Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

If lightening connector port becomes loose/feeble, is it fixable?

T

TH55

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Nov 5, 2011
3,328
152
I have an iPhone 6 64 GB that I bought new when the phone launched. Recently I've been experiencing the small lightning bolt icon next to the battery in the top right corner sporadically disappearing and reappearing, but almost exclusively with a specific car charger cable I've been using. Here is the cable http://www.bestbuy.com/site/griffin...black/7087148.p?id=1218829007388&skuId=708714

The cable now also becomes disconnected on its own repeatedly and I have to be careful for it to stay inserted. It seems that either the input/docking port is loose or damaged/dirty somehow or the cable itself is damaged. What exactly do you think caused this, and how can I best fix it? Will the Apple Store be able to repair it without replacing my phone? Thanks.
 
Last edited:
AustinIllini said:
Go to the Apple Store and say something if you can. I had the same issue with USB type C on my last Android escapade.
Click to expand...
Is that usually a fixable issue or will they probably have to replace the whole phone? I'd prefer to keep my phone.
 
TH55 said:
Is that usually a fixable issue or will they probably have to replace the whole phone? I'd prefer to keep my phone.
Click to expand...
Usually as part of the factory warranty process, they will replace the whole phone if they think it is a defect. I, personally, have never done it with Apple.
 
lagwagon said:
I don't know how long you've had your phone but it could also just be lint or whatever in the Lightning port on the phone.
Click to expand...
Definitely worth a try cleaning out the Lightning port on the phone (and perhaps trying a different cable as well just to rule anything related to the cable/connector out).
 
  • Like
Reactions: bhayes444 and lagwagon
C DM said:
Definitely worth a try cleaning out the Lightning port on the phone (and perhaps trying a different cable as well just to rule anything related to the cable/connector out).
Click to expand...
Yep, I've always found it a good policy to do process of elimination troubleshooting before bringing in my electronics to get serviced. Do as C DM suggests and: clean your port out, try a different cable, also try a different power adapter (I have had one go bad before). If it is still failing the.ln you've likely got a shoddy connection on the port itself.
 
I believe its soldered onto the logic board so if its loose, then there's only one way to fix it. get a replacement
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newtons Apple
Well, which model iPhone is it?

I had an iPhone 5 with a loose connector. It was long out of warranty. For 40 euros (about 50 bucks), a local repair shop fixed it.
 
This. Especially trying a new cable. I never believe it's the cable until I try another and things start working again. Worth trying.

C DM said:
Definitely worth a try cleaning out the Lightning port on the phone (and perhaps trying a different cable as well just to rule anything related to the cable/connector out).
Click to expand...
 
TH55 said:
Is that usually a fixable issue or will they probably have to replace the whole phone? I'd prefer to keep my phone.
Click to expand...
As other posts have mentioned, in every case where I've seen the Lightning port become loose, it's been due to lint jammed in the socket. Use a toothpick to gently dig it out, then follow up with some compressed air.
 
C DM said:
Definitely worth a try cleaning out the Lightning port on the phone (and perhaps trying a different cable as well just to rule anything related to the cable/connector out).
Click to expand...

Ok. I forgot to mention in my OP which I have since edited that the cable I have been experiencing the issue with now becomes disconnected on its own repeatedly and I have to be careful for it to stay inserted. It seems that either the input/docking port is loose or damaged/dirty. Could it really be the cable itself that is causing this or is it most likely the docking port? I can't see how it could be the cable, unless it eroded or wore down. Here is the car charger - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/griffin-technology-powerjolt-se-lightning-vehicle-charger-black/7087148.p?id=1218829007388&skuId=708714

It stays plugged in fine with my home charger, although I just recently started noticing the bolt disappearing/reappearing with that too.
 
Last edited:
TH55 said:
Ok. I forgot to mention in my OP which I have since edited that the cable I have been experiencing the issue with now becomes disconnected on its own repeatedly and I have to be careful for it to stay inserted. It seems that either the input/docking port is loose or damaged/dirty. Could it really be the cable itself that is causing this or is it most likely the docking port? I can't see how it could be the cable, unless it eroded or wore down. Here is the car charger - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/griffin-technology-powerjolt-se-lightning-vehicle-charger-black/7087148.p?id=1218829007388&skuId=708714

It stays plugged in fine with my home charger, although I just recently started noticing the bolt disappearing/reappearing with that too.
Click to expand...
So have you tried cleaning out the Lightning port? (And perhaps using another cable?)
 
C DM said:
So have you tried cleaning out the Lightning port? (And perhaps using another cable?)
Click to expand...
chrfr said:
Clean out the port.
Click to expand...
Yup, problem solved! Thanks everyone. So glad I don't have to exchange my phone, I'm very happy with the JB setup I have going and I have a feeling it would be compromised at least somewhat by a software update. Glad I can also return the two extra chargers I ordered from Best Buy (it is on clearance for $9.99, great deal, normally $27 and a great charger.) I may even still keep one.

Anyway, great lesson learned, thanks again. I'm surprised I've never encountered this problem before, I've owned iPhones now for 4.5 years, since the 4S was released, although this might be more of an issue with the Lightning connectors.
 
curious to try this out as my iphone 6 lighting cable seems to frequently lose its charging connection. i think a few times i've had it plugged into the computer and it complains that its not a valid apple accessory, even though its the cable that shipped with the phone.
 
chrfr said:
Clean out the port.
Click to expand...
Wait a minute, now the cord is staying plugged in firmly but it's still randomly giving me the popup "This accessory may not be supported" and stops charging. Now I'm getting frustrated. I cleaned it out pretty well with a safety pin and blew out all of the lint I could. Do I need to clean it more, could lint still be the problem or is it probably something else?
 
TH55 said:
Wait a minute, now the cord is staying plugged in firmly but it's still randomly giving me the popup "This accessory may not be supported" and stops charging. Now I'm getting frustrated. I cleaned it out pretty well with a safety pin and blew out all of the lint I could. Do I need to clean it more, could lint still be the problem or is it probably something else?
Click to expand...
I found the dust to be pretty stubborn to get out completely. I know it's probably not a great idea but I shut off the phone and then used a straightened paper clip in the socket to get everything out. A strong plastic toothpick would certainly be a smarter idea but I didn't have any of those.
If you have another cable, give that a try too, just in case. It's not impossible that you had two problems occurring at once.
 
chrfr said:
I found the dust to be pretty stubborn to get out completely. I know it's probably not a great idea but I shut off the phone and then used a straightened paper clip in the socket to get everything out. A strong plastic toothpick would certainly be a smarter idea but I didn't have any of those.
Click to expand...
Does it sound like the issue is most likely still caused by lint/dust?
 
TH55 said:
Does it sound like the issue is most likely still caused by lint/dust?
Click to expand...
I would think so. Mine never said that the accessory was unsupported, I just wasn't getting reliable charging, and I could feel that the cable wasn't fully engaged in the socket.
 
TH55 said:
Wait a minute, now the cord is staying plugged in firmly but it's still randomly giving me the popup "This accessory may not be supported" and stops charging. Now I'm getting frustrated. I cleaned it out pretty well with a safety pin and blew out all of the lint I could. Do I need to clean it more, could lint still be the problem or is it probably something else?
Click to expand...
You can try to clean it out one more time, but I'd try a different cable and/or charger as well (hopefully actual Apple ones or at least MFi Certified ones) to see if that makes a difference.
 
C DM said:
You can try to clean it out one more time, but I'd try a different cable and/or charger as well (hopefully actual Apple ones or at least MFi Certified ones) to see if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Sucks bc Apple doesn't make a car charger, I like the coiled one I have because it's compact and easy to grab to plug my phone in when I jump in the car. I don't like the idea of a regular Lightning cable just laying there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back