Best →

How to Fix Earbuds

Written by:

Updated September 29, 2022

Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More

Table of Contents_

How Do You Fix Earbuds?
Reset to Factory Settings
Check the Cables
Clean the Earbuds
Reset Bluetooth

If you are new to the world of wireless headphones, you may wonder how to fix earbuds. Some of the best headphones, after all, are earbuds, and these high-tech gadgets must occasionally undergo repairs. So what are the steps to successfully fix the best wireless earbuds, and what issues commonly befall these headphones? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Earbuds are fantastic inventions but are susceptible to all manner of repair issues.
Broken earbuds could be due to faulty internal copper wires, a loose wire, broken wires, or even something in the headphone jack (for wired models.)
Each earbud design is different, as is each audio source, so the troubleshooting process is slightly different.
Start by performing a factory reset via the power button, shutting off Bluetooth, and allowing the earbuds to fully discharge before charging them up again.

How Do You Fix Earbuds?

Once you have found your earbuds, you may notice something is wrong. Unfortunately, earbuds are susceptible to all manner of issues, so you will have to learn how to fix water-damaged earbuds, among other repair problems. If your earbuds are not working as you would like, here are some useful troubleshooting steps to consider. You will have those buds working in no time, so you can move on to learning how to fit earbuds.

Insider Tip

In some cases, you may need to download and install the new driver software to get the earbuds working again.

Reset to Factory Settings

Just like all gadgets, resetting to factory settings is a good first step. This process varies depending on your earbuds, but it typically involves holding down sensors or buttons for a number of seconds on the earbuds. In some cases, you will have to allow the earbuds to discharge fully and then charge them back up again. In other cases, a reset is performed on your mobile device. Check the instructions that accompanied your earbuds for more information.

Check the Cables

This is only useful for wired earbuds, but you should always check any connection cables to make sure they are in good working order. Frayed cables account for the majority of repair issues here.

Clean the Earbuds

If you are experiencing sound that goes in and out or sound coming from just one ear, it is time to properly clean your earbuds. Each design necessitates a slightly different cleaning process, but you can generally get by with a dry microfiber cloth and a can of compressed air. Some earbuds can be cleaned with a damp cloth, but check the instructions first.

STAT: Some updates in your device can affect the audio functions of your device. You can also mistakenly alter settings in your phone in the course of browsing or operating your device. (source)

Reset Bluetooth

Sometimes it really is as simple as just shutting off the Bluetooth, turning it back on, and restoring a wireless connection. In other words, the problem may not lie with your earbuds but rather with your Bluetooth devices, such as mobile devices or laptops. Feel free to keep the Bluetooth shut off for a few moments before turning it back on.

Fixing Earbuds FAQs

How do you fix crackling earbuds?

Follow the above steps to tackle the issue of crackling earbuds. When all else fails, consult repair guides, step guides, and the like.

How do you fix damaged wires?

This requires a soldering iron and some serious electrical know-how. Avoid doing this yourself unless you have plenty of experience with a soldering iron, such as repairing a headphone jack or the colored wires on a defective earbud or any pair of headphones.

What do you do if nothing works?

If none of this works, it is time to call in the professionals. They are adept at fixing any pair of headphones, including wired earbuds, any associated plastic base, audio jacks, earphone jacks, and everything else.

References:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.