Clean a MagSafe Port

Apple’s proprietary “MagSafe” chargers are magnetic, which means they’re designed to easily slip out of their ports should someone or something accidentally tug on the power cord. One downside of this technology, however, is that in addition to the normal dust and dirt, the internal port can collect “magnetic debris.” This can make it harder to clean and reduces its ability to charge effectively. Fortunately, cleaning out a MagSafe port isn’t much of a chore. Simply use a cotton swab or toothbrush to sweep dry debris out of the port and make sure the connector is making maximal contact.

Steps

Clearing Debris from the MagSafe Port

1. Unplug the charger. Before you begin cleaning or otherwise handling your computer’s internal components, it’s important to make sure that it’s disconnected from its primary power source. Pull the AC plug out of the wall outlet, then remove the adapter from the computer’s charging port.
   • In order to clean the MagSafe port and connector, you’ll need to have unobstructed access to both.
2. Remove the battery from the computer. It’s also a good idea to go ahead and disconnect the battery, since it provides residual power to the computer. To remove the battery, turn the computer over and slide the tab or press the button off to the side of the battery compartment. It should then simply lift out.
   • Always be careful with your computer’s battery. Once you’ve got it out, set it aside someplace where it won’t be dropped or have something spilled on it.
   • Though it’s unlikely, cleaning an electronic device with an active battery could result in a shock to you or damage to the device.
3. Grab a toothbrush or cotton swab. These types of soft, flexible items work best because they can get into cracks and crevices without damaging any of the delicate connector pieces. You may also have success using another type of small brush, like a makeup or razor brush.
   • It’s important that the object you use be completely dry. Never apply cleaning sprays or any other liquids to your computer’s open connections.
   • Make sure the toothbrush or cotton swab is clean to avoid transferring dirt and other substances.
   • Avoid using metal objects, such as paperclips, inside the charging port. Not only can this interfere with the port’s magnetic properties, it’s also an electrical hazard.
4. Brush out the charging port. Go over the walls of the port with the toothbrush or cotton swab, making sure to sweep out all visible dust and debris. Depending on how dirty the port is, it may take several passes to clear it out. It’s especially vital to clear away any tiny metallic particles you come across, as these can reduce the contact between the charging connector and the port.
   • If you haven’t cleaned your computer’s charging port in a while, you can use the point of a toothpick to break up caked-on dirt and grime.
   • Make sure that no fibers of any kind are left behind inside the port’s pin receptacles.

Cleaning the Connector

1. Dust off the connector. Now that the MagSafe port is clean, take the adapter itself and give the inside a thorough brushing as well to remove dust and metal debris. Be sure to get down around the charging pins with the tip of the cotton swab or the bristles of the toothbrush.
   • Scrub vigorously to remove gunk that’s solidified around the edges of the connector.
   • Don’t worry about displacing the charging pins. They’re designed to move freely when you touch them.
2. Reset the charging pins. Every now and then the brass pins in the connector will get stuck in the “down” position, which prevents them from making a solid connection inside the port. You can usually correct this issue by simply plugging and unplugging the adapter a few times until the pins right themselves on their own.
   • If the pins are still stuck after multiple attempts, press them sideways with your fingertip to pop them back into place.
   • Careful and regular cleaning around the charging pins will make them less likely to stick in the future.
3. Test the connection. Try inserting and removing the adapter a few times to see whether it connects securely. If it seems loose or you encounter any kind of resistance, it may be necessary to go over either the port or the connector again more meticulously.
   • Turn the computer on and look for the icon indicating that it’s charging to appear.
   • If the adapter frequently comes out of place, it may be due to a bad magnetic connection. In this case, buying a new charger might be your only option.

Maintaining Your Computer's Charging Inputs

1. Clean the charging port regularly. Bacteria, dust, stray hairs and other unwanted intruders can accumulate at a surprising rate. Aim to show your computer’s charging inputs some attention about once a month. The better you maintain them, the better they’ll perform.
   • Refrain from eating or drinking around your computer as much as possible.
   • Consider cleaning more frequently if you share your household with pets or tend to use your computer outdoors.
2. Clear out the port with compressed air. If you really want to deep clean your computer’s MagSafe port, a quick blast of compressed air can flush out any remaining dust or debris. It’s best to do this outside where you’re less likely to make a mess. Point the nozzle of the canister at the port at a slight angle, then press the button in short bursts.
   • Compressed air is also useful for tidying up around the battery compartment, adapter and other components with narrow openings.
   • Don’t forget to replace the battery when you’re done.
3. Replace broken or deteriorating chargers. If you notice any frayed wires, chipped metal or damage around the sheathing, it may be time to shell out for a new charger cord. Even if the MagSafe port itself is perfectly clean, it won’t be enough to properly charge your computer without an intact and fully functioning adapter.
   • Faulty chargers can often be replaced at no cost to you. Take your charger to an Apple store to have it inspected for flaws.
   • Check the warranty information included with your computer's owner's manual to see what types of issues it covers.

Tips

• Cleaning your computer’s MagSafe port regularly will improve its ability to hold a charge.
• MagSafe charging connectors come in a variety of shapes and styles, which may require you to alter your approach somewhat when brushing them clean.
• While your computer is in use, set it on a desk, table or countertop, or rest it on your lap. Placing it on another surface, such as carpet, can cause tiny particles to collect around the charging inputs at a much faster rate.
• If you’ve had a serious spill in or near your computer’s MagSafe port, take it to be serviced by a professional technician.

Warnings

• By cleaning your MagSafe port (or any other part of your computer, for that matter) incorrectly, you may run the risk of voiding your warranty.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab or toothbrush
• Canister of compressed air
• Toothpick (optional)

Sources and Citations

See also

• Clean a Headphone Jack
• Clean Printer Rollers
• Calibrate Your Monitor
• Remove Scratches from a Phone Screen
• Repair Dodgy or Broken Headphones
• Clean a Mouse Ball
• Open an iPhone
• Fix a Physically Broken Hard Drive
• Keep Dust Out of The Computer
• Save a Laptop from Liquid Damage

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