How to Fix a Bent Headphone Jack

Want to know how to fix a bent headphone jack? these are usually very solid connectors, but can sometimes warp a bit, just like mother in law. but at least there are some cheap and quick fixes when it comes to headphone jacks.

Headphone connectors can be very fragile and delicate. if you go to sleep with your headphones on, you can inadvertently press on the jack. this can cause all sorts of misalignment issues.

Reading: Headphone plug bent

So, let’s go over the best ways to fix your headphone jacks without spending any money…

common problems caused by bent headphone jacks

Common Issues

The headphone jack is one of the most important components of your music listening experience. if its connector gets bent, it can cause all sorts of problems with the audio. So what are some of the common problems caused by bent headphone jacks? there are more potential problems than you can imagine.

volume issues

If your headphone jacks are not connected correctly, it can cause low volume no matter how much you fiddle with the audio settings.

static problems

Bending headphone jacks can cause static. you may hear static on both sides of your headphones, even when no sound is playing.

problems with stereo mode

When headphone connectors get bent, they can have wiring problems. cables can become disconnected, which can result in no sound in one or both ears.

loose fit headphone jack

a bent connector can make it difficult to connect the headphones correctly and therefore the sound will be affected.

how to fix bent headphone jack problem

There’s nothing worse than finding out that you can’t listen to music properly because your headphones are broken. however, if the problem is with a bent headphone jack, you may be able to fix it.

if not, you’ll have to go out of your way and buy some new headphones. You don’t have to be an electronics expert to fix bent headphone jacks, but you will need a delicate touch.

Remember that if you choose to repair your headset yourself, it could affect any warranty you may have. but if they’re a cheap pair, it doesn’t matter too much. if they are an expensive pair, taking them to an authorized repair shop should be your first port of call. but if not, here are some of the best ways to fix the bent headphone jack problem.

manually straighten the headphone jack

The first quick fix would be to manually straighten the headphone jack. To perform this DIY ear surgery stitch, you’ll need two pairs of pliers and a ruler. and steady hand! You will have to be very patient and very careful. Here is a step-by-step guide to manually straighten your bent headphone jack.

  1. grab your two sets of pliers.
  2. hold the end of the plug with one set while holding the ring or center part with the second set.
  3. bend the cap carefully. get back into a straight position with as little force as you can.
  4. Take your ruler and check that the jack is now straight.

if it is not correct after performing those tasks, repeat the process until it is correct. If you can’t fix your headphone jack this way, you’ll need to consider other options.

replacing bent headphone jacks

See also: Review: Burson / Supreme Sound Lycan opamps – Headfonia Reviews

If your manual jack straightening technique didn’t work, you may need to replace the headphone jack. this option is a bit more technical and finicky, but if you have some cheap headphones, why not? you could also try replacing the connector.

These are some of the tools you’ll need to attempt to replace the jack manually.

  • new 3.5mm jack
  • soldering iron and tin, like this affordable soldering iron kit
  • heat shrink, like the eiechip 560 piece heat shrink tubing kit with box
  • sponge, cloth, or wet wipes
  • scissors or wire cutters
  • small knife or wire stripper
  • hands that help solder with the third hand tools

step by step guide to cat replacement

Step-by-step Jack Replacement Guide

The following is mystep-by-step guide on how to fix a bent headphone jack by replacing it manually. By following these simple steps, you’ll be back to listening to stereo music in no time.

First, you’ll need to buy some new 3.5mm headphone jacks. alternatively, you can cut the connectors off an old pair of headphones. however, headphone jacks are cheap, so it’s best to buy new ones. Check out the best headphone jacks below:

  • sync wired 3.5mm headphone jack
  • fancasee replacement 3.5mm headphone jack
  • 3.5 jack plug replacement mm of timibus with welding

then take your wire cutters or a pair of scissors to cut the plug from the wire.

now use your small knife or wire stripper to remove the wire from the connector, leaving about a half inch from the end. If the cable has an enamel coating, you may need to heat it with a lighter for a second to melt the coating. this will be removed to expose the three internal wires:

  • white cable: this cable is for the left channel.
  • red cable: this cable is for the right channel.
  • bare (sometimes black) cable: this is the ground wire.

Now turn on your soldering iron to give it time to heat up. then apply solder to the ends of the wires, which is called “tinning the wires.” some sets of headphones have double ground wires. if so, you can interlock them together. then you can use your damp cloth or wipes to get rid of any excess solder, or you could experience a short circuit.

arriving well…

now you need to place the heat shrink over the wires for protection and insulation. using some form of electrical tape is also a viable option. then unscrew the casting from the new plug and insert the tinned wires into the housing of the new plug. make sure the casing is oriented the right way.

Use the auxiliary hand tool to secure the position of the new plug. this will simplify the whole process.

almost there…

Now you need to insert the wires into the connections on the new plug. start with the ground wires. you can then follow this up by doing the same for the left and right channel cable. hold them in position until the weld cools.

then you can pull the shrink sleeve over the plug wires. and that should be it!

See also: Headphones Not Working in Windows? Here Are Some Fixes – Make Tech Easier

Finally, you’ll need to test your headphones to see if they work. the most common problem is that the left and right channel cables are reversed. and if this is a problem, you will need to unsolder the wires and rewire them correctly.

preventive measures to avoid bending headphone connectors

Preventative Measures

You’ve all heard the saying “prevention is better than cure”. You can avoid headphone jack bending problems by taking a few simple precautions. so here are some things to think about to prevent this issue…

  • keep headphone cords untangled.
  • unplug the headphone jack when not in use.
  • always pull on the plug, never on the cord.
  • buy headphones with a solid right angle plug.
  • buy wireless headphones.

As mentioned, one of the best ways to avoid a bent headphone jack is to buy wireless headphones that don’t use headphone jacks. These are some of the best wireless headphones currently on the market…

cowin e7 wireless earphones

This is a highly recommended wireless headphone product that enjoys a deep base. these are considered a great value for money option.

beats flex wireless headphones

When you need the best wireless headphones to limit connector bending issues, this beats model is the ideal choice.

sony wh-1000xm4 wireless headphones

These wireless headphones from sony are an industry leading choice. the noise canceling properties of this product are outstanding. For more information, check out our detailed Sony Wh-1000xm4 vs Sony Wh-1000xm3 review.

skullcandy sesh evo true wireless earphones

very stylish headphones that look great and perform even better. These wireless headphones are the ideal way to get around connector bending issues.

tiksounds true wireless headphones

These state-of-the-art wireless headphones have deep bass capabilities. this is one of the best value for money wireless headphones if you are on a tight budget and want to avoid hassles with cables and headphone jack.

Looking for a high-quality bluetooth headset?

then check out our reviews of the best wireless bluetooth headset, best aptx bluetooth headset, best bluetooth conference call headset, and best waterproof bluetooth headset you can buy in 2022.

on a budget? no problem, check out the best bluetooth headphones under $200 and the best bluetooth headphones under $100 currently on the market.

You may also be interested in our detailed articles on why I hear static on my headphones, how to disable a headphone jack for pc and phones, how to use single jack headphones on pc without a splitter, bluetooth headphones connected but don’t have the sound and use the headphone jack as a microphone for more hints and tips.

how to fix a bent headphone jack – final thoughts

Learning how to repair a bent headphone jack is relatively easy. You don’t need to be a technical genius to get the job done effectively and efficiently. all you need to do is follow my simple step by step guide. you can fix them manually with pliers and a ruler or try to replace the headphone jack with a new plug. one of those options should work.

If our quick fixes don’t work, you’ll need to buy a new pair. alternatively, you can choose to buy wireless headphones without connectors to eliminate this potential problem.

Until next time, happy to hear.

See also: Why Do Your Headphones Sound Muffled? (Solved) – Headphonesty

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