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If the iPhone still shows the headphones to be plugged in after they have been removed, one or may issues may be causing the iPhone to malfunction. In almost every case, the hardware itself is damaged. If after a hard reset the iPhone still registers the headphones as plugged in, something is likely lodged into the headphone jack or the headphone jack itself is physically damaged. If something is lodged into the headphone jack, a removal can be attempted by a number of different methods. If the iPhone is damaged, few options remain other than replacing the phone altogether.
These problems occur when the iPhone believes that headphones are plugged in, yet is mistaken. More often than not, such problems occur in the hardware itself. Typically, something is obstructing the headphone jack, triggering the sensor, or the headphone jack itself is in a state of disrepair. If the headphone jack is broken, there is very little the owner can do besides replace the phone. If something needs to be dislodged, by contrast, there are a number of helpful techniques for clearing out the obstruction. Almost every problem with the headphone jack is a hardware problem.
Before checking for hardware issues, iPhone owners should first eliminate the possibility of a software issue. This can be easily checked by turning the iPhone on and off. A person may shut off their iPhone by pressing the power button. An option then appears on the screen with the text "slide to power off." By swiping this option, users may power down their iPhone. It typically takes 20 seconds for an iPhone to power down. When the process has finished, users need simply to hold down the power button again. When screen shows the Apple logo, the iPhone has turned back on.
If the iPhone still indicates that the headphones are in after turning on, something is wrong with the hardware itself. Either the headphone jack for the iPhone is damaged or something is stuck inside the jack itself, making the phone think that the headphones are plugged in.
The headphone jack can be inspected by peering into the hole using a flashlight. Those checking for a hardware malfunction should visually inspect the headphone jack carefully for debris. Such debris might include food, dirt, or a broken piece of a headphone. One should exercise caution when attempting to remove debris from the headphone jack. Such efforts may unwittingly exacerbate the issue.
If the obstructing item cannot be removed, one might have to replace the phone anyway, making it often better to attempt a removal than replace the phone outright.
There are no tools specifically made for removing an obstruction from the iPhone's headphone jack. There are, however, many techniques used by Apple repair technicians to improvise a repair. These options, however, are not recommended by Apple, insofar as they can cause further damage. However, if the owner of the phone is willing to take the risk, a number of techniques can be tried.
These techniques include using a BIC pen to clean the headphone jack, cleaning the jack with compressed air, and disassembling the phone itself to remove the obstruction.
This trick, using a BIC pen, is one of the most useful tricks for unjamming an iPhone's headphone jack. This requires breaking a BIC pen in order to create a tool capable of fitting into the headphone jack. This will destroy the pen in the process.
One simply removes the cap from a BIC pen, uses pliers to remove the plastic casing, removes the circular ink cartridge from the casing, and uses the empty end of this cartridge to clean the headphone jack.
One attempts this cleaning method by inserting the cartridge into the headphones jack, twisting the cartridge back and forth in an attempt to dislodge any debris, and then shaking the phone until the debris falls out.
Users should not press too hard or delve too deeply into the headphone jack, or this could cause further damage. Instead, users should attempt a different method of repair.
A can of compressed air can also be used to clean a broken headphone jack. Often, this will work as a magic fix, even if nothing appears to be blocking the headphone jack. Such compressed air will blow and loosen stuck debris, helping it find its way out. One should begin by blowing the headphones jack from the outside and then gradually work ones way into the socket itself.
One can attempt to blow the headphones jack with air from the mouth as a last resort, but this method is not recommended, as it often can exacerbate the issue, possibly damaging the circuitry of the iPhone. The moisture in one's breath could further damage the headphone jack, damage that might be permanent.
Tweezers may also be used to clear such an abstraction, provided they are small enough to fit into the tiny headphone jack. Much like the popular board game Operation (by Milton Bradley), this is a difficult and delicate procedure. One should have a good idea of where the obstruction lies before attempting such a procedure. One can damage the sides of the headphone jack while attempting to use tweezers, so extreme caution is advised.
It is by no means recommended that one attempt to disassemble and reassemble ones iPhone. However, if paying for repair or a replacement is not a viable option, self-assembly might be ones only choice. In this case, one attempt to disassemble the entire phone, removes the obstructing item, and then reassembles the phone. This approach is not recommended.
If all options have been tried, the iPhone might require professional repair. It may be that nothing is obstructing the headphone jack, but that the jack itself is broken. This could be caused by a number of things:
This is one of the most common ways that headphone jacks break. Most of the time, the owners of these phones cannot conceive of how their phone might have gotten wet. However, water damage frequently occurs for athletes who use their iPhone to listen to music while exercising. The body produces sweat during the workout, which comes into contact with the headphone jack of the iPhone, thus resulting in water damage.
Often, the sweat will drip from the athlete's forehead down the headphone cord all the way to the headphone jack, thus waterlogging the headphone jack, causing the iPhone to become permanently lodged in headphone mode.
The headphone jack is one of the most exposed areas on the iPhone, making it the part most susceptible to water damage.
If the iPhone gets dropped or otherwise damaged, this can cause the headphone jack to become disconnected to the logic board. If this happens, the damage can manifest in the software, making the iPhone stuck in perpetual headphone mode.
This can happen even if the iPhone seems to be in great shape.
Although this almost never will happen from normal use, it often happens when people wrap their headphones around their iPhone after use. When wrapping headphones in this manner, if the headphones are left plugged in, this puts pressure on the plug, straining it to shift towards the weight of the headphones, thus gradually dislodging the headphone jack from the logic board.
Whenever wrapping headphones around ones iPhone, owners should make sure they unplug their headphones first.
The only repair option offered by Apple for physical damage to the headphone jack is to replace the entire iPhone. These parts cannot be removed and replaced separately. This creates a problem, as users no longer have the ability to talk on their phone without the use of a Bluetooth headset, a speaker dock, or some other device. This creates a major inconvenience, as a phone without sound will no longer perform its most basic function. Such damage restricts the use of this smartphone to using apps and internet without sound or sending text messages.
The iPhone warranty does not cover debris lodged in the headphones jack, making such repairs incredibly expensive. Some sites, like CellSaver or iResq.com offer such repairs for much less.
CellSaver meets their customers at their home or a location of their choice within an hour. They cover their parts and labor under a lifetime warranty.
Again, users could try to repair the phone themselves, but this is not recommended as it can be extremely difficult.
Although this problem is common and seems relatively simple, fixing the headphone jacks on the iPhone is a complicated and frustrating task. The tiniest drop of water can completely ruin a brand new iPhone, damaging it beyond repair. The tips mentioned above should all be exercised with caution and delicate care, as they could permanently damage the headphone jack beyond repair. Those wishing to repair their damaged phone should exercise patience, caution, and care when attempting to repair their phones. Although a mistake could cause disastrous effects, the cost of repair makes this worth the risk. Jump to top
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