10 Ways to Fix an iPad Stuck in Headphones Mode

As a sleek, convenient gadget, your iPad should perfectly serve your business and entertainment needs.But even with the latest technology, software and hardware issues are still possible. When these issues pop up, your gadget becomes a lot less convenient. Even minor issues can be frustrating without solutions. But if your iPad stuck in headphones mode, you luckily have many potential solutions to choose from.

Keep reading for 10 ways to fix your iPad headphones detection issue. Give yourself the advantage of knowing where to start.

1. Remove Your iPad’s Case

Remove your iPad’s case before attempting to fix your detection issue. If your case has dust or gunk, clean it out — especially around pathways connecting your headphones’ jack.

Your case or its lack of cleanliness could be congesting your headphones’ connection. It could also be clogging your device in other crevices, obstructing the device’s overall operation.

2. Pull Out and Wait a Few Minutes

It’s possible that your iPad hasn’t detected that you’ve pulled your headphones out yet. In that case, plug your headphones in and out your iPad several times. Wait several minutes between each attempt until your iPad catches up.

3. Make Sure Your Battery’s Charged

Charge your iPad’s battery if it’s less than 30%. Sometimes power level can affect your system’s headphone detection.

Of course, this is a band-aid solution. If you continually face this issue, you might have a general system performance issue on your hands. You can also check out our guide on how to improve your iPad’s battery life.

4. Clean Your Headphones Jack and Port

Cleaning your headphones’ audio jack and port can also clear up your iPad’s connection pathways. It’s common for different devices and their accessories to accumulate gunk over the years.

Use a small tool such as a cotton swab to clean your dirty headphone jack and port. Apply gentle pressure. Run the tip around the grooves of your headphones jack and port to clean out any dust that may be stuck there.

You should also clean out your device and your headphones on a regular basis to prevent this issue from reoccurring. Doing so will also prevent longer-term damage to your device.

5. Restart Your iPad

Sometimes your headphones issue indicates larger iPad performance issues. Restart your device, especially if you’re also noticing other operational issues.

This will reboot your device and remove any unnecessary files that were autosaved through open apps. You’ll still keep all your important data such as photos and messages but will experience a more smoothly running device.

6. Turn On Airplane Mode

Many users cite this remedy as an effective, simple solution. This fix turns your device offline than online, potentially fixing several connective issues. You might need only one swipe and two taps to fix your headphones detection issue.

Follow these steps to use Airplane Mode:

1. Swipe up to view your Control Center
2. Tap on the airplane icon to turn on Airplane Mode
3. Wait a few seconds
4. Tap the airplane icon again to turn off Airplane Mode 

7. Restart Your iPad

Sometimes your headphones issue indicates larger iPad performance issues. Restart your device, especially if you’re also noticing other operational problems.

This will reboot your device and remove any unnecessary files that were autosaved through opened apps. You’ll keep all your important data such as photos and messages but also experience a better-operating device. Of course, check afterward to see if a restart actually solved your issue.

8. Make Sure Your Device’s iOS Version is Updated

You might encounter several system performance issues if your device isn’t on the latest iOS version. Headphone detection is a possible symptom of this larger problem.

1. Go to your Settings app
2. Select General
3. Select Software Update
4. If you need to update your version, do it ASAP
   1. The phone needs to be connected to a charger
   2. Ensure that you have time to wait for the installation to complete —preferably overnight while you sleep

9. iOS Recovery Mode

Hardware and/or software problems could be affecting your headphones’ connection. If simple solutions don’t work, you might want to use Recovery Mode.

This is a safe and relatively easy method, provided you back up your data. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Volume Up button once, and then the Volume Down button once
2. Press and hold the Side button
3. Release whenyou see a Recovery Mode screen
4. Connect your iPad to your computer with a lightning cable
5. Launch iTunes if not opened already
6. You’ll see a pop-up window from iTunes that says, “There is a problem with the iPad ______ that requires it to be updated or restored”
7. → Select “Update”
   1. You have 15 minutes to “Restore” or “Update” before iTunes automatically exits Recovery Mode
   2. → If that happens, repeat this process until you succeed

10. See a Professional

If all do-it-yourself fixes fail, then it’s time to seek professional services. Hiring an expert technician will save you time, doubt, and the trouble of guessing what your next step should be.

Experts may even detect larger issues that caused your headphone detection problem — issues you wouldn’t have caught otherwise.

iPad Stuck in Headphones Mode? We’ll Help You Every Step of the Way

Your iPad should run as smoothly as possible, whether you’re relying on it for professional or personal use. That’s why at Fruit Fixed, our talented team of technical experts is dedicated to your devices’ longevity.

So if your iPad stuck in headphones mode is driving you crazy, book an appointment with us today! We’ve even made the news for our exceptional services.