Apple @lemmy.world veee @lemmy.ca 3d ago

Loose iPhone 15 series USB-C port?

Anyone with an iPhone 15 series device find their USB-C port to be loose? When I have it plugged in the car for CarPlay my cable frequently pops out if I nudge it accidentally. I’ve tried different brands of cables, and all of them wiggle loose eventually.

For context I’m using an iPhone 15 Pro.

23 comments

I don't have a 15, but the last time I had an issue with a charging cable just popping out like that it was because some debris was lodged way down in the very bottom of the port. It was a tiny little thing I had to use a needle and flashlight to get out but it was enough that the cable wouldn't stay plugged in at all anymore
- I inspected the port before posting to rule it out. Clean as a whistle!
  
  Go by the cable seating fully or not.
  
  If the cable doesn’t seat fully then there’s something in there you’re missing. If it’s seating fully it may actually be damaged. Take it Apple to service.
As much as I am glad that we transitioned from lightning to USB-C, port durability was never an issue.
Yes, constantly. But it happened with my iPhone 13 Pro as well.
I have a 14 pro and thus still use Lightning, but I've had iffy USB-C connectors and plugs on various other devices. Potentially an upopular opinion, but I don't like USB-C much and find it doesn't have a very positive feeling connection. I've also had a couple USB-C plugs fail already.
- I agree. I love what USB-C can do, but it is NOT a secure or durable-feeling connector.
  
  Yes! Every time I say this somebody shows up to comment on how USB C is the best and they use it for all their fastening.
  
  That’s why lightning cables were designed the way they were. The flat connector was made to break if there was too much strain so that the port wouldn’t come loose. The cable is more easily/cheaply replaceable than the port.
- It's why usb-A will probably never go away for computers; the friction fit is fantastic, and you don't have to frequently clean it out to have a connection.
I have the same issue. Brought it in and they cleaned the heck out of it. It’s better feeling though not perfect. I’ll bring it in under warranty another time because they said the process to replace the port takes like two hours and I didn’t have that time when I went in.
- Two hours? Geeze. Can’t imagine how I’d kill time at the mall for that long, but I’d still do it.
Consider getting a wireless CarPlay adapter as a work around. “Carlinkit” seems to be the go to brand for this.
- That’s actually not a bad idea. Thanks for the recommendation.
I have a 15 Pro as well and mine is still ok. Although I rarely use the port because I use wireless charging most of the time.

I did have an issue with CarPlay disconnecting sometimes, even though the cable itself doesn't pop out. But it also happens on my husband's Pixel, and we've tried other cables, so we think it's just the car's connection rather than the cable/phone.
- That’s a fair assessment. Now’s a good time to experiment with cables since it’s Black Friday.
Mine wouldn’t seat fully and would pop out. Debris in connector. Cleaned out with a needle and it was fine again. Go by the USB C connector seating fully. If it doesn’t, there’s something in there impeding it.
- I would suggest a toothpick next time. If you short out the right pins with a needle you can damage your phone.
  
  It’s possible to short, but the port pin outs show 2 or 3 pins between voltage lines and grounds.
  
  It’s a pretty small port and a toothpick doesn’t fit well around the post in the centre if you want to get to the very bottom. I borrowed a very fine sewing needle from stepmom for port cleaning duties.
  
  I did turn it off first though.
  
  Don’t worry about it too much. As long as you don’t physically damage the pins, there is no problem. They are protected against electrical shorts.

23 comments