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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Skullcandy 50/50 Mic Problem

I just bought the skullcandy 50/50 headphones, the mic doesn't seem to work with the thunderbolt, if I pull it half way out the mic works but no sounds from the headphones, so are the pins in the wrong places? it's odd because I have and old pair of apple headphones for the first iPhone mic works with. Anyone know which headphones work with the thunderbolt with built in mic? Thanks.

I'm not sure if there is a list, but I have a pair of BeatsbyDre Studio's and everything works fine.

xQuestx said:
I just bought the skullcandy 50/50 headphones, the mic doesn't seem to work with the thunderbolt, if I pull it half way out the mic works but no sounds from the headphones, so are the pins in the wrong places? it's odd because I have and old pair of apple headphones for the first iPhone mic works with. Anyone know which headphones work with the thunderbolt with built in mic? Thanks.
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I have Skullcandy, FMJ's and they usually work well. From time to time I have your problem. But if I unplug and replug it works again.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I bought the same headphones! Same problem. Did some research but can't figure it out. Sucky part is its just a software problem, but like that will be fixed soon lol
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

dotson817 said:
I bought the same headphones! Same problem. Did some research but can't figure it out. Sucky part is its just a software problem, but like that will be fixed soon lol
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
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It might be because they are iPod / iPhone only. says so on the packaging. I believe they have a slightly different plug that has an extra piece for transmission of the play/pause/skip buttons.
I don't think they will ever work for a thunderbolt... might want to return them. I have a Bose pair that works flawlessly, also the standard skullcandy headsets will work fine.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA Premium App

Ok thanks guys.

What's the issue?

Well I use the headphones that came with my old Sensation with my One S now. So in the past few days they were quite iffy...worked for a few seconds and stopped, control buttons stopped working, etc. And now they just stopped working with my phone completely now. However, other headphones work with my phone, and the headphones work with other devices. My solution was to use small headphone thingy (extender I believe?) and they work fine (besides the control buttons not working). So I need some help with finding the issue here.
EDIT: To clarify the question, I'm asking why the headphones work with everything but my device unless I use the extender thing.
Sent from my HTC One S using the XDA-Developers app

This is the thing I used to get them working again. Still can't figure out what the issue was with.
Sent from my HTC One S using the XDA-Developers app

You're not the only one with wired headphone issues. Seems like the one s has a sensitive jack -maybe the contacts are slightly prone to bending. When you use that extension cable not only should the buttons not work but neither should the mic. Does rotating the headphone plug in the jack help at all? If so, you might have a slight bend in the plug.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app

No, twisting didn't change/do anything.
Sent from my HTC One S using the XDA-Developers app

how many rings are on your headphone plug? if it's not three, then they won't work. i had an issue like that with an aux cable in my car. but when i got one with a mic and three rings, it worked just fine

HidaKureku said:
how many rings are on your headphone plug? if it's not three, then they won't work. i had an issue like that with an aux cable in my car. but when i got one with a mic and three rings, it worked just fine
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3 rings
Sent from my HTC One S using the XDA-Developers app

have you tried one with two rings?

HidaKureku said:
have you tried one with two rings?
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Click to collapse
No...I'm not sure if I have any with only two rings.
Sent from my HTC One S using the XDA-Developers app

i'd say try to find one with two rings, or like my aux cable it has three on one end and two on the other. it's strange but works perfectly

I find headphones with mics or controls die within days. I'm using a cheap pair of monoprice in ear buds now and they've lasted for months.

HidaKureku said:
how many rings are on your headphone plug? if it's not three, then they won't work. i had an issue like that with an aux cable in my car. but when i got one with a mic and three rings, it worked just fine
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Click to collapse
Ok, that information is either lacking context or completely false. Each ring separates the contact areas for functions. Left speaker, right speaker and Mic/controls. If there is only one ring, the sound will be mono, 2 rings is either stereo or mono with a mic, depending on ring locations. Three is stereo with a Mic or stereo with another type of input. The circuit is designed to ground the other channels when they are not separated. If you plug in a 2 ring jack for stereo headphones, the icon in the status bar will show headphones. A three ring jack for stereo with a Mic will show an icon of headset with a Mic on them (like a pilot's). When a channel is unused it gets grounded by the circuit to the common. The spacing for ring locations is standardized. Make sure the headphones are seated correctly.
You can try to play with them to see if the headphones are following the standards by partially inseting them. When not fully inserted, only one speaker will work. My guess is that the headphones are not seating fully and causing issues. Either they are bottoming out before the contacts make full contact, or they are hitting the phone case preventing them from making good contact.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app

The headphones are seated correctly. Case isn't interfering with anything. Partially inserting did nothing.
Sent from my HTC One S using the XDA-Developers app

[Q] Headphones Mono--What gives?

I recently obtained a new pair of Skullcandy Fix In-Ear headphones, and when using them with my GS3, I can only hear from the left bud. I can hear from both perfectly when I apply a little bit of pressure in the right direction to the jack. The headphones work perfectly with every other source, but I have not tried them with another GSIII. My GSIII can output audio in perfect stereo to any other speaker/headphone.
Seriously, what's going on? Does anyone have this issue, or have an idea on how to fix it?
If it makes a difference, I'm running Beans 14 with the included kernel.

barronlroth said:
I recently obtained a new pair of Skullcandy Fix In-Ear headphones, and when using them with my GS3, I can only hear from the left bud. I can hear from both perfectly when I apply a little bit of pressure in the right direction to the jack. The headphones work perfectly with every other source, but I have not tried them with another GSIII. My GSIII can output audio in perfect stereo to any other speaker/headphone.
Seriously, what's going on? Does anyone have this issue, or have an idea on how to fix it?
If it makes a difference, I'm running Beans 14 with the included kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Beats Buds work fine on Synergy. Had to push hard the first time I used them and they popped all the way in.

[Q] Weird compatibility issue between Droid Maxx and Bose QC15 headphone

I just brought a new Bose QC15 headphone during the sale and it's having problem with my Droid Maxx. Only the left side has sound (using the wire with ios style controls). The headphone works fine with all my other devices, including an ipod touch. My phone works with my other headphone/earphones, with or without ios style controls. Weird.
Anyone have idea how to fix it?

You can't fix it. It has to do with ability of the Droid to read the 3 prong plug that iOS supports.
I have to use the non iOS plug when using my DroidMAXX.
I doubt we would ever get this fixed from Motorola.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

The first time that I plugged my Bose SIE2i earbuds into the Maxx I had only one channel, but since then it's worked fine. Maybe you hadn't plugged in all of the way?
Obviously the volume buttons do not work, but play/pause does.

I just found a workaround. Changing the level switch to low from high mysteriously fixed the problem...

Solved: Wrong cable
lzh1984 said:
I just found a workaround. Changing the level switch to low from high mysteriously fixed the problem...
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Click to collapse
Glad I am not going crazy because I have exactly the same issue. I was about to send the phone back as faulty. Once I found the level switch I found it made no difference (although it was already at high). However if I switch the level to low and put the headphone socket half way in (in the Bose) then it fixes the problem.
UPDATE: I fixed it by using the other cord that came with my Bose that doesn't have a microphone. Now I come to think of it, this mike cable is designed for the iPhone so I shouldn't have been surprised.