How to Clean Airpods Case Charging Port [9 Tips]

Use a toothpick or soft brush to loosen surface debris. For deeper cleaning, moisten a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol to dissolve residue. Gently swab interior port walls, twisting to grab gunk. Let air dry fully before charging again. Check often and routinely vacuum dust to prevent future buildup. Maintaining a clean port optimizes charging.

Keeping your AirPods case charging port clean is important to maintain optimum battery health and charging performance. Dust, lint, and debris can build up in the port over time, interrupting the contact between the case and charging cable. This can lead to problems like inconsistent or slow charging.

Fortunately, cleaning the AirPods case charging port is an easy process that takes just a few minutes. With some basic household items, you can get your case port looking like new! This comprehensive guide walks you through the step-by-step cleaning process How to Clean Airpods Case Charging Port for all models of cleaning AirPods cases.

Supplies Needed

• Soft-bristled toothbrush OR clean toothpick
• Compressed air (optional)
• 70-90% isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Microfiber cloth

Step 1: Inspect the Charging Port

The first step is to closely inspect your AirPods case charging port for any debris or buildup. Flip open the lid of the case and shine a bright light into the port. Do you notice any:

• Dust or lint buildup?
• Dried liquid residue?  
• Other visible debris?

Make a note of anything obstructing the port so you can target it during cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Surface Debris

Before using any liquids or cleaners, you’ll want to brush out any loose surface-level debris in the charging port.  

For this, you can use either a soft-bristled toothbrush or a wooden toothpick.

Toothbrush Method

• Gently insert the toothbrush bristles into the charging port.   
• Carefully rotate in a circular motion to loosen debris.
• Alternate rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise.
• Finish by gently brushing from different angles to dislodge any remaining debris.

Toothpick Method

• Insert the tip of the toothpick into the charging port.
• Gently move the toothpick side-to-side and up-and-down to dislodge any lint or debris.
• Take care not to press too firmly or scratch the port surface.
• Repeat brushing across all areas of the port opening to remove all loose contaminants.

Inspect the port again. If some packed-in debris remains, don’t worry – we’ll tackle that next.

Step 3: Use Compressed Air

For more stubborn debris packed into the charging port, short bursts of compressed air can help fully dislodge it.

Note: This step is optional but recommended for very dirty ports.

Here’s how to safely use compressed air:

• Insert the plastic nozzle tube into the charging port opening.
• Tilt the case upside down so gravity helps pull out debris.
• Press the nozzle for 1-2 second bursts while slowly rotating the can.
• Check the port between bursts and brush debris away with the toothbrush.
• Repeat short bursts from different angles until no more debris emerges.

Once complete, inspect the port again. Compressed air alone often gets the job done. But if some residue remains, it’s time to pull out the cleaning solutions.

Step 4: Prepare Cleaning Solutions

For this next phase, you’ll need:

• 70-90% isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Microfiber cloth

To prepare the alcohol:

• Pour a small amount of 70-90% isopropyl alcohol onto a clean microfiber cloth.
• Dip the tip of a cotton swab into the alcohol to moisten it.

Caution: Avoid using rubbing alcohol, which contains added moisturizers and tends to leave residue. Now comes the careful cleaning airpods.  

Step 5: Clean Charging Contacts

The charging contacts along the perimeter of the port opening are most vital for power transfer.  

Use the moistened cotton swab tip to gently clean along the port walls:

• Roll the cotton tip back and forth slowly across each contact point.
• Apply light pressure to scrub away stubborn residue.
• Rotate the swab around the port to access all contact areas.  

The alcohol will help dissolve oil, grease, and other grime left from repeated charging cable insertion.

As you clean, inspect the cotton tip. If it’s picking up residue, keep swabbing until it comes out clean.

Step 6: Flush out Hidden Debris

Even if the port looks clear, compacted debris can remain lodged deep inside. The key is flushing it out with alcohol.  

To accomplish this:

• Moisten a new cotton swab tip with alcohol.
• Insert deep into the charging port opening.
• Firmly press the cotton against interior port walls while twisting.
• The swab friction “grabs” and pulls out packed-in contaminants.  
• Make at least 3 full rotations clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Inspect the cotton tip – did it pick up any gunk from inside? If yes, repeat the process with new swabs until they come out clean.

Step 7: Dry the Port  

After cleaning, don’t recharge your AirPods case until the port is completely dry:

• Use the corner of a microfiber cloth to gently pat dry the visible areas inside the port opening.  Take care not to leave behind cloth fibers.
• If moisture remains out of sight, let the port air dry for at least 1 hour.
• Check with a flashlight – if moisture remains, pat dry again or wait longer.

Charging while wet risks short circuit damage, so it’s critical the port is fully dry before reconnecting power.

Step 8: Remove Dust with Sticky Tack  

As a final debris removal step, you can use sticky tack to pick up any leftover dust.

Here’s how:

• Lightly press a small ball of sticky tack into the charging port.
• Pat gently to adhere surface dust and lint.  
• Slowly remove to lift debris away.
• Inspect and repeat until the tack comes out clean.

The sticky tack’s malleable surface clings to residual dust the swabs may have missed. It offers a finishing Touch to leave a pristine port.

Step 9: Prevent Future Buildup

While cleaning restores charging performance, steps should be taken to prevent future charging port contamination:

When Charging:

• Inspect cable ends for debris before plugging in.
• Keep case and cable away from dust-prone areas.
• Avoid placing on fabric surfaces that may shed lint.

General Prevention Tips:

• Store AirPods in a clean, enclosed space like the original case.
• Check the port opening regularly for any noticeable debris buildup.
• Use a miniature vacuum attachment to routinely suck out loose dust.

An ounce of prevention saves repeat cleanings down the road!

When to Replace Your AirPods Case

How to Clean Airpods Case Charging Port? If you’ve followed all troubleshooting steps but the AirPods case still fails to charge properly, the issue may require hardware replacement for a permanent fix.

Additional Readings:

How to clean airpods pro tips yellow.

How to Clean Black Stuff Off Airpods Case.

Consider a case replacement if:

• Cleaning doesn’t restore charging functionality
• The charging port is visibly damaged or corroded
• Battery life is considerably shorter despite full recharges

While inconvenient, replacing a malfunctioning case protects your earbuds and ensures reliable performance.

Summary

How to Clean Airpods Case Charging Port? And there you have it – a complete guide to cleaning your AirPods case charging port! By methodically working through each step, you can clear out debris for full charging contact.

While it’s a quick DIY fix, preventing future buildup is also key for longevity. So be sure to keep your case away from dust and regularly check the port. Your AirPods will thank you!