Database Info

Headphone jack broke - ways to bypass?

The headphone jack on my Gtab completely broke off from the motherboard. I'm not going to solder it back since I rarely use the headphone.
But the problem is the speakers now have no sound.
My question is, without soldering the headphone jack back, is there anyway on the circuit board that I can short to make the Gtab think the headphone is not connected so that it would output sounds to the speakers?
Or is there any apps that I can disable the headset jack completely and only uses the speakers?
Thanks.

I could make you a small app to force speaker route. Not sure if that would work.

That would be great!
If the app doesn't work, I either need to get a replacement jack or figure out
what solder points to jump in order to get the speakers to work.
Does anyone know what solder points to connect in order to get the
speakers to work. Or does anyone know where to get a
replacement jack?

Thought I sent you a message. Might have been an email as their is nothing showing in my outgoing messages.

Is the headphone jack breaking something we need to be careful about or did you do something out of the ordinary that broke it?

slysecretspy:
Thanks a lot. I got your PM, but the app won't install on either stock or TNT Lite.
sanvara:
This is definitely a build quality issue. There are only two little plastics and tiny solders holding the headphone jack in place. If you use certain types of headphones, such as the JLab ones with long connectors, it is particularly easy to break it off the motherboard. My suggestion is unplug the headphone every time you put the Gtab is a bag and don't use headphone when you're moving.

sanvara said:
Is the headphone jack breaking something we need to be careful about or did you do something out of the ordinary that broke it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is too. Mine now requires me to hold pressure on it in order to get sound from both left and right.

Issues with head phone jack

So I have had issues with the head phone jack on two different thunderbolts.
When I plug in the head phones if the plug turns clockwise or counter clockwise at certain points I will lose sound from the left head phone. Same thing happens if you gently push the plug to the right.
I also tested headphones on the models verizon has on display and it did it on those too.
(note, I tried 3 different sets of head phones). This is really bothersome to me because if its in your pocket sometimes the plug gets nudged or turned).
Anyone else experience this? Not sure if I should attempt to exchange yet again.

Mine was working fine for a while but then my left side of ear buds went out. But then I plugged my ear buds into my PC. Turns out the Ear buds went bad. Skullcandy breaks way too easy...Phone is Fine though. just Coincidence I guess.

Strife21 said:
So I have had issues with the head phone jack on two different thunderbolts.
When I plug in the head phones if the plug turns clockwise or counter clockwise at certain points I will lose sound from the left head phone. Same thing happens if you gently push the plug to the right.
I also tested headphones on the models verizon has on display and it did it on those too.
(note, I tried 3 different sets of head phones). This is really bothersome to me because if its in your pocket sometimes the plug gets nudged or turned).
Anyone else experience this? Not sure if I should attempt to exchange yet again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I discovered this same exact problem the other day and here's what I've found. I have 2 sets of headphones, 1 works perfectly fine and the other exhibits this same problem with the left ear going out. For the bad set, if I have them plugged in all the way then I have the problem, but if I pull it up a tiny bit after I've plugged them in it works fine. I don't know if there is a tiny difference in the length of the connectors or what but they just don't work when plugged in all the way. I figure I'll goto the hardware store and find a tiny little bushing and just put it on the headphone connector so it doesn't plug in all the way.

ikon8 said:
I discovered this same exact problem the other day and here's what I've found. I have 2 sets of headphones, 1 works perfectly fine and the other exhibits this same problem with the left ear going out. For the bad set, if I have them plugged in all the way then I have the problem, but if I pull it up a tiny bit after I've plugged them in it works fine. I don't know if there is a tiny difference in the length of the connectors or what but they just don't work when plugged in all the way. I figure I'll goto the hardware store and find a tiny little bushing and just put it on the headphone connector so it doesn't plug in all the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a bad idea my friend

im having the same exact issue as you. i need to experiment with it more before i swap it out

jacobk said:
im having the same exact issue as you. i need to experiment with it more before i swap it out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also posted on the androidforums about this. Apparently it seems fairly common. I have exchanged my phone once for this issue and the new one came back the same way. I dont know if its a bad batch of phones or what. Even some of the display models did it at the store so it seems like a crap shoot.
The best thing to do would be call verizon support at this point I think and let them know its an issue so it becomes a known issue with them. They told me today that they haven't heard anything about this incident.

Same issue here. I noticed it when i had it plugged into my aux cable in my truck. Also, I don't know if its related but playing pandora over my speakers results in a really high pitched "click" from time to time. I never experience it when just my headphones are plugged in nor when i am using winamp.

I also have this problem - also the left speaker that gets cut out. I can either try to force the jack further in, pull it out a bit, or move it around until the connection is made. These are with UE TripleFi 10's.

I have the same problem.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

So verizon sent me a new phone and it does not have the issue the other two phones exhibited. It seems there are a bad batch of these headphone jacks. I suggest calling Verizon and letting them know that you are having an issue if its bothering you, so they at least recognize that there are quite a few people having the issue.

If the Thunderbolt's headphone jack is anything like my other smartphones, the reason you're having problems with your headphones is because you're not using the proper kind. Look at the picture on
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/02/12/macbook_owners_frustrated_by_new_audio_jacks.html
Regular earphones have 3 metal bands separated by two nonmetal strips, whereas headphones for phones oftentimes have 4 metal bands separated by three nonmetal strips. This means if you're using a three-banded headphone into a four-banded jack, the contacts don't properly align.
The reason for this is simple: the headphone jack also serves as a jack for a microphone/earpiece.
I have a special set of stereo headphones that also have a microphone so if I'm listening to music and get a call, I can answer without having to unplug.
Hope that helps.

nerozehl said:
If the Thunderbolt's headphone jack is anything like my other smartphones, the reason you're having problems with your headphones is because you're not using the proper kind. Look at the picture on
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/02/12/macbook_owners_frustrated_by_new_audio_jacks.html
Regular earphones have 3 metal bands separated by two nonmetal strips, whereas headphones for phones oftentimes have 4 metal bands separated by three nonmetal strips. This means if you're using a three-banded headphone into a four-banded jack, the contacts don't properly align.
The reason for this is simple: the headphone jack also serves as a jack for a microphone/earpiece.
I have a special set of stereo headphones that also have a microphone so if I'm listening to music and get a call, I can answer without having to unplug.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not the issue as the new phone has no problem with my 3 banded head phones work just great now. There is a defect in some of the inputs. And most high quality head phones such as etymonics and shures do not have the 4 banded design.
The description you mentioned does not support the anomaly that is happening, sound does not travel through one headphone nothing gets re routed the speakers on the actual phone.
Although this is very useful post it does not explain why the head phones now work perfectly as they did on some of the other TB's at the verizon store.
I also have post on android forums about this matter.

Strife21 said:
So I have had issues with the head phone jack on two different thunderbolts.
When I plug in the head phones if the plug turns clockwise or counter clockwise at certain points I will lose sound from the left head phone. Same thing happens if you gently push the plug to the right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same thing happen to me. I originally purchased mine on release day, they tested it with one of theirs and it didn't do it, so they gladly exchanged it for another one.

nerozehl said:
If the Thunderbolt's headphone jack is anything like my other smartphones, the reason you're having problems with your headphones is because you're not using the proper kind. Look at the picture on
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/02/12/macbook_owners_frustrated_by_new_audio_jacks.html
Regular earphones have 3 metal bands separated by two nonmetal strips, whereas headphones for phones oftentimes have 4 metal bands separated by three nonmetal strips. This means if you're using a three-banded headphone into a four-banded jack, the contacts don't properly align.
The reason for this is simple: the headphone jack also serves as a jack for a microphone/earpiece.
I have a special set of stereo headphones that also have a microphone so if I'm listening to music and get a call, I can answer without having to unplug.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This makes loads of sense thanks I was having the same issue.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

no issue with it here

This is going to sound like an odd solution and I may catch some flack for it but here it goes: Go to the auto parts store and buy spark plug Jelly. It has the unique quality of being able to transfer electric current hence no more losing audio L or R. I did this on my D1 and it worked perfectly. Just a tip; don't use a ton less is more.

stedrocklp said:
This is going to sound like an odd solution and I may catch some flack for it but here it goes: Go to the auto parts store and buy spark plug Jelly. It has the unique quality of being able to transfer electric current hence no more losing audio L or R. I did this on my D1 and it worked perfectly. Just a tip; don't use a ton less is more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While that would help the connection, I can't say I would ever recommend it. It's going to be a dust collector, and nearly impossible to clean out. It is better suited on the spark plug because the plug is covered and sealed for most of its life.
Also, it can make a short between two of the connections, spark plugs only have one connection where the jelly goes.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Ok those are good points. What I do know from experience is that it did work on my D1 and I never seemed to have an issue with dust but that might have been because the case I used plugged the headphone jack. So.... I will repeal my suggestion; don't use spark plug jelly.

nerozehl said:
If the Thunderbolt's headphone jack is anything like my other smartphones, the reason you're having problems with your headphones is because you're not using the proper kind. Look at the picture on
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/02/12/macbook_owners_frustrated_by_new_audio_jacks.html
Regular earphones have 3 metal bands separated by two nonmetal strips, whereas headphones for phones oftentimes have 4 metal bands separated by three nonmetal strips. This means if you're using a three-banded headphone into a four-banded jack, the contacts don't properly align.
The reason for this is simple: the headphone jack also serves as a jack for a microphone/earpiece.
I have a special set of stereo headphones that also have a microphone so if I'm listening to music and get a call, I can answer without having to unplug.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this post is wrong. im having the issues and ive been using headphones with a mic and music controls since day 1. the issue is with the jack, not with the type of headphones being used. ive tried 5 different sets of headphones and they all exhibit the same issue.

jacobk said:
this post is wrong. im having the issues and ive been using headphones with a mic and music controls since day 1. the issue is with the jack, not with the type of headphones being used. ive tried 5 different sets of headphones and they all exhibit the same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, it should have nothing to do with having a mic, as the same exact pair of head phones I used ( 3 ring) that did not work on the older phone now work perfectly on the new phone.

Why some headphones don't work with some phones?

Hello.
I'm trying to figure out and possible find a solution for why some headphones don't work with some phones?
For example a very well known brand Scullcandy. Their line of Skullcandy FIX Bud headphones work fine with Galaxy S2, but don't work with Galaxy S3, they also don't work with LG Nitro HD.
On GS3 they work for media playback, but when trying dial out or answer a call, the phone totally disconnects the headphones, the icon that shows when headphones are plugged in is no longer showed and at that point one has to physically re-plug the headphones in order to use them for media playback.
It does sound like phone's software issue, I sure hope so and there is a way fix it...
Another phone I had bad experience was LG Nitro HD. Even though the phone is totally waste of money it don't accept any iphone type headphones, they might work for playback, but mic or buttons don't work.
So what could possibly causing this issues?
I've tried post on phone related sections, but got no answers...
I also tried contact Samsung support regarding this issue, but they simply blew me off with "we don't provide support for 3nd hardware". Now I'm waiting for an answer from Skullcandy support.
Any ideas?
Thank you.

Probably the 3-pin layout of your phone. some are really weird in the way they work
x10man

There might be a couple reasons. The first is the connector. Some headsets use a three pole connector while others use a four pole connector. The other issue will likely be he pin out. The headphone jack might be a standard mechanical interface but not electrically. Both are hard problems but an adapter cable might help you.

All headphones connectors in question are 4 pin type, without using micrometer they look identical. Since all these headphones works fine in mp3 players, where only 3 pin connectors used, means the 3 out of 4 pins are in proper places and connected properly inside the wire.
So, without taking headphones apart it seems physically there is nothing different between them.
In addition, if there would be something physically wrong, it would not explain, why SGS3 sense when Skullcandy headphones connected, it shows headphones icon, but when a phone call initialized it "forgets" about it.
It sure seem to me like software related..

Anyone have headphone jack issues?

I hook up my phone to my auxiliary in my car and when it's fully plugged in, it only works with one speaker. Same happened when I used headphones as well. If I twist the aux cable a little, I can get it to work somewhat but it's very annoying because pretty much any movement causes it to go back to one speaker. Definitely an annoying issue especially while trying to use my phone as a music player as well. This happen to anyone else? Any type of fix for this?

I have the same exact issues. I don't believe there is a fix without opening the phone up. I have heard of others having the same issues but I haven't done any research on it.

I definitely thought I read about other ppl having this issue when the phone first launched. Also vaguely remember a thread about it too. But thanks for replying and def not opening my phone lol. It'll become a $300 paper weight

I had this issue as well. It was a problem from the first time i ever plugged headphones in. I thought i was going to have to send it back. It went on for weeks. Turns out, I didnt have them plugged all the way in even though i thought i did. I had to push much harder for them to go all the way in. I felt stupid. Work great now lol. Not saying that you have this problem. Just giving my experience.

Samsung uses a metric variation on thier male headphone jack. The actual female phono jack on the device is for 1/8" connectors. For some reason headphone/line cables are coming out in a metric size that the manufacturers claim is compatible with a true 1/8" jack and they are, but they are slightly undersized than a true 1/8" jack which can cause a loose connection resulting in channels not working properly.
The tip is also slightly modified on the metric male jacks causing that "not fully inserted issue".
Stick with good name cables/headphones with true 1/8" plugs, and that will stop alot of issues that may arise.
Sent from my VZW GS3 running Synergy/Trinity/Dark Horse Rises

My son works for verizon and has a GS3 also and he says try shutting off voice commands if you have them on. They cause issues with the head phone jack sometimes.
Settings/language and imput/voice command for apps.

incubus26jc said:
I had this issue as well. It was a problem from the first time i ever plugged headphones in. I thought i was going to have to send it back. It went on for weeks. Turns out, I didnt have them plugged all the way in even though i thought i did. I had to push much harder for them to go all the way in. I felt stupid. Work great now lol. Not saying that you have this problem. Just giving my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will try this next time I can and the other suggestions next time I'm in my car. Just don't want to jam it too far in though and end up breaking it lol. Too bad my cars blue tooth audio doesn't work because then this issue would be solved for most of my audio uses

Exact same problem here. Started within the first week of owning the phone. Cant plug it in any further. I think its a bad jack as every 3.5 mm connector ive tried including the one that came with the phone has the same problem. Found this on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Flex-Ca...051?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d3950c8b Im guessing it will fix the problem but I am waiting to see if its more reliable then what shipped with the phone. I plugged mine in daily at least 5 times. Just using bluetooth now got a belkin bluetooth adapator for 25 from amazon that is tied in with a fm modulator from amazon for 14. A hack on a hack but it works. Not the best audio fidelity but good enough.

I've only been recently using my headphones with this phone, though they have worked fine. That final click for a positive stereo connection is more tough than one might expect for a portable device, but it's quite secure feeling.
With my Sennheiser PX-100 portables, there's no connection problem with this phone and balance between the speakers seems good. The connection needs to be made fully, pushed down flush with the phone edge and any phone protector needs to lie out of range of the connector, IMHO.
I then tested with my over-the-ear cans, but purposefully using a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter whose 1/8" connector was bent, and noticed a slight left channel bias. The bent adapter did seem to have a problem getting 100% into the jack, as well - still, it was pretty much all the way in with only the slightest bit of lift on one side.
So, I would agree with the poster above who mentioned that - if there are differences between your headphone's male connector and the type they happen to use in this phone - even a slight difference in connector vs jack size could cause an issue for playback.
If all male connectors give problems, I guess the possibilities are:
a. Male connector is not being inserted 100% flush to the phone edge
b. Phone cover is interfering with the connector being 100% inserted
c. Bad phone jack or downstream connection
- ooofest

Pushing it in all the way is not always the fix.. Cant push any of the several headsets I tried in any further. Bad jack add insult to injury the factory charger that came with the phone mysteriously just died wtf .

chickenmon said:
Pushing it in all the way is not always the fix.. Cant push any of the several headsets I tried in any further. Bad jack add insult to injury the factory charger that came with the phone mysteriously just died wtf .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it won't push in such that the male connector's body is flush with the phone edge, then it is either a bad jack on the phone to begin with (your guess) or all your connectors are somehow incompatible with the new size of jack this phone uses, it would seem.
You're saying the wall charger just died? Might be a warranty on that from Verizon, I'd go to a store or give them a call.
- ooofest

Galaxy s3 headphone jack temp fix
I've had the same problem, tried buying a new cable but audio would only play from one channel
Today playing about I noticed if I pressed the jack slightly to one side it would work, so simple solution, I've bent the metal end of the jack ever so slightly and now it works like a charm with my galaxy s3. No more endlessly messing about playing withthe cable till iit works. Now I say again, vend the jack end slightly till it works, not too much else it might not plug in at all. Hope this helps people out!! Mark

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

I also have exactly the same problem in my car. I have a 3.5mm audio cable which worked fine for the first few weeks and then all of a sudden it stopped playing through the left speaker. At the same time, I also have crackling connection issues when I plug my S3 into a speaker in the kitchen. Headphones seem to work fine though.
It's almost as if some static caused a fault inside the female jack on the S3 given that it worked perfectly for ages and then all the problems came at once.
I tried disabling the voice commands as someone noted above (they were annoying me anyway) and it seemed to make a difference to the crackling but not the reception out of the left speaker - its still very low volume.
I was interested in the post from the guy who said there was a slight difference between 1/8 and 3.5 mm. Which way around is it? The cables I have all claim to be 3.5mm, so are you saying that the S3 has a 1/8th female jack?
I wonder also if there is a 3.5mm to 1/8 inch converter that would do the job. A quick google search didn't throw anything up though.

[Q] Headphone Port Not Working Properly

So, recently, I've been having problems with my headphone jack. Issue is that the audio is all distorted and it sounds like some very bad surround sound setup. I've already tried switching roms and using different headphones. The problem is probably in the Jack itself. If I hold my headphone jack at the correct position with the right amount of pressure on it, the music comes out as it should. I've also tried blowing it out, still noting. What do you guys think I should do? I've seen some links on ebay for headphone jacks going around 20 dollars. I don't even know if it's worth it to repair my G2X as it also has a cracked digitizer.

Yuvin said:
So, recently, I've been having problems with my headphone jack. Issue is that the audio is all distorted and it sounds like some very bad surround sound setup. I've already tried switching roms and using different headphones. The problem is probably in the Jack itself. If I hold my headphone jack at the correct position with the right amount of pressure on it, the music comes out as it should. I've also tried blowing it out, still noting. What do you guys think I should do? I've seen some links on ebay for headphone jacks going around 20 dollars. I don't even know if it's worth it to repair my G2X as it also has a cracked digitizer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it's pressure related (and I don't know if it's possible), but have you checked the solder-joints where the jack is mounted to the pcb?

New2my8125 said:
if it's pressure related (and I don't know if it's possible), but have you checked the solder-joints where the jack is mounted to the pcb?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or clean the Jack with some compressed air.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I did try cleaning the jack with Compressed air already and nothing changed. I'm going to guess it's something wrong with the solder joins. I ordered a new Headphone Jack and power button combination and also a new digitizer from eBay. Hopefully, they'll arrive and I can replace that part. Thank god the Headphone port isn't mounted to the motherboard of this phone! Atleast LG knows how to build a phone well (Except for the screen bleeding)