How to Fix Your Broken Headphone Jack With Stuff You Have At Home

Having a broken headphone jack can be extremely frustrating. However, before you run out to buy a new phone or headset, there are some simple fixes you can try at home. With a few common household items, you may be able to get your headphone jack working again in no time.

Inspect the Headphone Jack

The first step is to inspect your headphone jack to try to identify the issue.

Look for Damage

Carefully examine the headphone jack for any visible damage. Are the metal contacts bent or broken? Is there debris, dirt, or corrosion inside the jack? Damage to the physical jack will require professional repair.

Plug and Unplug

Repeatedly plug and unplug your headphones. Sometimes simply exercising the jack's mechanism can resolve issues caused by dust or corrosion buildup. Pay attention to any crackling sounds, changes in audio levels, or looseness of the connection.

Use a Flashlight

Use the flashlight on your phone to peer inside the headphone jack. Look for damage, dust, lint, or other debris that could be interfering with the connection.

Try Some DIY Fixes

If no visible damage is present, there are a few do-it-yourself methods you can attempt before taking your device in for repair.

Clean the Jack

Use compressed air to spray out any dust or debris. Be sure to insert the straw fully into the jack to reach all areas. You can also try gently cleaning with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Allow any remaining alcohol to fully evaporate before reconnecting headphones.

Adjust the Pins

Carefully insert a straightened paperclip or toothpick into the jack and gently move it around. This can help realign any bent pins making poor contact with the headphone plug.

Add Support

If the jack feels loose, try wedging in a small piece of paper or cardboard to add extra grip when you insert the headphone plug. Just be sure it does not push down on the contacts.

When to Seek Repair

If you have inspected for damage, cleaned the jack, and tried readjusting the pins to no avail, it's likely time to seek professional repair. Continuing to force a damaged jack can cause further issues. Phone and audio shops can solder replacements for loose jacks and replace any damaged components. For less severe issues, they may be able to clean and adjust the jack properly to get it working again.

While frustrating, headphone jack issues don't always require an expensive fix or replacement device. With some simple household items and DIY techniques, you may be able to save yourself time, money, and the hassle of being without your headphones.