iPhone Cable connector becomes super hot to touch

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Level 1

131 points

iPhone Cable connector becomes super hot to touch

Hello,

I have an iPhone cable, it's looking a bit old, as the white cover around the iPhone connector has slowly slipped down, when I insert it into my iPhone it really becomes super hot to touch. I wasn't sure at first whether I was receiving an electric shock or a heat burn.

How long are the charging cables supposed to last, and are they meant to stop working in such a way, particularly after the basic support period has expired for the iPhone ?

I am concerned about causing a fire by continuing to use it to charge my iPhone (XR), if a Fire did arise would Apple be liable - given their safety proclamations is there a way that they will replace it for free ?

Any thoughts ?

iPhone XR, iOS 16

Posted on Nov 19, 2022 9:08 AM

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Answer 1

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Top-ranking reply

svaardt Author

Level 1

131 points

Nov 20, 2022 2:41 PM in response to Rudegar

Good point - I tried another power block, and the same happened again, so I think it's most definitely the cable. The heat occurs amongst the exposed wires shortly after the connector, where a break in the plastic shive has occurred, and I believe its got something to do with the internal wiring making contact with the metallic shielding.. And yes, I won't be using it again... don't really wish to burn my house down...

However the original question is, does Apple have a replacement policy for such cables - or is that also time limited ?

I suspect the latter case, and yet again, I'm going to have to spend another 20 $ on another power cable for my i* device. I have previously experienced on numerous occasions cable failure to the point that the devices don't charge with my other i* devices, but this time, the cable gets super hot... so that in itself is troubling. I'm wondering if anyone else experienced the same issue - and will Apple replace the cable for free - or do I simply have to buy yet another new one.... then, what's the expected lifetime for such cables ... ?

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Answer 2

iDani_

Community Specialist

Nov 20, 2022 11:25 AM in response to svaardt

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your device. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.

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Answer 3

Rudegar

Level 10

176,400 points

Nov 20, 2022 1:35 PM in response to svaardt

The amount of current it charge by should never be able to melt plastic, to me it sounds more like the AC charger is leaking 120/230 AC power and the cable is semi short curcit or something would no longer use it if it was me

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Answer 4

Nov 21, 2022 6:41 AM in response to svaardt

svaardt wrote:

However the original question is, does Apple have a replacement policy for such cables - or is that also time limited ?

Yes, one year.

I'm wondering if anyone else experienced the same issue - and will Apple replace the cable for free - or do I simply have to buy yet another new one.... then, what's the expected lifetime for such cables ... ?

Out of the hundreds of millions of iPhone users, I would be that some have had the same problem. If the cable is more than a year old, you'd need to buy a new one.

It's possible that, if you go to your local Apple Store or your carrier's local store and ask very nicely, someone might just give you a new cable. When I used to work for Verizon, I had some discretion to pull unused cables from returns for this sort of situation. But, be willing to buy a new one.

I would replace the cable as soon as possible. Continuing to use a defective one means a risk of damaging the phone and setting things on fire.

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Answer 5

svaardt Author

Level 1

131 points

Nov 20, 2022 11:57 AM in response to iDani_

I can contact Apple support , but am I wasting my time ? Has there been any precedence ?

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