Hardware dying? Or software issue?

[James T]

I've a feeling that the USB-C port on my oneplus 5T may be wearing out,

Symptoms:

• If I plug it into my charging brick (when turned off) it boots up and the battery level appears, flashes a couple of times but then the phone appears to shut down.
• Similarly when plugged into a USB port on my PC. N.B. I've been using different USB-C cables in the two cases.
• When booted up, it (usually) fails to charge from the brick. It does charge sometimes (but not always) from the USB ports on the PC [I've not done a detailed enough investigation to be sure whether it's really sometimes or some ports, though I suspect the latter].
• There is never a message in dmesg on the PC (Manjaro / KDE) and nothing appears in the USB devices list.

Since my old Nexus 5 was still lying around I was able to verify that that is detected as expected (though as was always the case accessing it from the PC is tricky).

It seems unlikely that there is a software issue that could cause this, but has anyone seen anything similar?

Also I've forgotten which protocol is used by the 5T when accessing on a Linux box, can someone remind me please, so that I can go onto the Manjaro forums to see if there are any issues with that protocol and Plasma 6?

[MrT10001]

@James-T usually usb c port on its way out. It is an easy fix. Two screws at the bottom (T2.5) near the usb c port to remove. Then carefully pry the metal back off (see ifixit). The usb c port and cable are attached the metal back. Then replace with a new one.

[wally]

Sounds like hardware, in my inexpert opinion. I have a Oneplus 5 and a 5T, on Focal and Xenial, and I haven't seen anything like that.
First thing to try, just to be sure, might be a new USB cable?
I've had to replace my charging port on OP5T though. It's not a bad fix, if willing to open your phone up. It's a single cable that splits at the end for headphone port and USB-C.
Replacement parts often come with the tools required, and decent videos are available online.

[James T]

@MrT10001 said in Hardware dying? Or software issue?:

usually usb c port on its way out.

@wally said in Hardware dieing? Or software issue?:

Sounds like hardware, in my inexpert opinion.

Thanks both, that's rather what I thought. Taking a look at the internet I suspect that trying to replace it myself is probably asking for trouble. There is a mobile phone repair shop in town so I think I'll see what they might be able to do.

[Mario.CH]

Hi @James-T,
I also suspect the socket on the appliance. This usually just needs to be cleaned, for example with a wooden toothpick. If this only improves things for a short time, I would also replace the socket.
Greetings Mario

[James T]

I was able to get the USB-C socket replaced and it works again.

[wally]

Glad to hear it, @James-T!
Wish I'd thought to mention how replaceable the battery also is, before you brought it in. I replaced mine recently and the new one is giving me more than double the lifespan. The part cost $11.75CAD. Less than €8.00