Do I need a new Lightning port for my 5S?

[AVR2]

My 5S has reached the point where about 50% of the time, it won't register that it's been plugged in to charge or sync until I push hard on the Lightning plug. Would this be a symptom that it needs a new Lightning connector, or could it be something else?

It's not the cable, BTW - it's the same with any cable I use, even brand-new ones. And I've used the toothpick trick to clean the crud out of the port, it's as clean as a whistle in there. First time I tried it, I was shocked by how much fluff and other debris came out.

 

[iThingsGurl]

My 5S has reached the point where about 50% of the time, it won't register that it's been plugged in to charge or sync until I push hard on the Lightning plug. Would this be a symptom that it needs a new Lightning connector, or could it be something else?

Its just a symptom that your lightning port needs to be cleaned. Debris tend to build up over time which leads the port to not detect the cable. Cleaning it should make it work fine again. You can refer to this article to clean your lightning port.

 

[AVR2]

Its just a symptom that your lightning port needs to be cleaned. Debris tend to build up over time which leads the port to not detect the cable. Cleaning it should make it work fine again. You can refer to this article to clean your lightning port.

Already done, more than once. Check out the second paragraph of my post.

 

[iThingsGurl]

Already done, more than once. Check out the second paragraph of my post.

Sorry. My bad.

Yes I think in that case you need to get your port checked at Apple. They will probably replace it.

 

[AVR2]

It's way out of warranty, so I was just planning to get an independent place to do it. I know I could do it myself with iFixit, but reading the directions, it seems irritatingly fiddly.

 

[iThingsGurl]

It's way out of warranty, so I was just planning to get an independent place to do it. I know I could do it myself with iFixit, but reading the directions, it seems irritatingly fiddly.

True. Independent place should be fine (unless they charge the same as Apple). I remember back in 2012 they used to replace the entire phone (charge you for the refurbished unit if it was out of warranty!) if the lightning port wasn't functioning. I'm not sure what they do now though.