How to make Lightning cables last longer?

[bigsmile01]

I've been having an issue where my iPhone keeps on connecting/disconnecting to my MacBook Pro. After reading around on the issue and trying other cables, I think the issue is the official lightning cable I am using.

The strange thing is that this Lightning Cable is only 5 months old. It shows no visible signs of damage (as I take good care of it). I bought it from an Apple store, so I know it's not a fake.

I've read other posts where people say Lightning Cables don’t last very long. They might still charge fine, but within a couple of months they develop the issue where they keep on connecting/disconnecting to my MacBook Pro.

Does anyone have any tips to make Lightning Cables last longer? I've seen people saying that's better to buy Ankin/Belkin cables, but I'd rather stick with official Apple ones.

 

[coffeemilktea]

I've seen people saying that's better to buy Ankin/Belkin cables, but I'd rather stick with official Apple ones.

Apple used to make really good cables back in the day, but nowadays their cables tend to be a little on the flimsy side.

So yes, you're better off buying a good third-party Lightning cable.

 

[twdawson]

Apple used to make really good cables back in the day, but nowadays their cables tend to be a little on the flimsy side.

So yes, you're better off buying a good third-party Lightning cable.

I buy the braided Belkin ones from the Apple Store and they are much better quality.

 

[RRC]

Another vote here for the braided type, I’ve had a metal braided cable attached to a 5w Apple plug for 5+ years with zero issues. It still looks like new!

 

[SalisburySam]

I use braided Anker cables, have for years, haven’t had one go bad unlike many of my Apple cables.

That said, if you’re having trouble with an apparently undamaged Apple cable, the first remedy is to clean off the contacts. I use a pencil eraser (no, not an Apple Pencil). Works well, no residue. If that doesn’t help, a problem is likely in the wiring regardless of external appearance and would need replacement. Also, clean out the Lightning female receptacle in the iPhone itself. I use an unfolded paper clip and am amazed at the detritus I pull out of there after a few months or so. I haven’t found any way to clean the internal female contacts though but any dirt buildup may prevent the male cable end to seat properly.

And then buy an Anker cable ditching the (today) inferior Apple cable at its first glitchy charging experience.

But to answer OP’s question on how to make the Apole cables last longer: leave them untouched in their original packaging.

 

[Andeddu]

I use a Belkin braided cable. It’s 3 years old and had never shown any signs of problems. Apple cables are cheap trash and I would advise against using them. I had all kinds of issues such as lightning cables refusing to charge devices and outright breaking after some minor wear.

 

[ladytonya]

Apple Lightening cables are pretty much crap. Sadly, the cable they send with the Magic Mouse is a completely different material, almost has a braided feel to it and much better quality! For my lightening devices, I use braided cables from Amazon, even the cheap ones are better than what came with the phone. Sadly, though, it's getting to the point that I really wish they would just give up and go all USB-C. My iPad 4 Air is USB-C but phone, AirPods, and Magic Mouse still lightening. The other end of the others are all USB-C so why not have them all be that? Plus the fact that all the charging blocks that used to come with everything is USB, but now that they're SLOWLY switching to USB-C, you have to buy the block separately. Seriously? This is so messed up! Anyway, I'll jump off my little soap box. Good luck finding Lightening cables that don't self destruct.

 

[Bobcat32]

Is has nothing to do with the cable. Back in the day when I had the 2014 MacBook Air I’d plug in my old iPhone 6 in and it didn’t matter if I used the left or right port or apples cable or a 3rd party. My phone would connect and disconnect over and over. And sometimes if it did connect and I was transferring photos. And half way through? Ya.. it would disconnect straight up in the middle. Transfer aborted with duplicates everywhere. This is a MacBook issue. All of them. And it clearly hasn’t gone away. And frankly I don’t think too many people connect their iPhones to their macs anymore. Else this would be much more of an issue. Also also! Even if my Mac was plugged into power if it were a power supply issue it STILL connect and disconnect. Frankly this made me hate Apple. They still until beaten are going to add something stupid like usb c to iPhone finally in 2023! Frankly give up. Is my advice. Sorry I had to rant because my issue was never fixed and I wish you luck lol also it has nothing to do with anew or used cable. Only in apples world do we users worry about what an “old” cable even is. Is 5 monthes too old of a cable??? Why yes yes it is! LOL

 

[SalisburySam]

Is has nothing to do with the cable. Back in the day when I had the 2014 MacBook Air I’d plug in my old iPhone 6 in and it didn’t matter if I used the left or right port or apples cable or a 3rd party. My phone would connect and disconnect over and over. And sometimes if it did connect and I was transferring photos. And half way through? Ya.. it would disconnect straight up in the middle. Transfer aborted with duplicates everywhere. This is a MacBook issue. All of them. And it clearly hasn’t gone away. And frankly I don’t think too many people connect their iPhones to their macs anymore. Else this would be much more of an issue. Also also! Even if my Mac was plugged into power if it were a power supply issue it STILL connect and disconnect. Frankly this made me hate Apple. They still until beaten are going to add something stupid like usb c to iPhone finally in 2023! Frankly give up. Is my advice. Sorry I had to rant because my issue was never fixed and I wish you luck lol also it has nothing to do with anew or used cable. Only in apples world do we users worry about what an “old” cable even is. Is 5 monthes too old of a cable??? Why yes yes it is! LOL

Wow! This has not been my experience. I’ve used my iMac as iPhone and iPad backup since 2017…several iPhones and a few iPads. It has always worked, first to iTunes, now in Monterey to Finder. Connection has never been at issue. And yes, I use Anker braided cables, both for Lightning connections and now the USB-C connections on the more recent iPads.

 

[BrianBaughn]

My issue with Lightning cable connections is usually with CarPlay…and cleaning the iPhone's port has yet to fail. I keep my phone in my pocket so I'm sure it gets lint in there.