iPhone Headphones Not Working? Try This.

Few things are more fundamental than your headphones. You use them for calls, streaming videos and music, activating Siri, and more.

Are your iPhone headphones not working? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you diagnose any issues you might be having so you can get back to making the most out of your iPhone. 

Quick Tips to Fix Your Headphones

Some of these may sound obvious, but it’s easy to accidentally forget that your sound is turned to mute or something along those lines. It’s worth trying all these quick steps before diving into lengthier repair strategies. 

1. Check to make sure your volume is turned up enough.
2. Are your iPhone headphones properly connected? 
3. Do the headphones work on other devices? 
4. Do you see a headphone icon in your command center? 
5. Is your iPhone headphone port or Bluetooth operational? 
6. Try restarting your iPhone.

Even if you couldn’t get your headphones working from these steps, the answers to these questions will help you diagnose what’s causing your iPhone headphones not to work. 

Newer iPhone Headphones 

What iPhone model you have will determine the types of problems you may be facing. Starting with the release of the iPhone 7 in 2016, Apple no longer included headphone jacks on iPhones. Instead, everything now goes through the lightning port. That applies with all the models after the iPhone 7, up to and including the iPhone 14, the newest addition to the iPhone line.

If you use the headphones that came with your iPhone and you’re unable to hear anything, you should test your lightning port. If it’s still charging your phone as usual, then you’re likely having issues with your headphones. Most likely, you have internal damage that’s not worth repairing. 

Older iPhone Headphones

These tips might help if you have older iPhone headphones that are giving you problems.

1. Check for dirt or debris in your iPhone’s headphone port. Try gently remove it with a microfiber cloth. 
2. Check your headphone cable, connector, remote, and earbuds for damage. 
3. Look for debris on the meshes in each earbud. To remove debris, gently brush all openings with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. 
4. Firmly plug your headphones back in. You may need to remove the phone from its case to get a reliable connection. 

How to Clean a Headphone Jack 

Many people keep their phones in their pockets. Over time, lint, debris, and other gunk can build up, blocking the connection between the headphones and the jack. If you suspect this issue, here’s what you should do: 

1. Check the headphone jack for lint. You may need to shine a flashlight into it to get a proper look. 
2. If you see lint, gently shoot compressed air into the jack. You can blow into it as well, but that’s not advisable, as humans have moisture in our breath. This may be enough to dislodge any lint. 
3. If debris is packed tightly, use a paperclip (the same size you’d use to open your SIM tray), and gently remove the lint. 
4. Check the connection. If it’s still not working, you may have a software issue. 

AirPods/Bluetooth iPhone Headphones Not Working

Bluetooth headphones like Apple’s AirPods solve some of the most annoying headphones issues. You don’t have to worry about headphone jacks and broken cables. 

However, damage and wear over time can cause issues. Usually, damage to the Bluetooth receiver will render it unable to receive audio. The audio quality may also become poor or choppy. 

To troubleshoot this issue, first, check your headphones by connecting them to other devices. You may also want to delete and pair your headphones again.

Check for Firmware Updates

Before resetting your AirPods, you should check whether a software update is available. Usually, you can fix issues and enjoy performance enhancements when you update your Apple devices. 

The easiest way to update is by connecting your AirPods to an outlet. Then, pair them to an iOS device. Next: 

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select About.
4. Press AirPods.
5. Locate the number next to Firmware Version.

The newest update should start automatically within a few seconds. If nothing happens, this means your AirPods already have the most recent update.

How to Reset AirPods

Resetting AirPods can fix a range of different connections and software errors. To do this: 

1. Put Your AirPods in the charging case 
2. Hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the orange LED light flashes.
3. Open the case next to your iPhone and wait for your AirPods to reconnect.

iCloud will then sync the connection to all your other iOS devices. If you’re using a non-Apple device, you’ll have to pair manually, like with any other Bluetooth device.

When Is It Time to Buy New iPhone Headphones? 

The amount of time your iPhone headphones last depends on how well you treat them. If you use a case, clean them regularly, and avoid throwing them into the bottom of a backpack, your headphones can last a decade or more. 

Realistically, most people don’t use their headphones like that. If you’ve had your iPhone headphones for a year or more and you’re starting to experience these issues, then they likely need to be replaced. 

If your iPhone is still under AppleCare, you may be able to get a discounted or free new pair of headphones if they’ve failed due to a manufacturing error. However, unless you have AirPods, it may not be worth it to take them to the Apple Store or send them back to the manufacturer. 

If you want to purchase new headphones, look to brands like Skullcandy, which makes decent-quality wireless headphones for less than $15. You can also check out the refurbished section on retailers like Amazon. You can even find great deals on all types of Apple headphones. 

Cruise over to the Buyback Boss Blog to learn more iPhone repair tips and tricks. If you’re experiencing issues with your iPhone being stuck in headphone mode, we can help you. We have more on fixing Bluetooth issues as well. Whatever you need, you can find it on our blog!