If your iPad sound is not working without headphones, the iPad is stuck in headphones mode.
It perceives that headphones are plugged in, thus giving no sound when they are disconnected. It can be confirmed by pressing the volume UP button.
Instead of the ‘Volume’ or ‘Sound Effects’, the popup will say ‘Headphones’.
This problem is caused by a number of reasons such as trapped lint inside the headphones jack, software problems, or hardware faults.
At this point, we cannot predict the actual problem. However, after trying some troubleshooting methods, we can solve the issue.
Therefore, we did a lot of research to find out the causes and solutions for the iPad that is stuck in headphones mode.
These tricks have been tested by many users. Hence, they promise to fix your iPad.
1. Check the Volume Level
Press the Volume UP button and increase the volume to 100%. Then, decrease it, repeat the process a few times. Further, check the volume from the setting.
Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPad, scroll down to select the ’Sound’. Slide the ‘Ringer and Alerts’ bar to the highest level. It can help solve the problem.
Another trick is to connect the charger even if the battery is already charged. It can help release the iPad from headphones mode.
2. Plug in and Out the Headphones
Another trick is to plug in and out the headphones multiple times. But, do it gently and do not remove them forcefully.
This can help the iPad understand that headphones are not connected. Before unplugging the headphones, pause all the audio files and close the audio apps.
Try connecting headphones or another audio device wirelessly to your iPad. After some minutes, disconnect the device and check the working of your iPad.
3. Try Different Headphones
Headphones are of various types. Some may not be compatible with your iPad. Further, a software issue in the headphone can also cause your iPad to stuck in the headphones mode.
So, a simple trick is to plug different headphones into the iPad. Play sound for some time and remove the new headphones. Hopefully, it makes a difference.
4. Clean the Audio Jack
Keeping the ports on your iPad clean and tidy is very important. Because they are very vulnerable to dust and lint.
A great amount of debris accumulates over time and blocks the ports. If it happens with the audio jack, your iPad will be stuck in headphones mode.
This port is very tiny, thus cleaning it safely is a challenge. You can use a ballpoint pen, straw, cotton swab, paperclip, or toothpick to clean the dirt.
A low-pressure compressed air can is also a good option. But, do it gently so that you may not damage your device. Avoid using a sharp object as it will destroy the delicate components inside the audio jack.
5. Turn ON the Airplane Mode
This simple trick is likely to solve a great number of issues. You can try it when your iPad is responding slow, the internet is not working, apps are unresponsive, the sound is not coming, or any other problem.
Because the Airplane mode turns OFF everything for some moments. So, it fixes the temporary software glitches if they are interfering with its functionality.
You can access the Airplane mode from the Control Center or Settings. Tap the icon to enable it, reboot your iPad. Disable the Airplane mode after a few moments, 60 seconds.
6. Restart the iPad
This is a quick and handy trick to solve the sound problem on the iPad. Because it deletes the temporary cache and junk files thus rebooting your device. Here are the simple steps;
- Turn OFF your iPad by long-pressing the ‘Home’ or ‘Power’ button.
- Wait for 30 seconds or more.
- Turn ON the iPad by long-pressing the same button until the Apple logo displays on the screen.
- Now, check whether the sound is coming without headphones or not.
7. Remove the Case
The iPad case is meant to protect your device. But, a misfit case can block the audio jack thus your iPad sound does not work without headphones.
Moreover, the case may be exerting pressure on some keys which in turn send signals that headphones are plugged in.
So, take out your device from its case and see if it makes some change.
Related: Why Is My Right AirPod So Quiet?
8. Update the Software
A software update brings many features and can solve various problems. If you are running an older software version on your iPad, it is likely to cause a sound issue.
So, check and install the latest firmware by the following process;
- On your iPad, open the ‘Settings’ app and tap ‘General’.
- Click on the ‘Software Update’ option.
- If any latest update is available, download it by following the on-screen prompts.
9. Try A Software Program
AnyFix is a software program that is designed to fix your malfunctioning iPad and other iOS devices.
If all other troubleshooting tricks failed to fix your iPad that is not working without headphones then try this program.
- Download and launch ‘AnyFix’ on your computer or Mac.
- Now, connect your iPad to the PC using a USB cable.
- Once, AnyFix detects your device, choose “System Repair”.
- Next, it will show you a list of various iPad problems, choose the relevant and click “Start Now”.
- Further, it will give you three recovery options, choose the “Standard Repair” to avoid data loss.
- Tap the ‘Repair’ button and wait until AnyFix repairs your iPad.
10. Enter DFU Mode
This solution is the last option to resolve any software issues with your iPad. DFU means ‘Device Firmware Update’ Mode and it helps to normalize your iPad.
In addition, the DFU mode also helps to troubleshoot the physical parts of your iPad that cause software malfunctioning.
Be sure to backup all of the data to iTunes or iCloud before entering DFU mode. The process is as follows;
- Your PC should have installed the latest iTunes version, launch iTunes.
- Connect your iPad to a PC or Mac using a genuine USB cable.
- Now, turn OFF your iPad, press, and hold the ‘ON/OFF’ button located at the top.
- Release the button when the ‘Power OFF’ slider appears on the screen, drag it to the right.
- Next, press and hold the ‘Home’ button (located on the front) and the ‘ON/OFF’ button at the same time.
- Keep them holding till 10 seconds, release the ‘ON/OFF’ button but keep holding the home button for more 5 seconds.
- While holding the buttons, do not press them too long. If the Apple logo or a message saying “Plug into iTunes” appears, iPad will not enter into DFU mode. So, you will need to repeat the process again.
- A complete black screen on iPad indicates that it has entered DFU mode. At this point, it will be detected by iTunes and you can restore it.
Exit DFU Mode
Once your iPad has recovered and the sound problem is fixed, you can exit the DFU mode.
- Press and hold the ‘ON/OFF’ and ‘Home’ buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Keep holding the button until the iPad screen turns OFF and ON again displaying the Apple logo.
11. Hard Reset
If your iPad sound is not working without headphones, it indicates they are continuously receiving some wrong command.
This is due to the wrong settings. So, performing a hard reset will restore the original settings and will remove any software issue. The method varies across various iPad models.
Older iPads (Released Before 2018)
- Press and hold the ‘Home’ and ‘Power’ buttons at the same time.
- Release both buttons when the screen goes OFF and turn back ON showing the Apple logo.
Latest iPads (Released After 2018)
- Press the ‘Volume UP’ button and release it quickly.
- Next, press the ‘Volume Down’ button and release immediately.
- Without delay, press and hold the ‘Power’ button until the screen goes black and turns ON with the Apple logo.
- Finally, check if the sound is working without headphones.
12. Hardware Damages
All the solutions listed in this guide promise to fix your iPad if its sound is not working without headphones. However, if these software fixes fail, your device has a hardware defect.
One of the common defects is caused by water damage. The most obvious reason is direct water contact. While you often do not notice that your iPad is capturing moisture.
For example, holding it with wet hands, dripping sweat, walking in rain, or similar activities expose your device to water.
Hence, it spoils the internal hardware of your iPad which results in sound problems.
Another possibility is physical damage to the audio port. It happens when you pull out and push in the headphones carelessly and at a wrong angle.
The lightning port disconnects from the logic board. Therefore, your iPad is stuck in headphones mode. So, you need to consult a professional mechanic to repair your iPad.
One option is to consult Apple but they are inclined to replace your device.
However, you can consult some local repair shop to get the audio jack replaced. An alternative is to use the wireless mode and does not make a wired connection.
How to Avoid the Problem in the Future?
Your iPad gets stuck in headphones mode when you connect the headphones through cable. There is an audio jack on the iPad that is used to insert the audio cable.
This audio jack can accumulate dust or lint hence creating the issue. So, the best precaution is to connect your iPad to the headphones wirelessly through Bluetooth.
But, sometimes, you need to make a wired connection, it’s okay. However, we suggest using the wireless connection frequently and wired connection seldom.
Furthermore, keep your headphones in good shape. Generally, users keep the headphones plugged into their iPad even if it is not in use and also wrap the cable around the device.
This puts extra strain on the audio jack and leads to a number of issues. If you do it regularly, the audio port can break. So, plug out the headphones when they are not in use.
Especially while traveling and your iPad is in the bag, unplug everything from it and avoid wrapping the cable also.
Related: Connect Bose Headphones To iPad
Final Words
We hope this guide has helped you. Because we have included all the working solutions to fix your iPad. We recommend trying them in the correct order. If one trick fails, try the next one.
Surely, one of the solutions or a combination of different tricks resolved the problem. Nevertheless, if nothing works then your iPad is physically damaged.
Therefore, we have suggested seeking help from a technician. This is the ultimate solution to fix your iPad on which sound is not working without headphones.
