Learn Effective Solutions On How To Fix iPhone Stuck In Headphone Mode/Speaker Not Working!
Overview: After going through various forums and community websites, I have found that there are lots of users whose iPhone got stuck in headphone mode. So, if your iPhone has also got stuck in headphone mode even when it is not plugged in, then read this article and follow the given solutions one-by-one to fix iPhone stuck in headphone mode.

With the help of iOS Repair Tool, you can:
- Efficiently fix iPhone or iPad stuck in headphone mode.
- Also fix other several iOS system problems such as iPhone stuck at black screen/white screen, stuck in recovery mode, stuck in DFU mode, etc.
- Fix iOS to normal. No data loss.
- Support all models of iPhone including iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XR/X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, etc.
- 100% safe, secure and easy to use.
Free Download Trial Version/Buy Now iOS Repair To Fix iPhone Stuck In Headphone Mode
![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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Let’s start with real-user practical scenarios!
Practical Scenario 1: A User iPhone 6s Stuck On Headphone Mode
I cannot listen to any audio, including phone calls. It works on loudspeaker, Bluetooth, or with headphones.
if I adjust the volume it pops up with ‘headphones’. I’ve tried cleaning out the headphone port and still no joy
iPhone 6s, 12
Source: Apple Discussion
Practical Scenario 2: Little Water Got On A User iPhone 6 Plus And Now It Stuck In Headphone Mode
Got a little water on my phone now its stuck in headphones mode. I never even had headphones in. How do i get it back to reg speakers?
iPhone 6 Plus
Source: Apple Discussion
Practical Scenario 3: A User iPhone 6s Running On iOS 13 Says That It Has Headphones Even It Doesn’t
my phone is saying it has headphones in even though it doesn’t have anything in there i’ve cleaned the headphone jack but it still will not work
iPhone 6s, iOS 13
Source: Apple Discussion
Those were the three examples, but there are several users out there experiencing with the same problem of – “iPhone stuck in headphone mode”.
So, now the question arises – How do you get your iPhone out of headphone mode?
Well, before we go to the solution section let’s find out the answer of this question – Why is my iPhone stuck on headphone mode?
Also Read: iPhone Plays Music By Itself? Here’s The Real Fix!
Why Is My iPhone Stuck On Headphone Mode?
Before providing you the different effective solutions to troubleshoot iPhone stuck in headphone mode error, it is necessary to know why it occurs in the very first place.
In most of the cases, it occurs due to hardware related problems. However, this problem can also occur due to software related problems. Anyway, 99% of the times the problem of iPhone stuck at headphone mode occur due to headphone jack seems to malfunction.
If there is dirt or debris in the headphone jack, then chances are that your iPhone thinks headphones are plugged in and this automatically turns on the headphone mode and compromises with the proper functioning of the device.
Hopefully, there are ample of solutions available to fix iPhone stuck in headphone mode. The solutions are mentioned below, just go through them, follow the solutions and check if your problem gets solved or not.
Note: The below-mentioned solutions is applicable to all iPhone models including iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, iPhone XS (Max), iPhone XR/X, iPhone 8 (Plus), iPhone 7 (Plus), iPhone 6s (Plus), iPhone 6 (Plus), iPhone SE, etc.
Also Read: [Fixed]: iPhone XS (Max), XR, X Stuck In Recovery Mode
Solution 1: First Step, Restart Your Phone To Fix iPhone Stuck In Headphone Mode
In general, there are several issues and errors get fixed by simply restarting the device. Similarly, here also the first step that you must take is to simply restart your iPhone to fix this issue.
In order to restart your iPhone, just hold the “Power” (sleep/wake) button on your device until it displays the power option. Simply slide it to switch off your device. Now wait for few seconds and then switch on your device. It will help you to fix iPhone stuck in headphone mode without any much effort.
Solution 2: Remove Your iPhone’s Cover Case
In some of the situation, it could be your iPhone’s case cover that could be blocking the pathway to the headphone jack which could be the reason for the occurrence of iPhone stuck at headphone mode problem.
In this situation, you must remove your iPhone’s cover case and check if that solve the problem.
Also Read: If Your Right Or Left Microphone On AirPods Is Not Working
Solution 3: Plug-In And Unplug The Headphone
Yes, I know that you have already tried it, but it’s still a worth that you must try it once more time.
There could be technical problem with your iPhone or it could be possible that iOS has forgot that your headphones were disconnected.
To fix the issue, simply plug-in the headphone and wait for your phone to detect it and one important thing that you must keep in mind that – you are able to hear the audio clearly on your headphones.
Once you are sure that it works all fine, only then stop the audio, clear the history (simply double tap the Home button and make sure that no apps are running in the background) and then gradually plug out the headphones.
You might have to do this several of times, may be 4-5 times in order to make this trick work and finally your iPhone will come out of the headphone mode.
Solution 4: Plug Headphone While Playing Audio/Music
This is another trick that works most of the time to fix iPhone/iPad stuck in headphone mode.
To do so, play a music/audio on your phone and allow your phone to get lock automatically while music is being played. Now plug the headphone into your phone and unlock it. Stop the playing music/audio and unplug the headphone in the way it is done. This will allow your phone to come out of headphone mode.
Also Read: Troubleshooting: iTunes Has Detected Incompatible Bluetooth Software
Solution 5: Test With Another Pair of Headphones
Honestly speaking, different headphones have different features and functions.
If you do have original Apple’s earphone/EarPods (I mean the originals and not any other fakes or duplicate), then proceed further and give a shot.
It doesn’t matter whichever brand of headphones you were using before your phone got stuck, it may be possible that your iPhone might not be completely compatible with your headphone/earphone. Using different non-brands and certain types of headphones might not perfectly sync with your iPhone because of its different features, functions and configurations.
Hence, it is suggested that you must test with another pair of headphones, who knows may be it can fix the issue.
Well, it’s completely fine if you do not have original Apple’s headphones/EarPods, you can try and test with any headphones (you can ask your friends or family member) as long as it is not some Chinese made headphones.
Solution 6: Enable And Then Disable Airplane Mode
This is quick and easy methods to get your iPhone out of headphone mode. Enabling Airplane mode is like going offline except you don’t switch off your iPhone altogether.
Below follow the steps to turn ON and turn OFF Airplane mode on iPhone:
- On your iPhone open Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the Home screen.
- Then tap on “Airplane” icon to enable Airplane mode. Now wait for at least 4-5 minutes and then turn it back OFF by tapping on the Airplane icon again and check if speakers are working or not.
Alternatively, you can also enable and disable Airplane mode by going to “Settings” on your iPhone and then tap the slider to ON position beside the Airplane Mode. Wait for 4-5 minutes and then turn it OFF to check if your device’s speakers are working again.
Also Read: How To Factory Reset iPhone Without iCloud Password [4 Solutions]
Solution 7: Clean The Inside Of The Headphone Jack Properly
As mentioned, the iPhone stuck on headphones issue normally occur when the headphone jack is jammed with debris, dust or if it is damaged. Hence, you must properly clean the headphone jack.
You can take help of cotton cloth and a number of times. You can also take assistance of compressed air in order to clean the socket.
However, one of the best ways to clean inside of the headphone jack is to use cotton buds. They are soft and hence you don’t need to get worried about it being harmful but things may become harmful if you use a toothpick or a brush because they have sharp edges that can cause damage.
Solution 8: Check If Water Has Gone Inside Your iPhone
Let me honestly tell you that headphone jack of iPhone is the one of the most exposed area, hence water can get into the audio jack and it can get damaged unknowingly as well.
If you are doing exercise, running or jogging while you are listening to your favorite songs then there are high chances that sweat can get into the headphone jack and cause water damage. Even if you have kept your iPhone in to your pocket, too much humidity may damage your phone’s audio jack.
In order to fix this issue, you have to try to drain your device if it has got water damage. You can put your iPhone in a jar full of unwashed rice or you can place silica gel dehumidifiers on the phone.
Once your iPhone get drained, you can then check if your iPhone has come out of headphone mode.
Also Read: How To Recover Data From Water Damaged iPhone That Won’t Turn ON
Solution 9: Connect Your iPhone With A Bluetooth Speaker/Bluetooth Headset
The solution for pairing iPhone with a Bluetooth device has solved iPhone stuck in headphone mode for many users and it might fix your as well.
So, in order to do this, follow the below steps:
- Turn ON Bluetooth on your iPhone via Settings or from Control Center.
- Now connect your phone to a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth headset. Once connected, play a song.
- Wait for good 4-5 minutes and while the music is played, turn OFF the Bluetooth on your phone.
By doing this, it will fix the iPhone stuck in headphone mode error.
Solution 10: Update Your iPhone Software (iOS)
Keeping the iPhone software (iOS) updated will not only help you to manage to fix iPhone stuck in headphone mode but it will also help you to fix several problems and bugs.
So, if your iOS update is available for your iPhone then you must update it quickly.
Below follow the steps to update your iPhone software and then you are good to go:
- On your iPhone go to “Settings” and then tap on “General”.
- After that tap on “Software Update”. Your phone will check for any new updates.
- If there is any update, then simply download and install the update.
Once the update process gets complete, it should fix your iPhone stuck in headphone mode.
Also Read: iPhone Battery Draining Very Fast After iOS 13 Update? Here What To Do?
Solution 11: Reset All Settings
This is another solution that seems to work, you can reset all settings on your device to get rid of iPhone stuck in headphones mode.
However, performing “Reset All Settings” will erase all the existing settings of your iPhone, but the good news is that it will not erase any data stored on your device.
All you have to do is to go to “Settings”, tap on “Reset” and finally tap on “Reset All Settings” and confirm the passcode.
This will reset all the settings on your phone and will get restart in normal mode and I hope your phone will no more remain stuck in headphone mode.
Solution 12: Change The Settings Of Your iPhone
This trick has also solved the problem of iPhone stuck in headphone mode for many users.
Not all users know about this trick. So here it is – there is a setting in the iPhone that deals with where the audio is being heard during simple phone calls and FaceTime audio calls.
Here I will show you how you can get there and change the settings to fix this issue:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General.
- Tap on “Accessibility”, scroll down and you will see “Interaction” continue to scroll down and you will see “Call Audio Routing”.
- Fine! Now you have to make sure that it is set to “Automatic”, but if yours not set to Automatic, then select Automatic from the list.
- But, if you find that is already set to “Automatic” and it is not working, then try to set it to “Speaker” and then test.
In order to check if this did the trick, simply make a phone call of a FaceTime audio call and see by yourself if speaker works. If it works, then go back to the same settings and change it back to “Automatic”.
Also Read: iPhone Bluetooth Not Discovering Devices? Here How To Fix It!
Solution 13: Try iOS Repair To Fix iPhone Stuck In Headphone Mode
Honestly speaking, there are lots of users out there, who might suggest you to do factory setting, restore your phone via iTunes or iCloud, recovery mode restore or DFU mode restore. But on the other hand, we suggest you that instead of taking such a risky step, you must take help of very popular and trust-worthy iOS Repair software which can easily fix iPhone stuck in headphone mode, if this issue has occurred due to software issue.
![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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This iOS Repair Tool is capable of fixing other various iOS system issues such as stuck in white Apple logo, black screen, recovery mode, DFU mode, boot loop, iPhone keeps restarting and more iOS problems.
Below follow the complete guide to fix iPhone stuck in headphone mode with the help of iOS Repair.
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Steps To Fix iPhone Stuck In Headphone Mode
Step 1: Connect Your iOS Device To Computer
Download, install and launch iOS System Repair on your computer and click on “Repair” from the available option.
Now connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to your computer with the help of USB cable that came along with the device. As iOS System detects your iOS device click on “Start” to begin the process.
The tool will then show the details information of your device such as device model, iOS version, baseband version, jailbroken or not, etc. Click “Next” to continue.
Step 2: Boot Your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch In DFU Mode
If your iOS device is not functioning properly, then iOS System Repair Tool will prompt you to boot your iOS device in DFU Mode. Simply follow the steps mentioned-below to boot your iPhone, iPad or iPd Touch into DFU mode.
Step To Boot iPhone X/8/8 Plus/7/7 Plus In DFU Mode:
- Switch OFF your iPhone.
- Press and hold the “Volume Down + Power” button together for 10 seconds.
- Release the “Power” button but keep pressing the “Volume Down” button until your device get into DFU mode.
Steps To Boot Other iOS Devices Into DFU Mode
- Switch OFF your iOS device.
- Press and hold the “Power + Home” button together for 10 seconds.
- Release the “Power” button but keep pressing the “Home” button until your device get into DFU mode.
Step 3: Select And Download The Firmware
To get a guaranteed and successful system recovery, you must select the right device model and firmware information. After that, click on “Download” button.
Since the firmware download is large, you have to wait for some time to complete the download. During the process make sure your network is stable. If your firmware download fails or if it is not downloaded successfully, then you can also click on “Copy” to download the firmware from the Apple official site and click on “Select” to restore the downloaded firmware.
Step 4: Fix iOS Back To Normal Condition
As the firmware download gets completed, click on “Fix Now” button to begin the process of repairing the iOS system issues and bring back your iOS device to work normally again.
Once the repairing process gets complete, your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch will restart as normal. If it does not boot normally, then try the process again by clicking on the “Try Again” button.
![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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![]() *Trial version only show how it works and not fix iOS to Normal. |
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Also Read: iPhone Keeps Freezing And Crashing? Fix It By Yourself!
Solution 14: Contact Apple Support
After following all of the above-mentioned solution, if your iPhone still thinks headphones are plugged-in, then it is suggested that you must consult the experts at Apple. They will help you to fix the problem. You can take your device to your nearest Apple Retail Store or you can Contact Apple Support Online.
Wrap Up
After going through the post, I hope you were able to resolve iPhone stuck in headphone mode. You can follow the solutions one-by-one and check if your problem gets solved.
However, if your iPhone has software error due to which you are experiencing this issue, then it is highly recommended that you must try iOS Repair software as it fixes iOS to normal, thereby fixing iPhone suck in headphone mode without any data loss.
Good luck!
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Max Field
Max Field is a founder of recoveriphone-data.com. He is an iOS lover and loves to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions and more related to iOS, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iTunes and iCloud.