iPod doesn't recognize headphones

Question

Level 1

8 points

iPod doesn't recognize headphones

My iPod touch 4g only plays sound through the headphones if they are plugged in during boot. If I unplug them then plug them back in, the sound will only play from the internal speakers. The iPod no longer recognizes that headphones are plugged in. If I turn the iPod off, plug the headphones in, then reboot the sound will come out of the headphones no problem until they get unplugged again. This leads me to believe it is a software issue rather than a hardware issue. This happens with Apple headphones as well as numerous 3rd party headphones. I've done soft reboots (holding home + power) and full iTunes restores and nothing has fixed the issue. Any suggestions? Thanks!

iPod touch, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on May 6, 2013 5:46 PM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,519 points

May 7, 2013 6:27 AM in response to snwbrdr1

- Try cleaning out/blowing out the headphone jack. Try inserting/removing the plug a dozen times or so.

Try the following to rule out a software problem

- Check also Settings > General > Accessibility > Hearing. Make sure that the sound balance is not set all the way to "R".

- Reset the iPod. Nothing will be lost

Reset iPod touch: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at

least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.

- Reset all settings

Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset All Settings.

All your preferences and settings are reset. Information (such as contacts and calendars) and media (such as songs and videos) aren’t affected.

- Restore from backup

- Restore to factory settings/new iPod.

- Make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store. Seems you have a bad headphone jack.

Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

If not under warranty Apple will exchange your iPod for a refurbished one for this price. They do not fix yours.

Apple - iPod Repair price

A third-party place like the following will replace the jack for less. Google for more.

iPhone Repair, Service & Parts: iPod Touch, iPad, MacBook Pro Screens

Replace the jack yourself

iPod Touch Repair – iFixit

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Answer 2

snwbrdr1 Author

Level 1

8 points

May 8, 2013 2:58 PM in response to lllaass

I have already done everything suggested, including all the various resets and restores, except for visiting the Genius Bar and sending it in to Apple for repair. As I said in my original post, the headphone jack works perfectly fine if the headphones are plugged in when the iPod boots (ie perfect stereo sound coming out of both earpieces with no static, etc), but stops working if the headphones are removed. If I reboot with the headphones in, they will work again until removed, which leads me to believe it is not a hardward problem with the jack itself, but some sort of software issue. I would rather not pay $99 to fix what admittedly is a minor but annoying issue to get this fixed by Apple.

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Answer 3

Dec 13, 2016 1:29 PM in response to snwbrdr1

I been having the same issues. Have to soft reset all the time. Any fix please?

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