Do you feel anxious when your phone’s battery level goes under 20%, maybe even 50%? If so, you’re not alone; anxiety due to a low phone battery is something that one in eight people in the U.S. experiences. Over half even regard low battery as a nightmare!
So, imagine how much more worried you could feel if your devices suddenly don’t want to charge.
But don’t panic yet, as you may only need a charger port repair. Depending on several factors, it can take 15 minutes to two hours to fix. Based on the same variables, it can cost you nothing to over a few hundred dollars.
Read on, as we’ll discuss what you need to know about fixing a charging port and its associated costs.
Dirty Charger Port: $0 to Fix
Dust, dirt, dander, lint, and other debris can get into and build up in your devices’ charging ports over time. With enough build-up, your charger’s connector may fail to make a solid connection. This can lead to the charger being unable to transfer power to your device and charge its battery.
If this is the sole cause of the problem, you can fix it for $0 within 15 minutes with a simple cleaning.
First, power off your device and unplug it from its charger. Next, grab a cotton ball, a toothpick, and, if you have one, a compressed air pump.
Take a tiny amount of the cotton and transfer it to the toothpick to make it fit into the port. Ensure you wrap the cotton securely on one end of the toothpick.
Now, hold your device so that the port’s opening faces downward. Then, gently insert the cotton-tipped toothpick and move it in a circular motion. Repeat this four to five times.
Remove the toothpick and switch to the compressed air pump. With your port still facing the floor, direct air into it with a few squeezes of your pump.
Try charging your device now. If the cleaning trick worked, its charging system should work again.
In-Warranty Product Defect: $0 to Fix
If your device is less than a year old or has an extended warranty, your charging port repair may be free. This applies to product defects, not accidental damage. An example is if there was a problem in the manufacturing that led to the port’s poor installation.
Unfortunately, most gadget damages are accidental and owner-caused, such as a drop. Indeed, according to a recent survey, 50% of U.S. respondents cited this as the reason they broke their phone. Others said it fell into a body of water, with the toilet being the most common.
In those situations, even if your device is still under warranty, it likely won’t cover the port repair. You’d have to pay for it out of pocket.
DIY Charger Port Repair: Starts From $15
If your device is out of warranty and you’re confident in your tech skills, you can fix a charging port the DIY way. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may only need a toolkit to open the device and clean the port. In this case, expect to spend at least $15 for the kit.
But if your charging port has broken parts, you may need to replace the entire thing. A charging port replacement kit can cost $15 or more, depending on the device it’s for. However, this method can take one to two hours, especially for a beginner.
As you can see, a DIY charging port repair job is cheap, but before you proceed, re-assess your skills. Remember, this method will require you to disassemble your device. And inside are fragile components, such as ribbons, chips, and wires, that can easily break.
When that happens, you’ll face even more repair bills or, worse, a completely broken device. For example, if you damage one or more of its ribbon connectors, you might end up with a non-working screen.
Apple Service Center: Hundreds of Dollars
We’ve mentioned Apple as it charges considerably more for repairs than other brands. If you go to them to have your out-of-warranty iPhone charging port fixed, you could pay up to $699.
That rate is for the Apple 15 Pro Max, but the price only dips a little for the slightly lower-tier or older models. For instance, fixing the iPhone 11 Pro Max through Apple will set you back $599, just $100 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
If your phone has AppleCare+ coverage, though, you’ll only pay $99 plus taxes and shipping for the repair.
Professional Gadget Repair: $50 Onward
Depending on your gadget’s specs, an expert technician can repair its charging port for $50 or more. Usually, older devices, as long as they still have replacement parts, are cheaper to fix. This is because they often have fewer, less complex components.
Also, expect smaller gadgets to cost less to repair than their bigger counterparts. For example, smartphones (except the latest iPhones) are cheaper to fix than laptops.
Note, too, that independent repair shops often charge less than brand-run ones. For example, you may only have to pay them $148 to replace or fix your iPhone 11 Pro Max charging port. That’s a $451 price difference from what you’d otherwise pay an Apple Service Center.
If you choose a well-established independent store, you can expect quality not to be an issue. Their expert technicians can also complete repair jobs in around half an hour.
So, pick a repair center that’s been around for several years now, preferably over a decade. Their being in business for a long time often indicates credibility and reliability.
You should also look for service warranties, and as much as possible, go for a lifetime warranty. This is a sign of a service provider’s confidence in the quality of work they provide.
Get Your Charging Port Fixed Today
A charger port repair is usually one of the cheapest jobs you’d need for your devices. It may not even cost you anything if it’s only dirty; just clean it with a cotton-tipped toothpick. But if it needs fixing, prepare to spend $50 to $600+, depending on your chosen method.
If you choose Fruit Fixed, you can rest easy, as we charge reasonable rates.
So, head to our repair page now and select your device to find repair estimates. But if you need more details, drop us a line or ring us up!
