If you have another pair of earbuds lying around, try plugging them in to make sure it’s not the headphone jack on the device that’s the issue. [2] X Research source For example, if neither set of earbuds work when plugged into your iPhone, you may need to fix the headphone jack on your iPhone instead of the earbuds.
Twist the cord slowly so you can stop it as soon as you get it in a working position. In less common instances, the broken wires will be closer to the center of the cord. Be sure to test the entire length of the cord to find out where the disconnect is.
If possible, bend the cord over on itself at the site of the short and tape it together at the kink. This will prevent it from moving around as much.
You can buy a brand new pair of earbuds for as little as $10-20 at most electronics stores and online retailers. If your earbuds are under warranty, it may also be possible to send them back to the manufacturer in exchange for a functioning set or refund. A quick peek at the user’s manual or product receipt for your earbuds should tell you whether or not they’re under warranty. [5] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source
Unless your earbuds are designed to be opened up, you may need to super glue them back together once you’re done with your repairs.
If both wires seem to be in their proper place, the broken connection may be lower down the cord near the jack.
Some headphone jacks have barrels that screw off. Others can be pulled away using a little bit of force.
Desoldering braids (sometimes known as “desoldering wicks”) can be found at any hardware store or home improvement center. Once you’re done removing a blob of solder, cut the end off of the desoldering braid and repeat the process for each of the remaining blobs where the wire has come loose using a fresh section.
If both wires are broken, you can reconnect them to either of the terminals on the circuit board. It may help to use a table clamp or pair of pliers to hold the cord and earbud together while you’re working.
Connecting the wires to the wrong terminals could fail to solve the problem. If you had to cut off the jack to uncover the broken wires, purchase a replacement jack and solder the wires to the color-coded terminals as described in the included instructions. [14] X Research source On some replacement jacks, you can simply wind the broken wire through the small hole in the terminal a few times rather than soldering it on. [15] X Research source
If you’re still not getting any sound, it may be because the solder didn’t hold, or you’ve accidentally run the colored wires to the wrong terminals. You have to try again in order to correct your mistake. It’s hard to justify the difficulty and expense of repairing shorts in the middle of the cord. If you suspect that’s where the issue lies, you may be better off simply buying a new set of earbuds.
Never leave your earbuds in your pocket or wrapped around the device since it puts strain on the cord or it could get tangled. You can buy earbud cases online or at electronics stores.
Never get your earbuds completely wet or else they will stop working.
