How To Clean A Nintendo Switch Charging Port

This guide is all about a quest to clean your Nintendo Switch’s charging port and will help you restore the vital connection between your Console and the power source.

With a few simple and detailed steps, you’ll soon be able to put your Nintendo Switch back into operating mode, so read through this piece and bring your Nintendo Switch to life.

Let’s get ready to clear the dust and debris and get your Switch charged up again.

If you’re searching for ways to know How To Factory Reset A Nintendo Switch Console, then read through this guide.

Effective Ways Of Cleaning Your Nintendo Switch Charging Port

Table of Contents

There are several effective ways of cleaning the dust and debris from the Nintendo Switch charging port, and some of those are discussed below:

1. Inspect the Charging Port and Cable

Nintendo Switch can have charging issues, mostly due to faulty cables and excessive force applied while removing the charging cable. So, you should check the charging port and cable. Look for any damage or debris in the charging port minutely. If dust has accumulated in the port, clean it. Then, you can try a different charger and power source to rule out any issues with the cable or adapter. Make sure you use a genuine charger.

You can test it with a USB tester by plugging it into the USB port. Check if the Switch is charging. If there is no charging indicator on the screen, then go to the next step.

2. Clean The Charging Port On A Nintendo Switch

Power off the Switch completely. Do not just put it in sleep mode; turn it off by holding the power button, selecting “Power Options,” and then “Turn Off.”

Take a cotton swab or a soft brush and gently scrape it along the sides of the charging port parallel to the pins. This will help dislodge any dirt, lint, or debris preventing a proper connection. Compressed air can blow out any loosened particles from the port. Be careful not to spray the air directly into the port, potentially damaging it. Leave the port for 5-10 minutes before attempting to charge again.

If the port still appears dirty, repeat the steps until it looks clean. Avoid using anything sharp or rigid, like a toothpick or paperclip, directly in the port, as this will lead to bending or breaking of the delicate pins.

Once cleaned, plug in the official Nintendo Switch charger and see if charging resumes normally. Depending on the battery level, it may take a few minutes to a few hours to charge. In addition to cleaning the charging port, you can also perform some additional steps we are showing next.

3. Restart the Switch

A restart can fix the temporary glitch causing the charging issues. Press and hold the Power button of your Nintendo Switch to turn it off. Then, turn off your router or modem and detach all the power cords attached to the devices from the source.

Allow a few minutes to pass, and then attach the power cord, turn on your router or modem, and turn on the Nintendo Switch. If the Console is not responding, hold down the Power button for twelve to fifteen seconds to force shut it down. Then, try to power it on again.

4. Check The Power Switch

Press the power button on the Switch to check whether it is working correctly. Check whether you can quickly press it down. If the button is complex or you cannot press it, then there’s a problem with it.

To do this, you must brush the sides of the button to remove any trace of dirt and dust that has accumulated there. Besides, you can use cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol to cleanse dirt. If this does not fix the problem, you can take it to the repair shop to have the button repaired.

5. Reset The AC Adapter

Next, you can reset the AC adapter. To do this, unplug it from both ends and wait for a few minutes. Then, check whether the adapter model number is HAC-002; otherwise, it won’t be compatible with your device.

Check for signs of physical damage on the adapter. If there is one, you can replace the adapter, connect the new adapter to the Console and the wall outlet, and then turn on the Nintendo Switch.

6. Check The Batteries

The Nintendo Switch uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which, over time, may lose its ability to hold a charge. If you’re experiencing charging issues, it could be due to an old or degraded battery. Here’s how to check and replace the battery in your Nintendo Switch:

Ensure your Switch is powered off to reduce the risk of a fire in case the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair.
Remove the Joy-Con Controllers. Slide them off after pressing the small round button on their back.
Unscrew the Back Cover and use a screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the rear panel. Keep track of each screw as they need to go back to the same place.

Once the back cover is off, you will see the battery. It’s held in place by adhesive and connected to the motherboard. Carefully disconnect the battery’s connector and gently pry the battery out.
Insert a new genuine Nintendo Switch battery, reconnect it, and reassemble your Switch in reverse order.
Using genuine batteries is crucial, as third-party ones may not meet your device’s safety and performance standards and could potentially damage your Switch.

Once done, try to turn on the Switch.

7. Check For Short Circuits And Hardware Issues

You can use a Multimeter to check for short circuits. For this, set your multimeter to continuity mode or use the “beep” sound if available.

Test the capacitors around critical components such as the M92T36 chip or the CPU. Place the multimeter probes on both sides of each capacitor. If you hear a sound, the capacitor may be shorted and needs replacement.

If you have access to a thermal camera, you can use it to identify hotspots on the board. A short circuit often results in localized heat due to increased current flow.

Focus on areas where you suspect a short might be present. Next, you can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage across the board. The reading indicates a short circuit if it is zero or lower than the specified voltage.

Ensure you test the CPU, power IC, and other critical components for shorts. Disassemble the Console if necessary to access the components, but make sure your Console is not under warranty. Look for any signs of damage or abnormal behavior.

If you’re not comfortable performing hardware repairs, it’s advisable to seek professional help or contact Nintendo’s customer service to avoid further damage to your Console.

8. Contact Nintendo Support

If the Switch still does not charge after cleaning the port, a deeper hardware issue may require professional repair. Avoid using chemicals or abrasives that could further damage the port.

If none of the steps shown resolve the issue, it’s best to contact Nintendo Support for further assistance or to arrange a repair. For this, you can click on this link for your support and then follow the required guidelines provided by the experts to fix the issue.

DIY Methods Of Cleaning The Charging Port

Here are some of the DIY methods that will help you to clean the Nintendo Switch charging port:

Using a toothpick or wooden stick will help clean up the charging port and remove debris or lint buildup.

Also, short bursts of compressed air will help blow away the dust particles from the charging port.
Another effective cleaning method is to dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the inside of the charging port.