How to Remove a Broken Headphone Jack from a Phone?

Headphone jacks are an essential component of any smartphone. They allow us to listen to music, watch videos, and make hands-free calls.

However, sometimes the headphone jack can break off inside the phone, causing frustration and inconvenience. When this happens, it’s important to know how to remove the broken headphone jack safely without causing further damage.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to remove a broken headphone jack from your phone safely.

Use the Inside of a Biro

Here’s a fun fact: the tube running up the inside of your biro (such as a Bic or Paper Mate) is almost the same diameter as an earphone jack. With a bit of force and adjustment, this can be used to remove the broken jack from your device.

To do this, remove the inner tube. This is the piece with the ink in it, which is almost always removed by pulling the nib of the pen. At the bottom of the tube, the opposite end of the nib, you should find there is no ink. You can use this portion of the tube to remove the broken jack. Simply push it firmly into your earphone socket and remove it. The tube should grip the jack and pull it out.

If this doesn’t work the first time, you have various choices. The first is to gently expand the tube with a nail to guarantee a snug fit for the jack. Alternatively, you may rapidly heat the end of the tube to soften it, then insert it into the socket. Leave it for a while, then withdraw.

Also, if you have a very steady hand, try hot glue or superglue, in a very small quantity, on the end of the tube before insertion. The video above demonstrates a similar approach, using chewing gum.

Finally, you might be missing some pressure. Cut a two-inch length of the tube (or find something of a similar size, such as the tube from a can of lubricating oil), then insert it into the earphone socket. Next, tap into place with something firm (like a shoe or slipper) to ensure the lost jack part is gripped. When you’re happy it is held by the tube, could you remove it from the phone?

Superglue the Other End of the Jack

If the pen cartridge doesn’t work or you prefer a different approach, the answer could be superglue. You probably know that you never bind two surfaces immediately after application when using super glue. Instead, you wait until they have dried slightly and become tacky. This tackiness is key to removing the broken piece of the jack in this scenario.

Using a cocktail stick or some other narrow applicator, place a tiny superglue blob on the earphone jack’s remaining end. That’s the piece that didn’t break off on the phone! Wait (as per the packet instructions) for it to become tacky, then slide it into the socket. After pushing down for 30 seconds or so, pull the jack out. If the broken component is attached, you’ve solved the problem.

While small amounts of glue should be used to avoid leaving a residue within the socket, this can be removed. Simply apply a little rubbing alcohol to a Q-tip and swiftly clean inside the socket.

Thumbtack or Safety Pin

A thumbtack or drawing pin can be used if you want a simpler approach. This requires that the point has a slight bend in it, so you might need to grab a hammer and apply a few swift blows. You should end up with a sort of “L” shape at the point of the thumbtack or safety pin.

With your device in one hand, take the thumbtack and push it into the earphone socket. Do this so that the point of the thumbtack touches the plastic part of the jack, then simultaneously push firmly and twist. The bent point should burrow slightly into the jack. When you’re confident you have enough, pull the debris out of the phone.

Toothpick and Hot Glue

Looking for some other small object to fit into your phone’s earphone socket?

Try a toothpick, plastic or wooden, either is fine. Just make sure it is narrow and long enough to reach into the socket and connect with the lost chunk of your earphone jack. Then, tab a tiny amount of hot glue onto the end, and wait a moment for it to cool slightly.

Carefully insert it into the earphone socket and make contact with the debris. Wait for the glue to cool and dry, then remove it. The missing piece will be removed if all goes according to plan!

Heated Paperclip

No glue to hand? Heat is a good substitute, as the broken part of the jack is almost always accompanied by a ring of plastic. To grab hold of this, take a paperclip, and unwind it slightly, perhaps by bending the main length out by 90 degrees.

Next, grip the paperclip with something heatproof, and heat the end of the bent piece. With your phone in your other hand, place the heated paper clip carefully into the socket, right down the centre. Push hard, then wait a few minutes for the plastic to cool. If all has gone well, you should soon be able to remove the damaged portion of the earphone jack.

Buy a GripStick

If DIY fixes aren’t working for you, it might be time to consider a pro-level solution. GripStick is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign designed specifically to remove broken-off earphone jacks.

GripStick is available to buy online from the manufacturer’s website, nightek.com, for $24.95. Although pricey, it’s considerably less than paying a professional to remove the lost earphone jack. Similarly, if your phone is under warranty or smartphone insurance, it might be inconvenient to send it away for repairs (it usually is). Buying a GripStick will avoid this being an issue.

The use of the GripStick is simple. Slide the cylinder into the earphone socket, push it into place, and pull it out again using the ring. The GripStick will hold the lost piece, and your earphone jack is free to use once again!

Can’t Remove It? Test Your Volume

If you cannot get the broken earphone jack out of your device for some reason, don’t panic. It’s possible that your device volume still works, so find out. If the device speaker is still working, you can consider another solution.

No audio? This is because the broken jack is telling your device that it is plugged in. As far as your phone or tablet is concerned, it sends audio to your earphones. You’ll have a silent experience (frustrating for phone calls) until you can dislodge the offending object.

Maybe It’s Time to Switch to Bluetooth

It might be inconvenient, and it may require you to rethink your audio options, but switching to Bluetooth is the best way to avoid broken earphone jacks in the future.

I’ve noticed that cheaper earbuds tend to have poorly constructed jacks. This is a twofold risk: the jack may break, but it may also harm the socket. This can happen with ordinary usage if the jack is poorly made, resulting in dissatisfaction and disappointment.