Jack issue on ipod

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bidul14 -  
 AAAAAAAA -
Hello, I have a 30GB iPod video and for the past week, when I plug in my headphones all the way, only the left earbud works. However, if the jack is not fully inserted, sound works fine in both earbuds (I’ve tried with other headphones).

Thank you in advance and sorry for the spelling.

66 answers

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  1. Carles
     
    Hello,
    I just solved this problem. It's actually a faulty contact inside the headphone jack of the iPod. This often occurs with these types of connections when the headphone plug is left plugged in all the time. Indeed, the second contact (which provides sound to the right side of the headphones inside the iPod's headphone jack) must make contact with the right pole of the stereo plug. If this contact, which acts like a spring, does not return to its place (precisely because the plug remains constantly in the iPod), the connection does not occur.
    So here’s the solution.
    You need to carefully use a very thin screwdriver or something similar to gently push this contact at the bottom of the opening. You should feel some resistance which proves that the contact is indeed there; you should then gently bring it back a bit towards the inside of the opening (do this cautiously).
    There you go, I hope I was clear and that your problem will be resolved.
    Best regards
    164
    1. djams
       
      Hello! I have the same problem with my sound input! I followed your advice but I can't get my headphones to work again! If you could add me on MSN to help me, that would be nice, thanks in advance el_sharingan@hotmail.fr
      0
    2. Mr G
       
      Thank you, it works perfectly thanks to you, I avoided having to buy a new iPod, I was going crazy!
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    3. ax'l
       
      Thank you for this tip. It had been so long since my iPod was working...
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    4. Cubayako
       
      Thanks for the screwdriver trick (actually, I used a nail because I didn't have a fine enough screwdriver). It worked!!! It's great because it's my wife's iPod and she was driving me crazy with her faulty iPod. Long live the internet!
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    5. Xyrostrin
       
      I can't see the slides at all... I can't manage :S can someone explain the procedure to me? Since it needs to be done carefully, I'm afraid I'll ruin everything :S
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  2. Lucas75
     
    I have the solution!!!!! (it worked for me)

    After browsing several forums, I believe the problem is that the iPod's jack connection is slightly too deep, which prevents the jack from being fully plugged in.

    You just need to gently place a small piece of aluminum foil at the bottom of the connection to allow the plug to connect properly.

    Good luck!
    55
    1. Edvin
       
      The Lucas method works really well, I had been listening to the sound in mono for a month, but with the little piece of aluminum foil, it started working again.

      I actually placed a small piece of aluminum foil balanced on the plug, and then I gave it a quick tap so that only a round piece would fit into the plug, then I inserted the jack and, like magic, it worked ;D

      Thanks Lucas!!
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    2. Alex
       
      I did that by intuition, it worked, but only for a certain period. Be careful, it damages your iPod even more.
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    3. bubbles
       
      Thanks for the aluminum ball trick, I just fixed my iPod, incredible, it’s working again on the right side.

      I called an Apple reseller who confessed that this often happens with this video model, but when you ask repair centers, the guys say it can't be repaired, and once the warranty period is over, it's an exchange of the iPod for a price close to that of a new one.

      And yet, the part is available:
      https://www.ifixit.com/Store/iPod/iPod-Video-30-GB-Headphone-Jack-Hold-Switch/IF195-010

      and experts can carry out the repair "Installing iPod 5th Generation (Video) Headphone Jack & Hold Switch"
      https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPod+5th+Generation+(Video)+Headphone+Jack+&+Hold+Switch+Replacement/604

      The whole thing is to find someone who agrees to do it!
      For Parisians, there's an Apple repair shop and others in the 15th (metro Commerce, 84 rue des Entrepreneurs, 01 75 57 86 60) that can change the jack for those who might be afraid of the aluminum ball trick, but I don't know how much they charge.
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    4. pascaline
       
      Yes
      Your Sunday DIY is really great, I just saved 170 euros thanks to a little piece of aluminum!
      Thank you
      Pascaline
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    5. bylka92
       
      Thank you very much, it worked very well. Thanks again.
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  3. raplis
     
    Hello,

    I have the same issue with my IPOD Touch. What I find disappointing is that I contacted Apple France directly and they offered me a very, very interesting solution!?!? If I get my IPOD repaired, it will cost me 215 euros. But they're proposing I buy a new IPOD which, as of today, is priced at 285 euros new, and they're giving me a commercial gesture of 60 euros discount. Ha Ha Ha, they are mocking us.
    Their customer service is awful; it took them 48 hours to offer me THAT!
    Apple is great, it's trendy, but it's crap when it comes to getting your devices repaired. Whether it's in computing, telephony, or anything else. Once the warranty has expired, they leave you in the lurch.
    And they even advise you to buy something else.
    I didn't know Apple was into disposable electronics. At this rate, I might as well buy store-brand or budget products in supermarkets. It will cost me less!
    I have only one solution if I want to keep my IPOD: to put a piece of aluminum foil. Thanks for the tip.

    Good luck to those who have Apple.
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    1. Act Foo
       
      hello
      The same thing happened to me, but the worst part is that my iPod was less than a year old. I went to see them at the Apple Store in the Louvre and they didn’t replace my iPod; they just offered me to buy the new one for 130€. But there’s another solution, a system with a dock connector that has a jack output (for 30€), which I think is the best option if you don’t want to take the risk of repairing it yourself without knowing what the outcome will be.
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  4. kloridrik
     
    For everyone who still has this problem... I had the same issue (I definitely thought I was the only one)... the method of using aluminum foil and mono sound didn't seem great in the long run, so I armed myself with the smallest screwdriver I had... after a few minutes of hesitation, I tried to lift the tabs... And it works! Admittedly, the maneuver is more a matter of luck and trial and error than true dexterity. But it worked perfectly for me. Just so you know, there are 3 tabs (when you hold the iPod screen facing you, 1 tab on the left, one on the right a bit deeper, and a third one even deeper and on the left. It's obviously the one all the way in the left that you need to "lift")... all this to say that it's not impossible! And long live stereo sound ;)
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    1. jojodu71
       
      I also have this problem, all happy to have found a solution thanks to you, I take out my 2 mm precision screwdriver and start tinkering. After a long observation and several attempts, I manage to straighten the "2nd left tab," but no, it doesn't help, still sound only from the left earpiece. I then realize there's a fourth "tab," which is located right at the back under the "right tab," but I can't move it!
      Anyway, all this to finally put a piece of aluminum at the back... what a fail.
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    2. IneZeSky Posted messages 22 Status Member
       
      Thank you for these clarifications, I indeed raised all the tabs except the right one :)
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  5. latruite
     
    Hi, I tried the aluminum ball but to no avail. I had to resort to ordering a jack on eBay along with the tools (screwdriver and blue things to open the beast); it cost me 25 euros. It's a bit expensive but really easy to install.
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    1. remi96
       
      What is it that you bought? Thank you.
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  6. dafoin
     
    I did the same with a small piece of electric wire. The only downside is that the sound is good in both earbuds but in mono and not in stereo. You will notice this with some songs recorded in the 60s where the sound of the guitar, for example, is only on the left channel and you hear nothing... But well, it's better than sound in only one earbud.

    Thank you!!!!
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  7. Epokito
     
    Hello, I wrapped my jack in aluminum and plugged it into my iPod. I can now listen to Astronomy Domine by Pink Floyd without getting bored!!!
    5
  8. gau
     
    No one went to complain to the Apple Store!??? Because I went there but they don't want to listen since I haven't been under warranty for a few months. But I can't believe the number of people who have this problem; it's definitely a design flaw!!!! Has anyone ever tried sending a letter??? It drives me crazy to pay for a player at that price, only for it to serve as a hard drive.
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    1. al3x
       
      totally agree, I was never into Apple anyway.. I try the touch and the jack breaks.. wow what a mess..
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    2. Rems
       
      300€ for a toy that has a maximum lifespan of 2 years... Just disgusted...
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    3. docho
       
      I have the same problem, 280 euros for 3 years of use. I went to see them, they didn't want to listen at all, as if it seemed normal to them. They gave me their customer service number and offered to give me a new one for the modest sum of 190 euros!! A small change in 2012, I who wanted to get a MacBook, that's out of the question if it breaks down 2 years later.
      0
    4. ku'
       
      Personally, I have another brand, but I still have the same problem. I was more at ease with my unbranded MP4...
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  9. Reconaissant!
     
    Thanks! That's great, thank you so much! It works really well :)
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    1. Nala
       
      Well, I have the same problem as you,

      I have a 30 GB iPod video and I have this issue with my jack socket.
      I called the contact that Bubbles provided because putting a piece of aluminum :/ I think I risk damaging my iPod even more.
      The guy provides the entire part and repairs it, all for €59 for those who are interested (it’s still better than having to buy a new iPod)

      And otherwise, I have another solution \o/
      it’s the iPod Radio Remote.
      it costs €49.90 new, everywhere like Fnac, Apple Store, etc. You can also find it second-hand
      It connects at the bottom (where you charge it) and you plug the headphones into this radio remote, so you don’t use the jack socket anymore, it’s compatible with all iPods (at least I think so).
      I opted for that, since I’m spending money anyway, if I can have the radio too, you know.

      Here is the Radio remote:
      http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/8352/1270/as-images.apple.com/is/image/AppleInc/MA070_AV1?wid=326&hei=326&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&iccEmbed=0&layer=comp

      After that, it’s up to you to decide.
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  10. sebastien
     
    Hi,
    I have the same problem as you. If it’s not pushed all the way in, we get both channels. If it's pushed all the way, we only get the left channel.
    I tried to fiddle with the blades using a small screwdriver, but without success (to be fair, it’s difficult to see inside properly). By the way, it looks like there are 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom of the conduit.
    Has anyone managed to solve their problem?
    Thanks
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  11. exadek Posted messages 384 Status Member 56
     
    the contact bomb doesn't always work

    if another way, find a friend who knows a lot about electronics or even microelectronics...
    --

    Human beings in a world of wonders have managed to invent boredom
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  12. theo12
     
    Great job with the aluminum foil! I was feeling a bit desperate!
    However, now the iPod occasionally pauses the music by itself and I think it's because the male jack is a bit too high with the aluminum foil!
    Does anyone know a solution to this problem? Is there a way to disable the "auto-pause" feature on the iPod?
    Thanks in advance to everyone for your replies!
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    1. Ipod nano
       
      I have the same problem. My iPod automatically pauses, but I don't know why?! :s
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    2. moi!
       
      Simple, the music stops when the jack disconnects. Your connection must be loose :/
      0
  13. rélé
     
    I had the same problem with mono sound... I looked at it with a magnifying glass and saw that it had 2 gold contacts on the left side, took a small screwdriver with the thinnest edge and managed to pull the 2 small contacts towards me like that... and there you go, the sound came back in stereo.
    3
    1. cyssaile
       
      I can't manage to pull the two "contacts" towards me. I feel like they are just two little buttons sticking out, and I can't see where to grab them (from below, above, or from the side)... anyway, I'm a bit lost. If someone could explain to me precisely how they did it with this technique, that would be nice =) thank you ^^
      0
    2. elmigio
       
      @cyssaile
      I posted a comment with an attempt at explanation. I don't know if it can help you.
      I posted my comment following Carles' message.
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  14. lEfOOuu !!!
     
    Wouw !!! Aluminum technique !!! THE BEST !!! :D
    Merci MON HOMME !!! MON PATRON !!! MON HÉROOO !!!!!
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  15. exadek Posted messages 384 Status Member 56
     
    Shit if I may say so

    I think there's a faulty soldering

    It happened to me with my ALTEC LANSING speakers

    Fortunately, I’m an electronics technician by trade...

    Good luck

    --

    Human beings in a world of wonders have managed to invent boredom
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    1. sarmale
       
      That's what I think too... now the whole problem is being able to resolder the socket:
      -> how to offer the mess?
      -> will it be accessible? (with these reduced things everything is superimposed...)
      -> if so, will the regular soldering iron be too large?
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  16. bidul14
     
    In fact, I looked a bit on the internet, and they said it could be related to health, but the contact bomb that they recommend costs 12 euros, and I was wondering if there were other ways.
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    1. Jordan-11
       
      I broke the tip of my headphones, and it got stuck in the bottom of my jack connector. What can I do?
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    2. ChromoX
       
      The contact spray is not a good idea at all, I know I'm almost 4 years late, but it's still useful for people who discover this post. So the contact spray is a really bad idea, I tried it on one of my Touch devices that had this issue, and all the contact "liquid" went into the screen, so the result is a jack that doesn't work any better, and a screen with a stain as if it had gotten wet, such a bummer.
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  17. ezoka
     
    Hello, I have the same problem except that the sound is constantly in mono, even when I don't completely plug in the jack. And since I'm quite clumsy, I'm afraid to touch it with a screwdriver. I listen to a lot of old songs from the 70s, so the sound is in mono.
    I bought my iPod at Darty, and I was wondering if they could change the jack for me and if they do a good job.

    Thank you.
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  18. Sp4Ro Posted messages 77 Status Member 34
     
    Personally, I tried for an hour with the screwdriver but failed, so out of desperation, I put a piece of aluminum (already tried it on my Shuffle and it failed) and to my surprise, it works. It's makeshift, sure, but better than nothing, right?

    Well, fuck Apple (it's rare that I say that).
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    1. nitro
       
      Heartfelt support for you :)
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  19. droplet91
     
    I had the same problem with my iPod Touch 8GB 3rd generation, where the left side of all my headphones didn't work when I plugged them into my iPod but worked perfectly on other devices.
    I searched online and found the idea of using aluminum, but there were some disadvantages, notably not being able to listen to music loudly anymore, and I also couldn't manage the technique with the tabs.
    So I decided to take action on my headphones: I took a soldering iron and solder wire and made a "ball" on the jack of my headphones... and it worked!!
    So I hope you understood the trick; if you have the equipment, it takes 5 minutes and saves you the hassle of dealing with other methods =)
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