How to Clean Earbuds Charging Pins
The metal charging pins on your earbuds and inside the case attract lint, earwax, and dust over time, which blocks the electrical contact needed to charge. Cleaning them is quick and low-risk if you avoid a few common mistakes.
Power down and unplug the case
Always clean with the case disconnected from any power source, and ideally with the earbuds removed.
Use a dry cotton swab first
Gently wipe the metal contacts on both the earbuds and inside the case slots. Dry cleaning removes most surface debris without any risk of moisture damage.
For stubborn residue, lightly dampen
If dry wiping isn't enough, dampen (don't soak) a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (90%+ concentration) and wipe gently. Let everything air-dry fully — at least 5 minutes — before reconnecting anything.
Use a soft, dry brush for crevices
An old, clean toothbrush or a dedicated cleaning brush works well for the tighter gaps around the contacts where a swab can't reach.
Avoid these entirely
Skip metal tools, pins, or anything sharp near the contacts — scratching the metal can damage the connection permanently. Also avoid excess liquid, which can seep into the case electronics.
Test after fully drying
Only place the earbuds back in the case to charge once everything is completely dry, to avoid any risk of a short.
Still not working?
Make this a habit every few weeks, especially if you work out with your earbuds or carry them loose in a bag — it prevents most charging issues before they start. If you're shopping for a replacement, the Earbuds Finder can match you to options in your budget, or browse our comparison tool to weigh a few side by side.