone impervious to damage, they will certainly increase the level of protection and can save you from costly repairs or replacements.