My iPad is stuck in headphone mode

Presumably you have been using the 3.5mm Headphone jack. You iPad will remain in “headphones” mode while anything is connected to this jack.

If you have already removed the 3.5mm plug - if the audio does not switch back to using the iPad’s speakers, the microswitch with the jack may not be operating properly. Sometimes repeatedly inserting and removing the plug will clear the problem.

If the issue persists, you would be best advised to visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

More information is always useful - in particular as no mention was made of connecting wirelessly using Apple AirPods.

A forced-restart will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

The headphone input is dirty and the device thinks something is plugged in. Use a Q-tip with most of the cotton stripped off and apply a little alcohol then clean out the headphone input. I have also used the corners of facial cotton pads. This happened to me with an iPhone and an iPad. Works every time.

If your iPad is stuck in headphone mode due to a software glitch then a force restart in most cases will be able to fix the issue for you. For a force restart press the volume up and down buttons quickly, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on your iPad also this guide provides some thorough solutions that will help you resolve this issue: 6 Ways to Fix iPad Stuck in Headphone Mode

Take your iPad to the nearest Apple store or Apple authorized

service provider where they may be able to remove the broken

piece of headphone plug. Make a Genius Bar Reservation

to avoid delay at the Apple Store:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

If not near such a location, a full service jeweler (one that makes

jewelry) may be able to assist.

The same thing happened to me with my iPad 9. The headphone jack got wet, so I tried sucking in air through the headphone jack for a good three minutes. Surprisingly, it worked! Now, it no longer recognizes that it's in headphone mode.

roseberly wrote:

So I was just chilling and water was near me and then it fell into the water causing me to be in headphones mode even though I don't hot any headphones I've tried to ho in sound and ho on the safety headphones thing but it's not working for my iPad

Water and electronics do not make happy bedfellows. Your iPad is not designed to be water resistant. While it may survive being splashed with water if immediately dried, it will almost certainly suffer irreparable damage if it allowed to get wet or is submerged.

You would be best advised to take your iPad along to the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assess your iPad. If repair isn’t possible, the iPad can be responsibly recycled - and you’ll be in the best possible place to explore possible replacement:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

One time i was watching young sheldon with my headphones plugged in and suddenly my ipad fell so the tip of the headphone broke and it is stuck in the headphone plug so i can’t take it out and now i can only hear sounds through the airpods. 😣

So I was just chilling and water was near me and then it fell into the water causing me to be in headphones mode even though I don't hot any headphones I've tried to ho in sound and ho on the safety headphones thing but it's not working for my iPad

i had no idea what had happened to my iPad. I tried disconnecting Bluetooth but I couldn’t find out what was connected to my volume. After I searched up a way to fix this I saw this. I will be honest I didn’t have much confidence in this solution. BUT IT WORKED, and I didn’t even have to use alcohol. The is so helpful 10/10 recommend!!!

same thing on what happened to me, did you find a way to fix it?, i have the same problem right now, i tried everything they told me to except to get it fixed by apple, and i do not want to spend any money, i really hope i fix mine

I am frustrated the whole day because I thought I need to spend money to reair this issue. Im glad that I saw your comment. SUCH A BLESSING, THANK YOU 😭

This just solved my problem!!!! Thank you so much!

my iPad is stuck in headphone mode