iPhone spontaneously switches to headphone mode

Question

Level 1

8 points

iPhone spontaneously switches to headphone mode

After any extended use, whether actual phone use, web surfing, map use or whatever, my iPhone switches spontaneously to headphones mode. If you realize this has happened in the middle of a long business call, you can quickly switch to speakerphone mode to continue, but can't get back to normal phone mode. If you plug in your headphones/mic, most times this will cut off the call.

If your party will hold on after you've told them what happened, a quick trip of the phone to the freezer for 90-120 seconds will often restore normal function, though your reserve of functional time before next spontaneous switch to headphones is reduced.

This behaviour has been noted by others and is discussed on another thread, iPhone stuck in "headphones" mode, which unfortunately is listed as solved, since it started as a post devoted to the lint/debris in the headphone jack
problem. My problem is not solved, and those whose phone spontaneously switches to headphone mode are invited to post here. Let's get this solved.

Message was edited by: Finnished

iMac 24 iPhone iPhone 3G Airport Express, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 7, 2010 6:57 PM

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Answer 1

paulcb

Level 6

19,245 points

Mar 8, 2010 12:11 PM in response to TomSchwab

FWIW, iPhone specs from here... http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

Environmental requirements

* Operating temperature: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
* Nonoperating temperature: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
* Relative humidity: 5% to 95% noncondensing
* Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet (3000 m)

Message was edited by: paulcb

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Answer 2

jpkcfk

Level 1

0 points

Mar 7, 2010 7:02 PM in response to Finnished

I was an avid watcher and sometimes poster on the other topic thread and I'm pleased to see this new thread opened up.
I am still convinced my problem is heat related. After minimal use, the iPhone heats up and then spontaneously switches to headphones mode. The only solution I have found thus far is too cool the iPhone using my air conditioning vent in my car or putting it in the fridge for a few minutes.
I have talked to Apple Support and they suggested "use a bluetooth and get a new phone when your upgrade date rolls around" since my iPhone is out of warranty. I also have emailed Steve Jobs and got a phone call from Apple Customer Care in response to that email. They had the same lame suggestions. Use a bluetooth, try using the speakerphone. Interestingly, neither Technical Support or Customer Care had "ever heard of this." I pointed the Customer Care Representative to the previous thread and noted that it had nearly 45,000 views. His response was that based on the metrics he was seeing, there were only a few people posting on the thread and they were just posting multiple times. So, no help there. I am hoping this can be corrected with some sort of Firmware Update or Software Update. I am doubtful however, as it sounds like a hardware problem. I am also hopeful that there are enough people with this problem that this new thread will grow and Apple will take notice.

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Answer 3

Finnished Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 7, 2010 7:04 PM in response to Finnished

The problem seems heat related, although many suspect software involvement, as well, as there were no reported instances before 3.x

See this interesting video demonstrating the heat sensitivity:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om4CNEPd4G0

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Answer 4

Finnished Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 7, 2010 7:22 PM in response to Finnished

I demonstrated the problem to an Apple Genius at a Milwaukee Apple Store today --- it took only a few minutes of surfing before my phone went spontaneously to headphone mode. This Genius, in contradistinction to my previous experience at the Apple store in NYC, had seen the problem before, and more than once. While he stated it can be caused by moisture, he admitted he has seen units that spontaneously switch to headphone mode that show no evidence of damage, moisture or otherwise. My phone was pristine, and again showed evidence on scan of low amount of available program memory. Even if you sweep the memory the problem persists or recurs, but will revert to normal once phone cools.

He had no solution, and seemed somewhat embarrassed when offering to swap out the phone for $199. I declined, and got a copy of the work order for the "repair swap" so I can file an insurance claim with my credit card (my card extends manufacturers' warranties x2)

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Answer 5

Mar 7, 2010 7:27 PM in response to Finnished

For me the issue first surfaced on a vacation in south Florida by we Minnesotans.

Only after my 8GB 3G iPhone heats up does it lock in the Headphones Mode.

(Tested using a _processor intensive_ 15" long YouTube Video & also MLB.TV while out in the sun.)

*Two minutes in the freezer unlocks my iPhone back to the normal ringer mode.*

Overheated = Locked In Headphones Mode -> ->

*Freezer -> ->*

Cooled = Back to Normal.

Hopefully a software fix will be offered by Apple.

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Answer 6

Mar 8, 2010 6:51 AM in response to Finnished

Hi Guys

I have the same issue, a bit of heat or use and the headphone mode kicks in. I have been looking at ways of over riding the headphone jack to no avail.

In the voice recorder, once you have recorded a voice note, in playback you have the choice of playing it with the speaker or via the default output, ie headphones. So there is a way of switching the output from headphone mode as its built into the voice recorder app!!

Come on Apple sort this out, give us an app or toggle to make these phones work...

There have been almost 100 people to view this thread already, in the space of one day!!

Surely Apple can see this as a problem now. Also if you google the words "iphone headphone mode" then there are hundreds of blogs and articles on this issue, how comes none of the Apple employees use the internet or look at these forums?? Weird huh....

Why do other manufacturers not have this major problem with headphone jacks either?????

I feel that Apple keep quiet on this issue as there would be thousands of call backs for the faulty phones, and due to the much talked about speculation RE: 4th gen Iphone, they will not do anything hoping those with this headphone issue will buy the new phone.... I think not for me personally

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Answer 7

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Mar 8, 2010 7:24 AM in response to TomSchwab

I live in FL year round and use my phone outdoors all the time and it never overheats and needs to be damaged by putting it in a freezer. Every time that you stuff your phone in the freezer, you are damaging the circuitry.

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Answer 8

Finnished Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2010 7:32 AM in response to Tamara

Tamara:

This thread is for people with the problem, or people with a solution. If you have neither, please refrain from posting --- your views only drive up the statistics and give Apple ammunition to say that few people have the problem, and that all the views here and on other threads are mainly "noise"

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Answer 9

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Mar 8, 2010 8:56 AM in response to Finnished

No one here has the solution and it is an uncommon problem. This is a user to user forum and you will not get any official response from Apple here.

If YOU are having a problem then YOU ought to take YOUR phone to whoever is authorized to provide service for it in your country rather than post to a forum. One thing you need to stop doing is putting your phone in the refrigerator. All that does is cause more damage.

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Answer 10

Finnished Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2010 9:01 AM in response to rickyshearer27

When the iPhone cuts off normal input/output during a call, and goes to headphone mode, switching to speakerphone allows you to continue. I tried to replay a previously recorded voice memo during a spontaneous switch to headphone, and despite toggling the speaker button, could get no output via speaker, despite speaker working for speakerphone.

when iPhone reverted to "normal", following cooling, playback of a voice memo can be toggled with the speaker button, but can be heard, though at different volumes, with the speaker button active or dulled, with no headphones plugged in. Does this match with your experience?

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Answer 11

Finnished Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2010 9:18 AM in response to Tamara

If you had read any of the posts, you would see that most users are in the US, many have been in to the Apple store, and we know Apple hasn't responded --- that's the point. If Apple steps up, fine. Otherwise, we're looking for knowledgeable people/programmers who might have insight.

Your negative posts are no help, and unwelcome. Please stay away.

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Answer 12

Mar 8, 2010 9:41 AM in response to Finnished

I have my phone in the mode now..... just played a recorded voice memo and yes the sound came through the speaker if I toggle it on in the top left... I paused the playback, and you guessed it......I press the volume button and I am in headphone mode.....

Can you get sound by listening to a ringtone in the settings? I can get normal sound here too...

And for the people coming on here to tell us all what to do and not to do....keep your nose out. Not every one puts there phone in the freezer! I live in the UK, just south of London and my phone will change to headphone mode when Im watching a youtube vid! So whats up with that???

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Answer 13

Finnished Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2010 10:05 AM in response to Tamara

Tamara:

You say it's an uncommon problem. Yet in the threads devoted to the problem, there are over 45,000 views, including 168 on this thread that was created only yesterday. You post prolifically, but if you want to show this problem is uncommon, show us where you've posted on a problem with more views. A quick look at the threads on which you are currently posting reveal no such numbers.

In short, the problem is not more uncommon than the numerous other problems currently in this forum. You have no special knowledge regarding its' frequency in the iPhone population. You appear merely to be post hunting. Please leave us alone.

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Answer 14

Mar 8, 2010 12:06 PM in response to TomSchwab

The freezer solution which takes 2-3 minutes of cooling is a fraction of our iPhone's cold exposure when enjoying the out of doors in Minnesota during subzero winter temperatures. My coat pocket is freezing then, too. If freezing temperatures ruin circuit boards a lot of USA users will be going to their local Genius Bars with this issue...

Whatever the cause cooling the iPhone quickly or slowly WORKS and is a FIX for me.

I will be going in to an Apple Store to see what solution Apple offers.

Thanks!

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Answer 15

Mar 8, 2010 12:34 PM in response to paulcb

Thanks for the useful specifications.

I just had to cool my iPhone down once again...took 3 minutes in the freezer...and there's no way the iPhone reached even 0F in that brief time span.

The cooling fix worked again.

I found that cooling will also work at 70F room temperature but it takes much longer and the phone must be as idle as possible. I expect using the processor snd generating as little heat as possible.

Thanks again.

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