6 sloutions: Why does my ipad think headphones are plugged in?

Tusher Shaha

27 Sep, 2023

Sometimes iOS users encounter a situation where an iPad or other iOS device falsely detects the presence of headphones or earphones even when they are not physically connected. This can cause the device to route audio output through the non-existent headphones.

Really, it can be frustrating for the user who is unable to hear any sound from the speakers. Don’t worry! In this blog, I will guide you to solve the error "iPad says headphones are plugged in, but they aren't."

Why does my iPad think headphones are plugged in?

There could be several reasons why an iPad or iOS device may falsely detect that headphones are plugged in. Most of the time, this annoying error occurs due to a malfunctioning headphone jack, a software glitch, or a problem with the device's settings.

Physical damage or debris in the headphone jack: If the headphone jack is physically damaged or has debris like lint or dust, it may cause the device to falsely detect headphones.

Software glitch or bug: There may be a software glitch or bug in the iOS system that causes the device to detect headphones even when none are plugged in.

Outdated software: Outdated software can cause issues with the device's hardware and software, including the headphone jack.

Malfunctioning headphones or earphones: A malfunctioning pair of headphones or earphones can send false signals to the device's headphone jack, causing it to think that they are still plugged in.

Incorrectly configured settings: The iPad's settings may be incorrectly configured, causing the device to route audio output through the non-existent headphones.

Hardware issues: A hardware issue with the device's headphone jack, audio amplifier, or audio codec can also cause the "iPad thinks headphones are plugged in" error.

It's essential to diagnose the specific cause of the problem to determine the most effective solution to fix it.

Also read: How to clean iPad headphone jack? Step-by-step guide

How do I fix the "iPad thinks headphones are plugged in but they aren't" error?

By trying some basic troubleshooting such as cleaning the headphone jack, restarting the device, or resetting the device's settings, you may get the fix. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a professional technician or to replace the device's hardware.

Here are some effective solutions that can help fix the "iPad thinks headphones are plugged in" error:

Solution 1: Plug in and unplug the headphones.

Plug a pair of headphones into the headphone jack.
Wait a few seconds, and then remove the headphones.
Check to see if the iPad detects the headphones and then switches back to the speaker.

Solution 2: Clean the headphone jack.

Turn off the iPad and unplug it from the power source.
Gently insert a toothpick or a paperclip into the headphone jack and remove any debris or lint that may be present.
Blow into the headphone jack to remove any remaining debris.
Turn on the iPad and check if the error has been resolved.

Solution 3: Restart the iPad

Hold down the power button until the slider appears.
Slide to power off the iPad.
Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.

Most of the time, restarting your device fixes this "iPad thinks headphones are plugged in" issue. If it doesn’t bring any solutions, then go for the next solution.

Solution 4: Reset the iPad's settings.

Open the Settings app on the iPad.
Tap General, then Reset.

Tap Reset All Settings and enter the passcode if prompted.
Confirm that you want to reset all settings.
Lastly, verify if the issue has been resolved.

Solution 5: Update the iPad's software

Open the Settings app on the iPad.
Tap General, then Software Update.
If an update is available, tap "Download and Install."
Follow the prompts to update the software.
That’s it. This time, you might get the fix.

Solution 6: Restore the iPad to its factory settings.

Backup all data on the iPad.

Open the Settings app on the iPad.

Tap General, then Reset.

Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Confirm that you want to erase all content and settings.

Follow the prompts to restore the iPad to its factory settings.

Now, check if it has been resolved or not.

If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a professional technician or to replace the device's hardware.

Also read: 5 Reasons why bluetooth airpods won't connect to Chromebook

What to do if "the iPad still thinks headphones are plugged in?"

I will strongly recommend contacting Apple Support if the above solutions do not work. They will provide further assistance and suggest a repair or replacement if the issue is related to hardware.

If your iPad doesn’t have any hardware-related issues, you may get the fix with the above six solutions. But it's important to note that if the headphone jack is physically damaged or if there is a hardware issue with the device, you may need to repair or replace it.

Are you encountering the "iPad Pro thinks headphones are plugged in" error?

The iPad Pro has many new features. But sometimes it also shows an error where you unplug your headphones but it still shows the plugged in symbol. Don’t worry, you can apply the above six solutions to your iPad Pro as well.

If everything remains good, just restarting your device may fix the issue. But if the six solutions above don’t make any difference, go to Apple Support or any other technician.

Conclusion

The "iPad thinks headphones are plugged in" error is really frustrating for every iPad user. However, with some basic troubleshooting (like cleaning the headphone jack and restarting the iPad), you can easily resolve it. Otherwise, take help from any professional technician or go to Apple Support.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Regularly cleaning the headphone jack can help prevent this error from occurring in the first place. By taking good care of your iPad, you can enjoy hassle-free audio playback, making your experience with your device more enjoyable.

Tusher Shaha

Hi! I am Tusher Shaha, the author and creator of The Tech Ideal. As a content creator, I enjoy sharing knowledge. My love is reviewing the most recent smart devices (like; smartphones, earbuds, watches and so on) and keeping up with technology. Cheers!