iPhone SE charging port barely works - can it be repaired?

[slapple]

I have the original first-generation iPhone SE. The charging port barely works nowadays. If I plug it into a charger, it won't charge, unless I apply pressure to the charging cable and push it to the side. If I try to put the phone on my charging dock, it won't charge unless I have the phone leaning a bit to the side while on the dock.

Is this something Apple can repair?

 

[PhoenixDown]

I would love to know the answer too as this is the #1 reason I've had to upgrade over the years. I'm glad the newer models allow for wireless charging via that puck.

 

[MaskedCarrot]

Try getting a paperclip and cleaning the inside of the port. There is usually stuff jammed in there.

When I worked for Verizon I used to see this all the time. Usually it was pocket lint.

 

[Nukemkb]

I use a toothpick or snipped Q tip, not comfortable sticking anything metal in there. And yes, mine needs periodic cleaning (shirt pocket AND SE charging port )

 

[BugeyeSTI]

You can replace it if cleaning it doesn't work.. Apple will want to replace the phone with a refurbished unit. There are plenty of videos/tutorials online on how to do it.

iPhone SE (1st Gen) Lightning Connector and Headphone Jack

This lightning connector assembly includes the lightning connector, primary microphone, and headphone jack and is compatible with 1st generation iPhone SE models.

www.ifixit.com

iPhone SE Lightning Connector Replacement

If you've tried cleaning the lightning port to no avail, use this guide to replace a nonfunctioning Lightning connector assembly, including...

www.ifixit.com

 

[now i see it]

Replacing the lightning port requires disassembling the entire phone. It’s gnarly. Apple charges so much for the repair that it’s never worth it. A third party repair shop could do it cheaper - but cross your fingers it won’t get screwed up in the process. It’s major open heart surgery.

There are two spring clips on each side of the port that grab the plug when it’s inserted. You can feel them click into the side notches of the plug when it’s inserted.
The data & power contacts in the port are on the top side of the port. There’s nothing going on on the bottom. The male plug has contacts on both sides but only the up side is doing anything.

Get a good magnifying glass and a light and a - toothpick- (not metal) and examine carefully what’s going on inside the port.

My 6+ port was messed up for over a year and it wasn’t because of jammed lint - then it somehow sort of fixed itself and the plug then got held more firmly inside the port.

I think the spring tab(s) had jammed closed in the past and somehow loosened up and started working properly again.

 

[Wando64]

As others have said. Yes, it can be replaced, either by Apple or you can do it yourself (I have).
However, the issue is almost certainly caused by lint inside the port. Easily cleaned with a paper clip or a needle.
Just be careful not to scratch the sides where the contacts are. The lint will be collected and compacted at the bottom.