Develop Bugs

Problem: Stuck in headphone mode after using 3.5mm audio jack

I was listening to music in my car today with my Sprint TP2 hooked up via the 3.5mm audio jack. When I disconnected the phone from the jack, the phone remained in 'headphone mode'. I knew it was in headphone mode still because it displays the little headphone icon on top and I could not hear any audio unless I reconnected the 3.5mm jack. So basically, I can't call anybody from my phone right now unless I hook it up to some speakers via the 3.5mm jack. That or use my BT headset.
Things I have tried to fix the phone;
- Unplugged and replugged in the 3.5mm stereo jack numerous times.*
- Soft reset
- Removed battery for 30 seconds and restarted
- Connected BlueTooth stereo headset and disconnected
* Extra weirdness; Gives me a voice commander error when I reconnect the jack. Voice Commander is not even enabled.
Nothing worked. So I just did a backup of my phone and I'm going to attempt a hard reset. We'll see if that fixes it.

Update: Right after I posted this thread, I tried plugging in several different devices with 3.5mm jacks and the headphone icon disappeared. However, I still did not have any audio. So I did a soft reset and surprise surprise... audio is back!!!
Anybody else encounter this bug? I'm not sure if it's a software or hardware bug, but it's definitely a bug.

guys, do you mean you have already have the 3.5mm specification tp2 ?
i didn't see it yet..

sounds like a hardware issue? especially if the soft reset did not resolve the issue...

czbenson said:
guys, do you mean you have already have the 3.5mm specification tp2 ?
i didn't see it yet..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint and Verizon versions of TP2 have a integrated 3.5mm jack.

I just had the same problem being stuck in headset mode
I tried a soft reset with no luck so I was pretty sure it was something physically wrong. Instead of plugging my headset all the way back in and taking it out, I used the tip of the plug (like a Q-tip, 1/4 of the way in) to see if there were any sensors or metal still depressed and after a few light sweeps, the headset mode icon disappeared. Keeping my fingers crossed, I didn't use the 3.5mm jack for the rest of the night and I was able to use my headset and removed it without a problem this morning.
Ultimately this is most likely a physical issue, but I'd rather not send my phone in for a replacement (even though this would probably qualify as a manufacturer defect). Hope this helps if anyone experiences this in the future.

sniczz said:
I tried a soft reset with no luck so I was pretty sure it was something physically wrong. Instead of plugging my headset all the way back in and taking it out, I used the tip of the plug (like a Q-tip, 1/4 of the way in) to see if there were any sensors or metal still depressed and after a few light sweeps, the headset mode icon disappeared. Keeping my fingers crossed, I didn't use the 3.5mm jack for the rest of the night and I was able to use my headset and removed it without a problem this morning.
Ultimately this is most likely a physical issue, but I'd rather not send my phone in for a replacement (even though this would probably qualify as a manufacturer defect). Hope this helps if anyone experiences this in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a hardware issue and is common to most 3.5mm jacks. I had also experienced this last year with my Treo Pro and since I really wanted to know the problem, I opened up my phone and voided all warranties. Inside the 3.5mm jack there's a lever type copper that bends to make contact with another copper metal, some kind of switch that's supposed to connect and disconnect the contact between these 2 metal pieces whenever a head 3.5mm plug is inserted.
What happened is when you disconnected the plug, the metal that's supposed to bend back to it's original position never did. That's why it's permanently stucked in headset mode because the phone thinks the plug is still inside. This probably happens due to age and possibly has something to do with moisture and rust, not to mention that copper is highly malleable.
Sad to say that until now this technology hasn't changed and is still being widely used. Hopefully someone will give this issue a real solution.

I had this problem recently and took a dry q tip and rubbed it back and forth across the little pin on the bottom of the headphone jack until it cleared up the problem.
Does anyone know if a USB to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter works on the CDMA tp2? I'd really like to use regular headphones but don't want to jeopardize getting my phone stuck in headphone mode.

Drache said:
I had this problem recently and took a dry q tip and rubbed it back and forth across the little pin on the bottom of the headphone jack until it cleared up the problem.
Does anyone know if a USB to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter works on the CDMA tp2? I'd really like to use regular headphones but don't want to jeopardize getting my phone stuck in headphone mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the USB headphone adapter works on the CDMA versions. If you plug in a second headphone set to the other open port, which ever one was connected lastly will be the one to have sound.

Fixed the problem!
I had to disassemble the phone, voiding the already expired warranty and solder the contacts together on the audio jack. I can't use a 3.5 mm jack anymore, but I can at least use the phone now without always using a bluetooth. I'll get a usb adapter for when I want to listen to music.
Here is a picture of the contacts I soldered. I used a 20 w soldering iron, I wouldn't use anything larger.

Drache said:
I had to disassemble the phone, voiding the already expired warranty and solder the contacts together on the audio jack. I can't use a 3.5 mm jack anymore, but I can at least use the phone now without always using a bluetooth. I'll get a usb adapter for when I want to listen to music.
Here is a picture of the contacts I soldered. I used a 20 w soldering iron, I wouldn't use anything larger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would hate to do this on my vibrant lol, media sound recently gave out on me after unplugging the headphone. this sucks. id look around for replacement parts..til then.. gotta get busy with the q tips til i get it to work.

3.5mm Headphone Jack - Possible Future Problem?

Hi,
In the past I always had one common problem with my previous phones (palm treo's) and that is with the 3.5mm jack. Apparently I found out that this is a hardware issue by fixing it myself. The metal (copper, apparently malleable) that's supposed to bend back to its original position whenever you disconnect your 3.5mm plug never did. So I bent it back and it fixed everything. Of course it voided my warranty but at least I didn't have to wait for weeks.
Right now I'm thinking twice about plugging in headphones on my desire. I'm not sure if it got the same old crap inside. Maybe someone here knows if the headphone jack is now dependable?
Thanks!

I've opened my phone to fix some buttons and i got to say...the headphone jack just looks pretty standard to me...

[Q] 3.5 Headphone Jack Issues

Hi guys!
I searched around for this problem, but couldn't find a good answer. I am using my Desire HD with the Klipsch Image S4 IEMs (great headphones!) and recently I have this very annoying issue.
Most times when I plug the headphones in they get recognized as a headset (with microphone and buttons) and the slightest movement causes the music player to start playing or change or song, or what's even worse, the phone to redial the last call.
At first I thought the headphone jack had gone busted so I tried with my full sized Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO cans, but I get the same issue. When I use the stock headset that came with the HD however, there's no problem.
I think what's happening is that the 3 part plug (as opposed to the 4 part of the stock headset) doesn't always make good contact, or it touches the connector for the 4th part briefly at insertion, and it creates this problem.
Does anyone else have this issue? Is it possible that the plug on the phone is busted? I don't feel like sending the phone in over such small thing, but it is pretty annoying...
Thanks!

I have the same IEMs as you do, and I have not noticed that problem. I had similar issues with my Xperia, cleaning the 3.5 mm female connector helped for a while, but I eventually had to send my phone back to be repaired.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

jkoljo said:
I have the same IEMs as you do, and I have not noticed that problem. I had similar issues with my Xperia, cleaning the 3.5 mm female connector helped for a while, but I eventually had to send my phone back to be repaired.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was afraid of Thanks anyway!

el_commandante said:
Hi guys!
I searched around for this problem, but couldn't find a good answer. I am using my Desire HD with the Klipsch Image S4 IEMs (great headphones!) and recently I have this very annoying issue.
Most times when I plug the headphones in they get recognized as a headset (with microphone and buttons) and the slightest movement causes the music player to start playing or change or song, or what's even worse, the phone to redial the last call.
At first I thought the headphone jack had gone busted so I tried with my full sized Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO cans, but I get the same issue. When I use the stock headset that came with the HD however, there's no problem.
I think what's happening is that the 3 part plug (as opposed to the 4 part of the stock headset) doesn't always make good contact, or it touches the connector for the 4th part briefly at insertion, and it creates this problem.
Does anyone else have this issue? Is it possible that the plug on the phone is busted? I don't feel like sending the phone in over such small thing, but it is pretty annoying...
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seen the same thing when using my external speakers, something goes funny with the resistance or capacitance.
Difficult to test unless you sacrifice the cable
Try cover the 3rd and 4th section with nail polish or some other non-conductive stuff.
Ideas? Maybe lookup the schematics of the jack and confirm contact areas, then fix up as needed.

leppie said:
Difficult to test unless you sacrifice the cable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can easily get a 3 and 4 section jacks and cables on the cheap for testing purposes. Do you have an idea of how to go about testing it in some systematic fashion? I wouldn't mind cutting the cable of the headphones and soldering my own jack at the end of it if I am sure that it will work reliably.

el_commandante said:
I can easily get a 3 and 4 section jacks and cables on the cheap for testing purposes. Do you have an idea of how to go about testing it in some systematic fashion? I wouldn't mind cutting the cable of the headphones and soldering my own jack at the end of it if I am sure that it will work reliably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try measure the lengths accurately from the headset included with the DHD.
There might just be some overlapping. If that is not the case, it might be a bit problematic.

leppie said:
Try measure the lengths accurately from the headset included with the DHD.
There might just be some overlapping. If that is not the case, it might be a bit problematic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no overlapping, but the tip of the S4s is a tiny bit shorter and a bit thinner at the base of the last, topmost, part. Weirdly enough I just cleaned the tip a bit and that seems to have solved the problem for the time being...
Maybe the dirt was leading to some resistance? Do you know how the buttons work?

[Q] Faulty Headphone jack??

I had a blue GS3 before and the headphones fit snug and now I have a new white one and if I turn the headphone jack slightly it cuts out completely on one ear and is very loose crackly also.....should I take it in the store for a replacement or what?

I'm having the same problem. Pissing me off. I'm noticing that it's with mostly with aux cables with 2 levels instead of 3 (don't notice with the OEM Samsung cables)
*although I have the white one*
tried different roms too, same problem.. didn't have this issue with me gs2

Im gonna take mine to the tmobile store and see what they say. Ill respawn later
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

had that problem with a 3.5mm audio jack that was attached to the car. keep the audio jack plugged into your phone, reboot with it still plugged in, and it should start to work. that is, unless the wire is bad, or the base is too big- causing it to not go in fully.

is your headphone jack a right angle? i had the same issue with my one x that i returned but getting a headphone jack to jack adapter so instead of having a right angle and going to a straight one fixed it. waiting on a new adapter so i can try the same fix on my s3 that has the same issue with my right angle headphone jack...

having the same issue with multiple aux cables. rebooting while plugged didn't help
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Solution
Yep, That's the same here. Turns out that the jack is 'kinda cheapo' plastic that is, and if like me you use larger headphones (non-earbuds) that the side to side pull of the larger plug will eventually force a contact pin to no longer make that contact. You can pull and twist the cord and sound comes in and out on one side. in my case the right side.
Solution: I bought a replacement Speaker/Headphone assembly. Took me less then 5 minutes to disassemble the device and pop in the new OEM part. Problem solved. I got the part here ---> http://www.2buya.com/spare-parts/components/genuine-samsung-galaxy-s3-i9300-speaker-intenna-ear-jack-gh59-12159a.html
I chose this rather then wait for Mobilicity to take weeks to get it fixed for me.
Note: Ignore the i9300 part label. The stock part I removed from my t-999v also said i9300 on it. There the same.

Did you test the headphones on anything else? Try another set of headphones?

Of course
psykhotic said:
Did you test the headphones on anything else? Try another set of headphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Naturally. I tested on two identical Sony studio monitors, and a few earbuds. The problem was 100% hardware.

Have you guys tried cleaning out the headphone jack? Last time I had issues I had a little bit of lint stuck at the bottom and couldn't insert the headphone jack all the way in. Give it a shot and shine a light in, hopefully the issue you guys are having will just be a little lint!

Hope So
arctic84 said:
Have you guys tried cleaning out the headphone jack? Last time I had issues I had a little bit of lint stuck at the bottom and couldn't insert the headphone jack all the way in. Give it a shot and shine a light in, hopefully the issue you guys are having will just be a little lint!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a possibility, albeit a slim one. I used a jewelers loop in my case. Inside are multiple contact pins. Not all are used for sound. One of my pins was 'pushed' inward. That's why jiggling the plug causes a temporary solution. After I removed the original part I dissected it. The pins are set into the molded plastic as a single piece. The pins themselves are a single ribbon bent to flex a bit.
I figure in my case to much flexing of a the heavier plug with the weight of the coiled cord (Sony MDR-7505 Headphones) caused it to mash inward as I walked around. I'll never know for sure.
I hope it is just lint in the OP's case. If not at least parts are available. Non OEM parts are even less then what I paid. That or just wait for the repair done by Samsung.

_Kippo_ said:
That's a possibility, albeit a slim one. I used a jewelers loop in my case. Inside are multiple contact pins. Not all are used for sound. One of my pins was 'pushed' inward. That's why jiggling the plug causes a temporary solution. After I removed the original part I dissected it. The pins are set into the molded plastic as a single piece. The pins themselves are a single ribbon bent to flex a bit.
I figure in my case to much flexing of a the heavier plug with the weight of the coiled cord (Sony MDR-7505 Headphones) caused it to mash inward as I walked around. I'll never know for sure.
I hope it is just lint in the OP's case. If not at least parts are available. Non OEM parts are even less then what I paid. That or just wait for the repair done by Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I think i'm starting to have the same issue as you. When I had my LG i had the issue with the plug and lint.. it seems this time with the S3 it's just not as well made. Where would you be purchasing the part from? I would consider fixing it on my own..

arctic84 said:
Have you guys tried cleaning out the headphone jack? Last time I had issues I had a little bit of lint stuck at the bottom and couldn't insert the headphone jack all the way in. Give it a shot and shine a light in, hopefully the issue you guys are having will just be a little lint!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I have the same problem, I will try to follow your method of

Thank you!
Using the Galaxy Nexus and I had just purchased the Klipsch s4a earbuds (amazing purchase for anybody who's an audio lover without incredibly deep pockets) and the audio kept cutting unless I had the jack placed in a specific manner --which is impossible to keep in a jacket, so I came across this thread and wondered how the hell lint can get into such a small hole. I checked by digging a toothpick till the end and scraping out a massive chunk.
Earbuds work amazingly now.
Thank you XDA,
-Aero

Aerolith514 said:
Thank you!
Using the Galaxy Nexus and I had just purchased the Klipsch s4a earbuds (amazing purchase for anybody who's an audio lover without incredibly deep pockets) and the audio kept cutting unless I had the jack placed in a specific manner --which is impossible to keep in a jacket, so I came across this thread and wondered how the hell lint can get into such a small hole. I checked by digging a toothpick till the end and scraping out a massive chunk.
Earbuds work amazingly now.
Thank you XDA,
-Aero
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same problem, but for me it's worse when the headphones go too far down. In other words I intentionally put some tiny bits of paper into the hole and now it doesn't cut out as easily. But still if I move the plug too far to one side it'll cut off, which is really annoying when it's in my pocket and I occasionally bump the chord plug with my hand. I generally use iphone earbuds. I've read that the samsung jacks are a slightly different size than standard. This might contribute to the problem.

baillou2 said:
I'm having the same problem, but for me it's worse when the headphones go too far down. In other words I intentionally put some tiny bits of paper into the hole and now it doesn't cut out as easily. But still if I move the plug too far to one side it'll cut off, which is really annoying when it's in my pocket and I occasionally bump the chord plug with my hand. I generally use iphone earbuds. I've read that the samsung jacks are a slightly different size than standard. This might contribute to the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you read that Samsung jacks are a different size? I have used several different 3rd party headphones and have not had a single issue. They all fit and work perfectly.
If anything is made with a different size, I'd be much quicker to suspect Apple before Samsung. They love building proprietary hw so people will be forced to do things their way!
Have you tried a different brand of headphones? It is possible the jack itself is messed up somehow too though.
Sent from my SGH-T999L using xda premium

DocHoliday77 said:
Where did you read that Samsung jacks are a different size? I have used several different 3rd party headphones and have not had a single issue. They all fit and work perfectly.
If anything is made with a different size, I'd be much quicker to suspect Apple before Samsung. They love building proprietary hw so people will be forced to do things their way!
Have you tried a different brand of headphones? It is possible the jack itself is messed up somehow too though.
Sent from my SGH-T999L using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I've only tried my old and new iphone earbuds. Both have the same problem, but what I discovered by shaving the plastic away from the tip of the jack is that the further in it goes the more it cuts off, hence shoving paper into the hole to keep it from going in too far.
Another thing I did notice is that this problem started when the headphones became much looser. When I first bought the SGS3 I had to really push hard to get the headphones into the phone. I could literally drop the phone from my pocket and it wouldn't detach and would just dangle from my ears. Now it comes out really easily. Clearly something isn't gripping well enough. That seems to be the real issue I guess, but I have no idea how to get in there and fix it. I don't want to risk breaking my phone trying to take it apart.

sounds like the inside of the jack is messed up. When you were having to push hard to put them in, it most likely bent or wore out the part it snaps into over time.
Only real solution to that, that I can think of, would be to replace the jack I'm afraid.
Sent from my SGH-T999L using xda premium

3.5mm jack one ear working after one day

The 3.5mm jack on my Elephone P8000 has already stopped working properly after only one day. It just stopped working in one ear and I tried wiggling the 3.5mm plug it a bit to see if that would bring the sound in both ears back and I felt something click a little when I tried pushing the plug down, it sounded like I pushed something further down. The wiggling helped for like one second but after that tiny click, I couldn't bring the sound back in both ears. When I do wiggle the 3.5mm plug, the sound gets louder in the ear that it already works in.

hello unfortunately have the same problem I am communicating with my salesperson , I hope you can help

same thing here, due to bad soldering, fixed it by soldering it myself

+1 also. I couldn't see where it needed soldering. Glass is coming off as well. probably can't send it back because I opened it. Would be too much hassle anyway. But that's the risk when not purchasing from a bricks and mortar shop..

her0yne said:
same thing here, due to bad soldering, fixed it by soldering it myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me where you soldered it exactly? I soldered it too. It improved the overall sound but it is still only on one ear.

I have the same problem. Could someone make a tuturial to fix this problem?

http://bbs.elephone.hk/thread-8206-2-1.html
a little fix-tut ... for me too complicate