I tried cleaning it again. But That didn't seem to work. I searched for cell phone repair but the only place near here closed down. So my son looked into fixing it and changing out the charging port himself (I mean, what's the worse that can happen? I don't have a functioning phone?) We're still looking for the screwdriver and port. We can borrow a soldering iron.
Then I started messing with it. I knew the first cord I used worked. The second cord was charging my Kindle Fire just fine but after trying to charge my phone again, it stopped charging my Kindle Fire altogether.
I had an a-ha! moment from the comments and broke out the rubbing alcohol (90%). I cleaned everything. The connectors, the USB plug in part, the other end of the cord, the phone's charging port, the screen (cuz why not) etc. I cleaned the charging port with canned air and rubbing alcohol again, checked to see if anything was loose or sticking out where it shouldn't. All looked good.
I grabbed the cleaned second cord and it showed it was charging my Kindle Fire. So I plugged it into my phone again. Nothing. So I took the back off and tried again. Once I wiggled it a little, it worked again!
I can't turn it on while charging because it stops charging after a minute if I do. I can't have the back plate on while charging or it won't connect. I have to hold it JUST right until it starts charging, then set it down and DON'T TOUCH IT! But it charges! And that's what I need right now!
I am still looking for a repair place to change the port but I am thrilled it is working again. It's finicky but if it can last until we get it changed out, I will be SO happy!
And I'm also looking over all the different plans everyone suggested. You guys have been so helpful! Thank you!
June 15, 2019 at 10:14PM
