Help! My iPad Air is stuck in earbud mode!!!!!

Hello Crazy_6,

Thanks for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

It appears that your iPad is behaving like headphones are connected, but they are not. I understand that this can be a frustrating situation.

Restarting your iPad and checking the volume settings were good steps, and here is what I'd try next in this situation:

• Make sure the Ring/Silent switch is set to ring. If you can see orange, it's set to silent.
  
• Open an app that has music or sound effects. Adjust the volume with the volume buttons or the slider in Control Center.
  
• ... If you can hear sound through the headset, remove it and clear any dust or debris from the headset jack of your device.
  
• If the device is in a case, make sure that the case doesn't block the speaker.
  
• Use a brush to gently clear any debris from the speaker and Lightning connector (or 30-pin dock connector). The brush should be clean and dry and have soft bristles.
  
• Update your device to the latest version of iOS.

If you followed these steps and still hear no sound or distorted sound, contact Apple Support.

From:

If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker - Apple Support

All the best,

Jeremy

There's a tiny switch inside the jack that detects when the earphones have been plugged in. In your case, the switch got stuck in the "in" position due to dust, debris, or worse. If it is due to dust or some dry debris, repeated unplugging and/or blowing compressed air as suggested may release it. But if something sticky is the cause (the "worse" option), then you might be forced to take it in for service so the techs can use something stronger that doesn't cause yet more damage and void any warranty left.

I had the same problema with my wife's iPad, it was a dirt problema, try blowing it with pressure, if you accidentaly droped some water on it, let it dry, it should solve it.