iPad 2 Volume only works with headphones

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iPad 2 Volume only works with headphones

I have an iPad 2 that I purchased in November. I recently updated from iOS 5.0.1 to iOS 5.1 and noticed some sound issues. I am getting no audio or sound effects from the external speaker when I use my iPad (iTunes, Netflix, lock sound effects and other iPad sound effects) through the external speaker. When I go to Settings > General > Sounds > Ringer and Alerts I can move the volume back and forth and I get audio out of the iPad speaker. Everything else doesn't seem to work.

When I move the volume rocker up and down it shows "Headphones" even though I have nothing connected. The audio does work when my headphones are plugged in. The external speaker is the only thing that for some reason is not playing audio/sound OTHER THAN in the Settings menu described in the first paragraph.

Here is what I have done so far (with no success):

Turn off and on the iPad
Plug my headphones in multiple times to dislodge anything that got in it.
Go into iTunes and reset the iPad

I read something about holding the lock and home button down for 10 seconds for a diagnostics to come up. I have not been successful in bringing this up. I have been reading conflicting instructions on the forums for the proper way of doing this (holding down the buttons at the home screen; holding down the buttons when the device is off; holding down the buttons at the lock screen). Which is the correct way?

Also note that the iPad is kept in a case at all times. I did not get water on it or any other type of debris.

Anyone have suggestions as to what my options are to find a remedy? Would I really have to take this to the Apple Store to get it looked at or potentially replaced?

iPad 2, iOS 5.1

Posted on Apr 6, 2012 5:35 PM

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Answer 1

Demo

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Apr 6, 2012 5:39 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

Is it possible that you have system sounds muted? You get no audio in the Music App?

If you lose sounds for keyboard clicks, games or other apps, email notifications and other notifications, system sounds may have been muted.

System sounds can be muted and controlled two different ways. The screen lock rotation can be controlled in the same manner as well.

Settings>General>Use Side Switch to: Mute System sounds. If this option is selected, the switch on the side of the iPad above the volume rocker will mute system sounds.

If you choose Lock Screen Rotation, then the switch locks the screen. If the screen is locked, you will see a lock icon in the upper right corner next to the battery indicator gauge.

If you have the side switch set to lock screen rotation then the system sound control is in the task bar. Double tap the home button and in the task bar at the bottom, swipe all the way to the right. The speaker icon is all the way to the left. Tap on it and system sounds will return.

If you have the side switch set to mute system sounds, then the screen lock rotation can be accessed via the task bar in the same manner as described above.

This support article from Apple explains how the side switch works.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4085

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Answer 2

Apr 6, 2012 5:39 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

You have systme sounds muted. Check the button just above your volume control on the right hand side of your iPad. Change the direction of that button and on your iPad screen you'll see either System Sound or Lock Orientation. If you see System Sounds, you're done. If you see the latter, double tap your home button to bring up the task bar and swipe the lower row of apps all the way to the right and the very last icon will be a mute/unmute button. Touch it and you'll have system sounds again.

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Answer 3

SatchBoogie1 Author

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Apr 6, 2012 5:41 PM in response to lobsterghost1

It's not the Mute switch above the volume rocker. That is pushed up and the bell logo shows with the volume below it.

Again, when I have my headphones plugged in I hear ALL system sounds. I am not getting any sounds from the external speaker.

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Answer 4

Apr 6, 2012 5:50 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

Then it's time to make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your Apple Store. You likely have a hardware problem. Make sure you back up your device before you go, so you can restore from backup if they replace your iPad.

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Answer 5

Demo

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Apr 6, 2012 5:51 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

Can you hear sound when you play songs in the music app?

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Answer 6

SatchBoogie1 Author

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Apr 6, 2012 6:00 PM in response to Demo

Demo: Only when I have headphones connected.

rbrylawski: Should I expect to pay for repair/replacement if I bring it in? How long does it take to get a new one if this iPad is now defective?

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Answer 7

Apr 6, 2012 6:02 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

How long have you had your iPad2? If it is within the one year warranty, the replacement will be free.

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Answer 8

Demo

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Apr 6, 2012 6:06 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

OK. I just wanted to be sure. It is time to have the iPad checked by an Apple genius.

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Answer 9

SatchBoogie1 Author

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Apr 6, 2012 6:06 PM in response to lobsterghost1

rbrylawski: November 2011. When you mean "make an appointment" do I actually have to call the store prior to visiting and looking at it?

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Answer 10

Demo

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Apr 6, 2012 6:11 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

You are much better of making an appointment or you could wait for a while. They are not going to turn you away if you do not have an appointment, it is just in your best interest, that's all. You can schedule an appointment online with a store near you.

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Answer 11

Apr 6, 2012 6:11 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

Well the good news is your iPad is still under warranty. It is highly recommended you make an appointment at the Genius Bar. Just walking into the store, they'll make an appointment for you when you arrive, but you could find yourself waiting a few hours for your Genius Bar appointment. Here, use this link to make an appointment:

http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

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Answer 12

SatchBoogie1 Author

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Apr 6, 2012 6:16 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Ok. Just wanted to make sure as I've maybe walked in an Apple Store once in my lifetime. Should I expect to possibly get a replacement iPad on the spot if it's determined to be hardware issues or do you believe I will have to wait? Reason I ask is I use my iPad for work. I would need to figure out a time to bring it in where I won't necessarily need it for work-related items (appointments, presentations, etc).

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Answer 13

Apr 6, 2012 6:20 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

They typically have replacement iPads on hand. Your replacement iPad will come in a plain box, without charger, etc., and per your warranty, can be (likely will be) a refurbished device, which has been completely checked by Apple.

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Answer 14

SatchBoogie1 Author

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Apr 6, 2012 6:22 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Ok. Thank you for the heads up.

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Answer 15

SatchBoogie1 Author

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Apr 11, 2012 3:39 PM in response to SatchBoogie1

Well, one day after I posted this my sound started to work again. When I was playing a game I noticed the sound would come in and out. Sometimes the sound would be on for 20 seconds and then cut out again saying headphones were in. Eventually this stopped and the external sound was working.

I have no clue why or how it was doing this, but I am glad I don't have to stop by the Apple Store to get a refurbished model.

I guess you can call this closed for the time being. Maybe someone else will have a similar issue to mine.

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