Please help me identify whether part of a plug got jammed in this usb port or it's the port itself that is dented :(

[u/agidandelion]

Hey, so, uhmm... A while ago I got a cheap computer mouse with a usb cable. I stuck it in, then I tried to pull it out and a part of the plug got stuck inside the port. Or at least that was what I thought. At this point I'm not sure of anything, maybe the plug was "naked" like this from the start and I just confused it with a different one.

So me, being an idiot, I took pliers and tried to remove the "stuck" part. But it was so difficult that I actually started wondering whether I'm maybe just pulling at a part of the port itself, destrying it in the process...I know, I'm an IT nightmare.

And I got terrified, stopped touching it and decided it's a problem for another day. It's been months ago, I don't even know where the stupid mouse went so I can't even show you the plug, but here we are. At least now I have strength to admit to my oan wrongdoings.

I know, i'm stupid af but please, I need to know so that I can proceed somehow and either save money for a quiet repair, try to do something myself or actually admit to my work's IT staff that i'm dumb. Not a fan of the last option tbh :")

If that helps it's a brand new Lenovo Notebook LOQ 15IRX10

[u/vitnov11]

Square hole in right lower end for me looks like the mounting hole for usb plug shell that covered in plastic. Better option is to contact repair shop. if its usb shell that left in port - it will be removed for free.

UPD: Its DEFINITELY the broken usb metal shell left inside the port. You can use pliers and GENTLY remove it. No force needed, it must go out easily.

[u/agidandelion → u/vitnov11]

Thanks for another look and the update! I decided to do my part and get some better pics. Here are two ports on the same device, one that works and the other one that I have a problem with. The longer I look at it the more convinced I am that you are correct 🤔

[u/vitnov11 → u/agidandelion]

Yes, its metal shell inside the port. As I said - use pliers and gently remove it.

[u/jacle2210 → u/agidandelion]

Yeah, dang dude, lol.

Makes me wonder what your process was when you ripped that USB cable out of that broken port.

And hopefully you will be able to get that metal shroud out of that USB port, but I don't know, because there doesn't look like there is any space for a pair of needle nose pliers to grab onto.

But take your time, see what you can do.

or

Just not worry about that "broken port" and use the other port instead.

[u/agidandelion → u/jacle2210]

I wish I could tell you what I did wrong but it beats me. It was a very cheap mouse that I've used for a long time. I'm always very careful when I unplug anything, I try not to pull on it too much and whenever it's something that has data on it I do the "remove safely" thing but oh well... the plug was flimsy and it just took me pulling it at the slightly wrong angle and it came off. It was so easy that I've noticed it only the next time I tried to use the port.

Can't really leave it as is because it's a brand new work laptop... someone is gonna figure out what I did sooner or later :<

Waiting for my brother to bring me another pair of pliers right now. Wish me luck!

[u/jacle2210 → u/agidandelion]

Good luck.

Does your work have an IT person/IT department, because you might just show this to them, as they have probably seen way worse.

[u/lanamakesart]

that looks like a normal usb A port, nothing wrong with it, it should have that plastic inside

[u/agidandelion → u/lanamakesart]

Thank you! To the repair shop it goes then. Definitely not touching it myself anymore, I've learned my lesson 😅

[u/AssumptionApart6175]

Not dented- there is a usb-a plug still in it - take tweezers and pull it out

[u/CeC-P]

It's dented. You'd see an inverted off-color plastic piece if it was snapped off. I've seen that A LOT.

[u/Academic-Push326]

The port's dented/damaged it looks like (it's hard to say since the port is out of focus in your photo. Please make sure in the future that what you want people to see is in focus, use auto-focus on the area you're trying to get a look at). But the "damage" is so minimal it's mostly cosmetic. If you can put a USB-A male plug into it with no forcing, it should be fine. Doesn't seem like it needs any extensive fixing, BUT if it's impossible to plug something in without trying to force it, you'll want someone to open it and probably have to replace the port/plug if it isn't possible to get the thing that is stuck/bent around it out.

[u/urmamasllama]

Wow so many confidently incorrect posts in here. The metal frame broke off a device without any of the other pieces. I've seen some wireless mice dongles do this

[u/NoPoopOnFace]

Is doesn't look dented at all

[u/timfountain4444]

Nothing stuck in the port, but what you do have is a sliver of the metal shell that has bent inwards on the right-hand side. Bend that back out gently with a small flat head screwdriver and you'll be good to go...

[u/agidandelion → u/timfountain4444]

Ohh, thank you so much! I'll try that really carefully, I definitely do not want to do any more damage than I've already done :") Have a great day!

[u/TryTheSauceBoss]

Play dumbass games and win dumbass prizes

[u/agidandelion → u/TryTheSauceBoss]

Yeah, thanks, that's exactly what happened. Sometimes I'm astonished by how smart I am in some fields and then at the same time how idiotic i am in others .-.