If your iPhone 4 or iPhone 6 won’t charge, the problem could lie with your charging port or with your charging cable. If the cable will charge a different device successfully, then the problem is likely the port. A charge port replacement is a simple and quick repair that can be done by a local repair professional or with a bit of DIY effort.
Symptoms of a Broken iPhone Charging Port
Here are some common signs that your iPhone’s charging port needs repair:
The charging cable doesn’t fit snugly into the port and easily falls out
The phone only charges when the cable is in a certain position
The charging indicator doesn’t light up when you plug in the cable
The phone doesn’t recognize that a cable is plugged in
Fixing a Broken iPhone Charging Port
There are a few options for repairing a broken iPhone charging port:
Take it to a repair shop. Many phone repair shops offer charging port replacement services. They have the proper tools and expertise to safely replace the port without damaging other components.
Send it to Apple. If your iPhone is still under warranty, you may be able to get a free repair or replacement from Apple. Contact them to see if you qualify.
DIY repair. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can replace the charging port yourself. iFixit has detailed guides for replacing the dock connector on the iPhone 4 and 4S. However, this requires soldering skills and should only be attempted by experienced DIYers.
To prevent future charging port issues, be gentle when plugging in your cable and avoid using damaged or low-quality cables. With proper care, your iPhone’s charging port should continue to work reliably for years to come.