Top 10 Fixes For Headphone Jack Not Working on Laptop

Why Are My Headphones Not Working?

The first step in repairing your headphone jack is to identify the source of the issue. Remember that your phone’s headphone port is sturdy. It is still vulnerable to various problems. Dust, moisture, and other issues are drawn to this small opening on your phone.

Furthermore, continuously plugging and unplugging your headphones increases the danger of harm. Whether your headphones aren’t working at all or the sound quality isn’t what it used to be.

headphone jack not working

Possible Causes Of Headphone Jack Not Working

The list contains some of the most prevalent reasons for this issue.

  • Problems with the system. You might not be capable of using your headphones or the headphones jack if Windows 10 encounters issues.
  • Damage to the body. It’s unlikely that your headphones or headphone jack will operate if they’re damaged. 
  • Drivers that are no longer supported. Your drivers make it possible for your devices to work with Windows 10. If your sound and audio drivers are outdated, utilizing headphones or the headphone port may cause problems.
  • Error in the software. You may be unable to use your smartphone correctly if a program loaded on it interferes with your headphones or headphone jack.

Methods To Fix “Headphone Jack Not Working”

  1. Disable front panel jack detection
  2. Run Windows 10 Audio Troubleshooter
  3. Change The Default Sound Format
  4. Enable the default playback device 
  5. Update Your Audio And Sound Driver
  6. Clean Dirt From The Headphone Jacks
  7. Remove Any Bluetooth Connection
  8. Check Headphone Performance
  9. Check the device’s settings
  10. Change Laptop’s Audio Board

1. Disable front panel jack detection

If you have a Realtek sound card, you can solve the problem by removing front panel detection.

It does not govern the chance of using the front panel jack in the future. In other circumstances, the opposite is true. This procedure can help you fix your laptop headphone jack issue that isn’t working.

  • In your search box, type Control Panel, and then select it from the list of results.
  • Using the drop-down menu in the window’s top-right corner, change the view mode to Large icons.
  • Scroll down to the Realtek HD Audio Manager and click it. If you don’t see this option, you either don’t have the correct drivers or use a different sound card brand.
  • Select the Connector Settings icon from the drop-down menu.
  • Then press the OK button to enable the Disable “front panel jack detection” option.
  • Your computer should be restarted. After that, put your device into the headphone jack and listen to some music.

2. Run Windows 10 Audio Troubleshooter

The audio troubleshooter may be able to resolve audio issues automatically. A built-in troubleshooter in Windows 10 scans the system and suggests possible remedies.

  • By hitting the Windows + I buttons on your keyboard, you may access the Settings app. Alternatively, go to the Start and select the gear symbol.
  • Select Update & Security from the drop-down menu.
  • From the left-hand menu, select Troubleshoot.
audio troubleshooter
  • Under the Getup and running category, select Playing Audio.
  • To run the troubleshooter, click the Run the troubleshooter button.
  • Wait for the troubleshooter to complete its investigation. If anything is found, you can choose to have it fixed automatically.
audio troubleshooter detecting problems

3. Change The Default Sound Format

You might not hear the audio as well if the format of the audio you’re playing doesn’t match the default option. To alter it, follow these steps:

  • Click Sounds after right-clicking on the sound icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
  • Select the Playback tab from the drop-down menu. Then select Headphones > Properties from the context menu.
  • Then select Advanced. Then, one by one, choose from the list and click Test to see whether you can hear sound from the format you chose.
  • Click Apply > OK if any of the formats work.

4. Enable the Default Playback Device

  • In your search box, type Control Panel, and then select it from the list of results.
  • Using the drop-down menu in the window’s top-right corner, change the view mode to Large icons.
  • Select the Sound tab from the menu.
  • Make a sound selection.
  • Right-click anywhere in the Playback tab and select the Show Disabled devices option. It will bring up your device, even if it was previously hidden.
Show Disabled devices
  • Right-click the headphone device that isn’t working and select Properties. To make sure it’s not restricted from playing audio from your PC, choose Enable.
  • Click the Set as Default button, which is now available.
set as default device
  • Restart your computer by pressing the OK button. Check to see if your headphones or headphone jack are in good functioning order.

5. Update Your Audio And Sound Driver

You must update your drivers regularly. Audio drivers that are out of date might create a lot more problems than you might realize.

  • Hold down the Windows key and R. It will start the Run program.
  • To open the Device Manager, type “devmgmt.msc” without the quotation marks and hit the OK button.
  • Click the arrow icon to extend the Sound, video, and gaming controllers section.
  • Select Update Driver from the context menu of your audio driver.
update audio drivers
  • Select Automatically search for updated driver software.
  • If Windows detects an updated driver, it will automatically download and install it on your computer.
search automatically for drivers
  • Restart your machine and see whether the issue with the headphones or headphone jack has been resolved.

6. Clean Dirt From The Headphone Jacks

Begin gazing into the jack for any signs of filth. Now turn off your wired headset entirely and, if it’s charging, unplug the power cable. Using tweezers, a toothpick, or a needle, thoroughly remove any dirt that may be present.

You’ve correctly removed any significant bits of garbage.  Insert a cotton swab into the jack that has been dampened with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol. To remove any leftover lint or dust, gently swirl it around. You can also use compressed air to push off the dirt.

Examine the jack with the flashlight once more to determine how well you did. Wait a few moments before turning the device back on to determine if your headphones are still working. After cleaning the laptop headphone jack, move to clean the headphone plug.

7. Remove Any Bluetooth Connection

Your Android device may have been associated with a wireless device such as a speaker or wireless headphones. Your operating system may have deactivated your jack. Regardless of the Bluetooth settings menu, stock Android will recognize anything placed into the jack. Android is a diverse and fragmented operating system. The behavior varies depending on the manufacturer and Android Device version.

  • Check the list of associated devices in Settings > Bluetooth audio settings.
  • Tap the info icon to unpair an entry that outputs audio from your smartphone.
Bluetooth TAb
  • Check to determine if the headphones are working by turning off the Bluetooth module.
  • If that doesn’t work, try the following guide.

8. Check Headphone Performance

If you haven’t looked into other possibilities, it’s simple to conclude that your headphone jack is the problem.

Your headphone jack may be in working order, but your headphones are experiencing some internal problems. It’s simple to see if your headphones are the source of the problem.

  • Connect your headphones to a different device: It doesn’t have to be a smartphone; any device with a headphone jack will suffice.
  • Make sure your gadget recognizes your headphones. If you’re using a PC, you can check your connection by clicking on the audio icon.
  • Check the volume of your headphones at different levels. Play music from various sources at various volumes.
  • If everything works as it should on a different device, you’ve identified the root of the issue. It’s your phone. Before proceeding, you might want to try using another pair of headphones with your smartphone.
  • If your headphones don’t function anywhere else, the problem is with the accessory, not with the headphone jack.

9. Check the Device’s Settings

Bluetooth settings have the potential to sabotage your experience. Your audio settings may have the same effect.

  • Go to your device’s Settings section and select Sound or Audio.
  • You should check things like the volume level and any other issues that could cause the sound to be muted.
audio settings
  • A mute option is usually the sole setting that prevents your audio from playing.
  • Try rebooting your device if this isn’t turned on and your audio jack isn’t working.
  • Many smartphone troubles can be resolved by turning your phone on and off again. It takes a concise amount of time to complete.
advanced sound options
  • Check your phone’s system settings to see if there are any software updates available. A firmware update may fix an issue that prevents audio from playing correctly on your current device.

10. Change Laptop’s Audio Board

The audio board on your laptop can also be faulty, and if none of the other solutions work, this is most likely the issue. The audio board, sometimes known as the Daughterboard, is independent of the motherboard in most laptops. To approach the issue once and for all, you can replace the audio board. Our laptop parts store has an audio board for your computer.

Conclusion

I hope this article helped resolve the “headphone jack not working” issue on Windows 10. For any queries, contact us on provided social media handles.