How to Clean and Sanitize Your iPhone (Apple-Safe Steps)

Short answer: Turn your iPhone off and unplug it. Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth that is only slightly damp. To disinfect, Apple says you can gently wipe the outside with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, then go over it once more with a slightly damp cloth. Never spray liquid on the phone, never use bleach or hydrogen peroxide, and keep moisture out of the openings. For a no-liquid option, a UV-C phone sanitizer treats the whole phone in minutes.

What you need

• A soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber or a lens cloth)
• A little water
• 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (check the expiration date)
• A soft, dry brush for the charging port and speaker grilles
• Optional: a PhoneSoap Shine screen cleaner for smudges, and a PhoneSoap 3 UV phone sanitizer for sanitizing without liquid

How to clean your iPhone, step by step

1. Power down and unplug. Turn the iPhone off, unplug every cable, and take it out of its case. You'll clean the case separately.
2. Wipe the screen. Use a soft cloth that is only slightly damp, and wipe with light pressure. Wring the cloth out first so no water drips toward the edges.
3. Wipe the back, frame, and buttons. Go around the side buttons and the Action button or ring/silent switch, where skin oil builds up. On titanium and stainless models, skin oil can briefly discolor the band; a slightly damp cloth brings it back.
4. Clean the camera lenses. Use a clean, dry part of the cloth and small circles. Marks on the textured glass around the cameras are often material rubbed off from pockets or denim and usually wipe away. See how to clean your phone camera lens for more.
5. Clear the charging port and speakers gently. Use a soft, dry brush and light strokes. Don't push anything metal into the port, and don't use compressed air, which Apple advises against. For stubborn speaker grime, see how to clean iPhone speakers.
6. Let it dry. Give it a minute before you turn it back on or put the case back on.

How to sanitize or disinfect your iPhone

Cleaning removes dirt and smudges. Sanitizing is about the germs you can't see. There are two Apple-safe ways to do it.

Option 1: Alcohol or disinfecting wipes

1. Turn the iPhone off and unplug it.
2. Gently wipe the hard, nonporous outside surfaces (screen, back, frame) with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe.
3. Don't let the wipe drip, and keep it away from the charging port, speaker grilles, and microphone holes.
4. Finish with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to remove any residue.

Do this occasionally rather than many times a day. Apple notes that cleaning products and abrasive materials can wear down the screen's oil-resistant coating over time.

Option 2: A UV-C phone sanitizer (no liquid)

UV-C light breaks down the DNA of germs so they can't survive, and it uses no liquid, so nothing gets near the ports or the screen coating. Set the phone inside, close the lid, and the cycle runs on its own.

• PhoneSoap 3 sanitizes your phone in 10 minutes and charges it at the same time.
• PhoneSoap Pro runs a faster 5-minute cycle and fits the largest phones, even in thick cases.
• Have a foldable? See how to clean an iPhone Duo for the folding screen and hinge.

A good routine is a quick wipe when the phone looks dirty and a UV-C cycle every day, for example overnight or when you get home.

What not to use on your iPhone

• Bleach or hydrogen peroxide — Apple says not to use products containing either.
• Window cleaner, household cleaners, solvents, ammonia, or abrasive powders — they can strip the oil-resistant coating and scratch the glass.
• Aerosol sprays or spraying anything directly on the phone — liquid can get into the openings.
• Compressed air — Apple advises against it.
• Submerging the phone — water resistance is not waterproofing, and it can wear off over time.
• Paper towels or rough cloths — they can leave lint and fine scratches.
• Hand sanitizer — it isn't one of Apple's approved options, and gels can leave residue.

How to clean your iPhone case

• Silicone, rubber, or plastic: take the case off, wash it with warm water and a little mild soap, rinse, and let it dry completely before putting it back on.
• Leather or fabric: follow the maker's care instructions. A barely damp cloth is safer than soap, and these materials shouldn't be soaked.
• Clear cases: wash like silicone. A clean, dry case also helps slow yellowing.

Cases trap dust and skin oil between the case and the phone, so clean both at the same time.

How often should you clean your iPhone?

Wipe it whenever it looks dirty or after it touches anything that could stain it, like makeup, lotion, ink, or food. Clean the case about once a week. If you use your phone in shared spaces, at the gym, or around someone who is sick, sanitize it daily. A UV-C sanitizer makes that a habit instead of a chore.

FAQ

Can I use alcohol wipes on my iPhone?

Yes. Apple says you can gently wipe the outside with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe. Avoid the openings, then finish with a slightly damp cloth.

Can I use Clorox wipes on my iPhone?

Yes. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are on Apple's list. Don't use products with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Can I clean my iPhone with water?

Yes, with a soft cloth that is only slightly damp. Never run the phone under a tap or submerge it.

How do I clean my iPhone charging port?

Turn the phone off and use a soft, dry brush with gentle strokes. Don't use metal objects, liquids, or compressed air.

Will UV-C light damage my iPhone?

PhoneSoap sanitizers are built for phones. The UV-C cycle uses no liquid or heat, and the light shuts off automatically when the cycle ends.

PhoneSoap products are not medical devices. Lab results are from controlled testing on specific pathogens; real-world results may vary.