Filed under: Accessories, iPod Family, Troubleshooting
Your headphones' mic not working? Don't sweat it.
While I love the functionality of Apple's microphone-enabled headphones (both the Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic, which comes with the iPhone 3G S, and the iPhone Stereo Headset, which came with previous iPhones), I've found that the extra layers of functionality also bring extra layers of troubleshooting when they're not working right. For simplicity sake, I'll refer to said models as "iPhone headphones" in this post (non-volume control model pictured).
The most common issues I've come across pertain to the microphone. Unlike most non-microphone enabled headphones, which use a standard two-ring TRS connector (tip, ring, sleeve), the iPhone adds an extra ring to support microphone functionality. This is what the hardcore audiophile refers to as TRRS (tip, ring, ring, sleeve).
But if your pockets are consistently filled with lint and dust (or tater tots if you happen to store them there), that extra ring won't make full contact with the iPhone's headphone jack. Which means that you, unfortunately, will lose microphone functionality.
One way to fix this is to remove any dust or lint trappings in the phone's jack. I've found that wrapping a toothpick with a thin layer of toilet paper and brushing it lightly against the walls of the headphone jack helps out a great deal. It's also important to not dip said toothpick in water or moisture. There's a moisture sensor in the iPhone's headphone jack. When exposed to moisture, it changes color and could potentially void your warranty. Also, the usual disclaimer in do-it-yourself scenarios apply: you're doing this at your own risk, so proceed with caution.
Provided that your iPod/iPhone is still under warranty, Apple will also send out a replacement set of headphones should the ones that came with the unit stop working. And I've found that it's a relatively lenient policy.
I once used my iPhone headphones with my iPod nano during a 10K race. Had you seen the sweat on my shirt after the race, you'd have thought I ran my heart out. Which was certainly the case. But, unfortunately, I also ran my iPhone headphones out. While audio functionality still worked perfectly, the microphone didn't.
The question of getting a free replacement set from Apple weighed on my conscience over the next day. To my right shoulder, there was a haloed angel Sang telling me that it was my fault for running with the iPhone earphones in the first place. To my left shoulder, a red-faced devil Sang told me that it was Apple's fault for making earphones that aren't sweat resistant.
And that's when I remembered reading a purported email from Steve Jobs to a customer who wasn't too happy about paying $300 for the inspection of a water-damaged MacBook Pro:
This is what happens when your MacBook Pro sustains water damage.They are pro machines and they don't like water. It sounds like you're just looking for someone to get mad at other than yourself.
Steve
Figuring that sweat typically accompanies running, I chose to listen to the devil on my left shoulder. I received a new pair of headphones on my next visit to the Apple Store
At other times you'll find a non-functional microphone no matter which headphones you use. This happened to me once; and upon inspection, it turned out the iPhone was at fault. The genius at the Apple store reported that the lining in my headphone jack was badly worn out and immediately provided me with a replacement unit.
Aside from the iPhone headphones, I find the non-microphone headphones that come with iPods very reliable for me. I run daily, and they've endured the harshest of conditions and continue to work like a champ.
If you like the clicker and microphone functionality of the iPhone's headphones, but haven't had the best experience with their reliability, fit, or audio fidelity, several adapters -- which let you attach any brand of headphones -- are available in the market. I personally own the Philips SHH1610, which I purchased at Target for $10, but there are a host of manufacturers that offer something similar.
Readers, chime in. Tell us your good and not so good experiences with the iPhone headphones.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jonbruck said 8:21AM on 8-13-2009
You can also fold up a piece of a post-it, so that the glue is exposed.
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FTBoomer said 8:26AM on 8-13-2009
I have the in-ear $80 Apple earbuds for my 3GS and have had to have them replaced (for free, thanks Apple) twice now. I finally came to realize that they were probably shorting out during my work-outs. Sweat was getting into the little mic hole and rendering the remote useless.
On my most recent pair, I opted to wrap the remote in kitchen plastic wrap with a small piece of scoth tape on the ends to hold it in place. Works like a charm.
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antoine62 said 3:24PM on 8-13-2009
I'm right there with you. Mine shorted out on my run today and now I have to call Apple again...Maybe I should just get a different set for running.
Chris said 8:52AM on 8-13-2009
This is a very common problem with all iPods and iPhones. The Genius bar has this nifty little headphone insert that they connect a can of compressed air to. This insert forces the air to shoot sideways instead of straight down. They will do this service for free, just ask.
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Michael said 9:00AM on 8-13-2009
I've had more problems with these silly ear buds - I too and convinced a litlte bit of sweat gets in there and messes with them big time - the mic always fails after a month or two - the clicker fails and won't click anymore.
I've also had tons of issues with the ipod starting and stopping randomly only when the ear phones are plugged in - usually starts acting up after 30 minutes of use - I've had to return a pair on 2 occassions for returns.
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+. said 9:03AM on 8-13-2009
having taken apart several sets of headphones, Apple & others.... the wires running in the Apple earbuds are significantly thinner & more fragile than any other set that i've seen in a comparable price-range. this is on the 'standard' $30 iPhone set---i can't speak to the $80 in-ear model, i've been kind of afraid to spent the money on that after seeing how cheaply the others were built. but, in my experience, this always causes the Apple buds to malfunction after just a few months of regular use.
... then again, i can't seem to get *any* earbuds to hold up for more than a year, so i might just be using/abusing them more than is considered normal.
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ChrisM said 9:13AM on 8-13-2009
I've kinda had the opposite experience with the iPhone headphones. I accidentally ran my 2G iPhone headphones through the wash and other than the rubbery part around the edge of the earpiece rubbing off, they still work.
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Jeff said 9:58AM on 8-13-2009
This must be what has been happening with my Apple premium earbuds. Near the end of my run, when I'm most sweaty, it will keep activating the voice controls on my 3GS, pausing my workout in the Nike+ app. It's really annoying. At least now that I know the problem, though, I can get a cheap set of non-microphone earbuds for when I run. Hopefully Apple will replace my current earbuds.
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Nancy said 6:39PM on 9-02-2009
I've been having the same problem too. I run 10K+ and using the Nike+ and once my sweat gets into contact w the wiring, my 3GS Iphone starts acting up. For example, like your experience my voice command screen comes on or my Nike work out pauses/resumes continuously. I'm hoping that Apple/Genius bar can help me. Were they able to help you out? Just wondering what they did to help you resolve this. - Thanks, Nancy
Jeff said 8:34PM on 9-02-2009
Here in New York City, you have to book your Genius Bar appointments about 3 months in advance, so I haven't had the chance yet. In the meantime, I just bring a spare pair of headphones with me in case it acts up. Thankfully it's been cooler in the mornings lately, so I almost never have the problem any more.
If I ever get to have them fix it, I will let you know how it goes.
Elliott Payne said 10:01AM on 8-13-2009
What ever you do, don't just point a normal air can tip in & fire away.
Permanently embedded dust/lint particles between glass & LCD screen = bad joo joo :(
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Jerod said 10:08AM on 8-13-2009
TRS and TRRS connectors are self cleaning. All you need to do is repeatedly plug and unplug the jack from the port.
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matt said 10:20AM on 8-13-2009
I don't think moisture is the problem most of the time... I've accidentally put my headphones through the laundry & they still worked fine.
What happens on my iphone is lint & fuzz get embedded in the bottom of the headphone jack, and make the microphone & clicker stop working. If the bottom of the hole isn't shiny, carefully stick a pin or needle and pluck the fuzz out. Works every time for me... just part of the deal when you carry your phone in your pocket without a case.
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Hunter said 1:47PM on 8-13-2009
That's only because you can't short a component that is not under power. Since they dried out before you attempted to use them, they didn't short out. They will short if exposed to moisture while plugged in.
JW008 said 10:32AM on 8-13-2009
I've not been so lucky with my iPhone headphones. I routinely work out in them (using the Nike+ system on the 3G S) and after about two miles they go haywire-- constantly pausing or unpausing, which also pauses and unpauses Nike+. I literally have to stop the run or continue without the headphones the problem is so bad. I thought they might just be defective headphones, but I sent them to Apple and the new ones do the same thing.
Anyone else had this problem?
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Eric Taylor said 10:51AM on 8-13-2009
I had a similar problem (and the Apple headphones don't stay in my ears very well when I run), so I picked up some behind the head Sennheiser PMX80 headphones and the Nike+ watch remote for volume/track/power song, etc control. Also be sure your iPhone 3GS is in a case so that it doesn't come in contact with your body (wet skin even through clothing will activate the 3GS screen in random ways). I use a wallet style "genuine leatherette" case that I clip to the top of my shorts. Tried an armband but it was too uncomfortable. I too found lint in my iPhone jack and removed it with an unwound large paperclip end.
rootlesscosmo said 11:05AM on 8-13-2009
The image on the linked Philips site and the one at the Apple Store both fail to answer my (probably dumb) question: where do these adapters attach? That is: my headphones have a jack that connects them to the Phone. If I use one of these mic/control adapters, do I connect it as a "bridge" between the headphones and the iPhone? I wish this were explained or illustrated more clearly--some of us (meaning me) need things spelled out explicitly. Thanks.
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Sang Tang said 1:03PM on 8-13-2009
The Philips unit has two ends. One is a male, which connects to the device's headphone jack. The other is a female, which allows you to attach headphones to it.
Luca said 11:08AM on 8-13-2009
You should not run daily, your body needs time to relax. Running daily is not healthy.
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Sang Tang said 1:01PM on 8-13-2009
If you have good mechanics and technique (not overstriding, etc.), it shouldn't be too big an issue for those who take proper care of their bodies.