Top 8 Fixes to iPhone Headphone Adapter not Working

The headphone adapter for iPhone provides a bridge between your device and traditional wired headphones. However, encountering issues with the iPhone headphone adapter not working can be frustrating, disrupting your audio experience.

This article aims to address common reasons behind this problem and provide effective solutions to get your headphones back in action.

Why is my iPhone headphone adapter not working?

Several factors can contribute to your iPhone headphone adapter not working:
⛔ Physical Damage: Wear and tear or accidental damage to the headphone adapter can render it nonfunctional.
⛔ Software Glitches: Software bugs or glitches can sometimes affect the functionality of the headphone adapter.
⛔ Compatibility Issues: Using third-party or non-certified adapters might result in compatibility problems.
⛔ Dirt and Debris: Dust, lint, or debris can accumulate in the headphone jack or adapter, causing connection issues.
⛔ Audio Output Issues: Problems with the audio output or speaker system of your device can impact adapter performance.

8 fixes to iPhone headphone adapter not working

Here are some effective solutions to resolve the issue of your iPhone headphone adapter not working. Try them one after another until your issue gets fixed.

1# Check the insertion port

You're likely aware that the iPhone and Lightning headphone ports differ. Hence, examine their respective ports to identify any damage. Occasionally, dust particles within the port can hinder your iPhone from detecting plugged-in headphones.

You can employ a needle or brush to gently clean the headphone insertion port. However, use caution with a needle. Alternatively, blowing into the port can help dislodge dust particles.

2# Force restart your iPhone

Your next viable step is to restart your iPhone. While it might not appear as a significant solution, restarting has proven effective in addressing various iPhone problems. To restart your iPhone, follow the method provided below:

iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume + button > Perform the same operation on the Volume - button > Press and hold the Side button and release when you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume - button and the Power button > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the Power button and the Home button for seconds > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

3# Check if you have connected your iPhone with another speaker

Chances are that your iPhone is connected to other speakers via Bluetooth or AirDrop, potentially preventing audio playback through your headphones. To verify if other speakers are linked to your iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1. Swipe up your Control Center > Press and hold the music section > Tap Airplay icon > Checkmark your headphones.

Step 2. Open Control Center > Tap and press the box in the top left corner > Tap Bluetooth to turn it off.

Now, you can check whether you can hear the audio from your headphones. If the above method fails to resolve the issue, then try other solutions.

4# Try another pair of headphone

Insert a different pair of headphones into your iPhone and assess whether you can hear sound. If you can, this indicates that the issue lies with your initial pair of headphones, and the headphone insertion port is functioning properly.

5# Turn up your iPhone volume

When connecting your headphones to your iPhone, it's conceivable that the volume is already set to a low level. Hence, raise the iPhone's volume. If a pop-up box appears, check two things:

• Verify if you can observe "Headphones" at the top of the box. If so, this indicates your iPhone has recognized your headphones.

• Assess the volume bar located at the bottom of the box. If the volume bar is muted, that's likely the reason behind the absence of audio through your headphones.

6# Check Bluetooth output

It's feasible that you inadvertently connected Bluetooth headphones or speakers to your iPhone while plugging in your iPhone or lightning headphones. Consequently, you might not be able to hear audio through your headphones since it's playing on your Bluetooth device. To address this, disable Bluetooth from the control center.

This action will automatically disconnect the Bluetooth device from your iPhone. Subsequently, plug in your headphones again, and this should effectively resolve the "iPhone headphones adapter not working" issue.

7# Update iOS to the latest version

If your iPhone headphone adapter is not functioning, it's quite likely that your iPhone requires an iOS update. To perform an update on your iPhone, adhere to the following steps:

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Software Update and follow the prompts if an update is available.

Conclusion

iPhone headphone adapter not working can be a hindrance to enjoying your favorite music and media. By understanding the reasons behind the problem and applying the recommended solutions, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue effectively.

Whether it's addressing physical damage, ensuring compatibility, or performing software-related actions, these steps will help you get your headphones back in working order. If none of the fixes work, consider reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center for professional assistance.