Headphone jacks are one of the most essential parts of any pair of headphones but it’s also one of the most fragile. And even a slight misalignment can ruin the whole headphones you so loved. Bent headphone jacks are more common than you think. We’ve all once tried fixing it by forcefully tucking, pulling, or bending the wires in all ways just to get the sound quality we used to enjoy. All to exhale frustrations when we realize we caused more damage than cure. Worry not! This article is here to save you from all of that by providing the top ways to fix a headphone jack, and a bonus section on how you can prevent it from bending again.
Common Problems with a Bent Headphone Plug
A bent headphone plug may not seem like a big deal until it starts causing problems you didn’t anticipate. There are a few things that can happen, even with a plug that’s only ever so slightly bent, such as:
A loose headphone jack – A bent headphone plug doesn’t fit well inside the jack, causing it to unintentionally slip off no matter how much you try to keep it in. You can read more about fixing loose headphones jack here. Stereo mode problems – A bend in the plug can interfere with the wires inside. This can cause stereo mode problems where only one side of the headphones is working. Static sounds – Sometimes, you may not have issues with only one side being able to play, but you may hear static from either or both sides whether you’re listening to audio or not. Low volume – No matter how much you change the settings on your device, your headphones still play at a low volume.
How to Fix a Bent Headphone Jack
Fixing a bent headphone plug takes a bit of a DIY experience. If you have cheap headphones you don’t really care for, the better alternative is to buy a good pair of high-quality headphones. Just make sure to do the proper headphones disposal if you decide to simply replace your old headphones. But if you insist on fixing your headphones yourself, keep in mind that doing your own repairs always comes with the risk of damaging your electronics. You also void any existing warranty so you’re no longer qualified for repairs or replacements in the future. There are two methods of fixing a bent headphone plug, one invasive and another less so. Both run the risk of damaging your headphones but are valuable to learn if you plan on fixing your own electronics in the future.
Straighten it out
This method requires a few simple tools you may already have at home. It’s important to be very careful if you’re going to straighten a headphone plug. If you push or pull even just a little too much, you can make the problem worse than it is.
What you’ll need:
Two pairs of thin pliers Straight ruler
How to straighten a bent headphone plug:
Replace the bent headphone plug
If straightening it out doesn’t work, the other solution is to replace the plug. For those who don’t know how to use a soldering iron, it’s best to have this done by a pro. Otherwise, here are the steps for replacing a bent headphone plug yourself.
What you’ll need:
New stereo 3.5mm plug Soldering iron Solder Heat shrink Small damp sponge or cloth Wirecutter or scissors Wire stripper or a small, sharp knife Helping hands tool
How to replace a bent headphone plug:
How to Avoid Bending Your Headphone Plug
The easiest way to fix a bent headphone plug is to prevent it from bending in the first place. Keeping your headphones in good shape may seem like a no-brainer, but you’ll be surprised to find that many of the things people do with their headphones are actually causing a lot of damage. Here are a few things you need to remember when handling your headphones.
Pull the plug, not the cable Remove your headphones from the jack when not in use Untangle the cables Buy headphones with a right-angle plug
Pull the plug, not the cable
Pulling on the cable creates unnecessary stress on the plug, making the plug more prone to breaking. To remove headphones from the jack, grip the plug with your thumb and index finger then pull gently but firmly.
Remove your headphones from the jack when not in use
Keeping your headphones plugged is an easy way to get into accidents that could’ve been avoided. You can get caught in the cable and accidentally yank the headphones off, or hit the plug against something solid while plugged in, which is one of the main reasons why headphone plugs get bent in the first place.
Untangle the cables
Tangled headphones can cause damage to the internal wires. You need to untangle your headphones to prevent split wires and even bent plugs. Use binder clips or dedicated storage boxes to keep your headphone cables organized.
Buy headphones with a right-angle plug
Headphones with a right-angle plug are designed to keep them from being pulled off accidentally. It’s hard to yank off the cable if your headphones have this kind of plug. You need a good, firm hold on the plug to remove it from the jack.
Conclusion
Using any of the two methods above, you can learn how to fix a bent headphone jack without heading off to the repair center. Fixing damaged headphones can come with a learning curve. But in the end, you get to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and other media with high-quality, static-free sound with headphones that stay in place inside the audio jack. Were you able to fix your headphone plug? What method did you use? Do you have extra tips and tricks to make it easier for others to fix their headphones? Let us know in the comments below.
