Is your iPad charging port actually broken, or just dirty? innovative way to clean it safely and when you actually need a soldering repair.
iPad Charging Issues: Dirt vs Damage
It happens constantly. A customer brings in an iPad saying "It won't charge!" expecting a RM 200 repair. We pull out a tweezer, remove a lint ball, and it works perfectly. Free of charge.
Step 1: diagnosis
Look inside the lightning or USB-C port with a flashlight.
- Do you see gold pins? Good.
- Do you see a grey wall of fuzz? That's pocket lint/dust.
Step 2: Safe Cleaning (DIY)
- Use a wooden toothpick or plastic pick. DO NOT use metal needles (short circuit risk).
- Gently scrape the bottom of the port.
- Blow with compressed air.
When You Need a Repair
If the port is clean but:
- You have to wiggle the cable to charge.
- The cable feels loose/falls out.
- You see black char marks (burn out).
Then you need a Charging Port Replacement.
The Solder Challenge
On most iPads, the charging port is soldered directly to the logic board. It's not a simple plug-and-play. It requires:
- Micro-soldering microscope.
- Hot air rework station.
- Steady hands.
Techfix specializes in this precise solder work. We replace the port without damaging neighboring chips.
Cost: Generally RM 150 - RM 350 depending on model. Time: 2-3 Hours (Same day).
Don't force a broken charger! You might damage the logic board power IC (Tristar/Hydra chip). Bring it in early.
