iPhone XS Excellent Condition Except Lighting Cable Port Clogged

[- rob -]

My partner's iPhone XS was kept in a case and she was really careful with it. Then this jenky lighting cable had its tip break off partly in the port.

We put a reasonable amount of effort into getting the piece out using some jewelry tools we got, but at least some portion of the metal is really wedged in there.

At this point, I think it either needs to be drilled out in some way. I've looked at the assembly replacement and it is a challenging fix.

The phone is in excellent shape otherwise, no scratches, works perfectly. Charges using a wireless charger just fine.

However, the phone is out of warranty. I checked with online support, they said this falls under "other damage" which would be $549 to fix. From what I can tell, that would not really be worthwhile, since the aftermarket for this is in the few-hundreds of dollars.

Can anyone offer any suggestions on course of action? I've thought about just getting this off my hands and putting it on eBay and craigslist as is and seeing what I can get. It's a real shame, the phone is basically perfect except this sorta big problem.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

Try using a small amount of super glue to attach a small piece of plastic to the piece of cable end and after it dries pull it out.. At least you can wirelessly charge the phone if it can't be removed. Trading the phone in for a newer phone is also an option. I believe they only check if the phone turns on, screen works properly/not cracked and if find my is turned off. I'm talking about in person trade in not through the mail

 

[- rob -]

Try using a small amount of super glue to attach a small piece of plastic to the piece of cable end and after it dries pull it out.. At least you can wirelessly charge the phone if it can't be removed. Trading the phone in for a newer phone is also an option. I believe they only check if the phone turns on, screen works properly/not cracked and if find my is turned off. I'm talking about in person trade in not through the mail

We did try the super glue method earlier on and failed at that.

The trade-in idea is not bad. Technically, the criteria for "good condition" from Apple does not include the lightning port's situation:

We'll definitely have use for an Apple gift card, so we may give that a shot.

Thank you for this feedback.

 

[Spetsgruppa]

We did try the super glue method earlier on and failed at that.

The trade-in idea is not bad. Technically, the criteria for "good condition" from Apple does not include the lightning port's situation:

View attachment 1792681


We'll definitely have use for an Apple gift card, so we may give that a shot.

Thank you for this feedback.

yeah,now Apple has to charge themselves $549 to fix the port.lmaooooo.

 

[- rob -]

I was able to remove this stuck connector using a set of very fine drill bits and a Dremel.

The interior of the 8 pin is plastic, so I was able to drill into that, then bore it out to the edges.

This gave enough depth to get a very small, but sturdy and sharp edged flathead screwdriver into the connector and angle the sharp point into the side.

I then wrenched the port out using this screwdriver in a kind of sweeping motion with my hand. The port came out enough to grab it with a needle nose pliers.

I tested it with a good cable and the phone is fine.

I haven’t seen this method described anywhere. I ordered a special set of tiny jewelry drill bits and almost gave up twice. But it worked.