Check for debris, damage, or loose connections

  1. Check for debris in the headphone port on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
  2. Check your headphone cable, connector, remote, and earbuds for damage, like wear or breakage.
  3. Look for debris on the meshes in each earbud. To remove debris, gently brush all openings with a small, soft-bristled brush that’s clean and dry.
  4. Firmly plug your headphones back in. If your iOS device has a case, remove the case to get a firm connection.

If your headphones still aren’t working, follow the steps below for your issue.

If you can’t hear any sound or if only one side of your headphones works

  1. Adjust the volume with the volume buttons on your iOS device or use the Volume slider in Control Center.

If your microphone doesn’t work

  1. Make sure that your headphones have a built-in microphone.
  2. Check your microphone for blockage, like debris, lint, or plastic packaging.

If the buttons on your Headphones don’t work

  1. Check for debris in the gap between the top and bottom covers of your remote.
  2. Gently tap the remote to dislodge debris. If you still see debris, brush it away with a soft-bristled brush that’s clean and dry.

If your headphones aren’t detected or your device gets stuck in headphone mode

  • After you plug any headphones into your iOS device, sound plays from your device’s speakers instead of the headphones.
  • You unplug your headphones, but when you adjust volume on your iOS device, you still see a Headphones volume indicator.