How to Fix a Broken Headphone Jack
The 3.5mm headphone port is no longer widely used among music brands, but some users prefer the classic wired headpod over wireless. Why? The headphones jack is no longer functional, so don't be anxious!
Why Does a Headphone Jack Stop Working?
Like any other piece of technology, your smartphone's headphone jack will fail one day. Consider the frequency with which you either store your phone in a pocket, bag or lounge around for hours to reflect on random things. Plugging in your headphones and it may not function.
Before blaming your headphones, check if they work on other devices. If they do, then it’s likely an issue with your phone’s headphone jack. Most of the time, the problem comes down to dirt or water, and both are fixable with a bit of care.
How to Fix a Dirty Headphone Jack
When you carry your phone in pockets or bags, dirt, dust, or lint can get into the jack, making it hard for the headphones to connect properly. If something’s stuck in there, here’s how to clean it:
- Grab a thin tool like a round toothpick or a pin.
- Carefully remove any dirt or debris trapped inside the jack. Be gentle!
- Once you’ve cleared it out, blow gently into the jack to remove any remaining dust.
Be super careful! If you’re too rough, you could permanently damage the jack, making it impossible to fix. Take your time and handle it delicately.
How to Dry the Jack If Water Gets Inside
If water has made its way into the headphone jack, the fix is a bit trickier. Maybe you spilled a drink on your phone or accidentally dropped it in water. Here’s what you can do:
- Turn off your phone to prevent further damage.
- Take a cotton swab and slightly dampen it with rubbing alcohol.
- Gently clean the inside of the headphone jack with the swab.
- Blow into the jack to help it dry completely.
Keep in mind: This method isn’t foolproof. If a lot of water got inside or it’s been sitting for too long, the internal components might be permanently damaged.
When Nothing Else Works: Replacing the Jack
When cleaning and drying does not work, you will have to replace the headphone jack. Sad to say, this is the need to open up your phone which would also void the warranty if applicable.
Our advice: Start by contacting a trusted repair shop for your phone's service. They have the necessary tools and experience to repair it without any more mishap. With a decrease in the number of phones featuring headphone jacks, finding replacement parts becomes more challenging.
If the repair shop below does not work or if you can't locate any part to swap, it might be time to move on as far as that phone is concerned and get yourself an update.
Conclusion
Your phone won't be destroyed by a damaged headphone jack. This is important to consider. You can start by cleaning or drying the jack thoroughly, and if unsuccessful, seek professional help. Despite the fact that the 3.5mm jack is rapidly disappearing, you can usually reinvigorate your wired headphones one more time. Good luck!