3 Ways To Clean A Headphone Jack - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Clean a Headphone Jack on a Phone, Laptop, & More PDF download Download Article Easily clean dust or debris from your headphone jack or aux port Co-authored by Florisa-Leila Ramos and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: February 8, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Cotton Swabs
    • |
  • Compressed Air
    • |
  • A Taped Paperclip
    • |
  • An Interdental Brush
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Florisa-Leila Ramos and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Florisa Ramos is a Cleaning Expert based in Leominster, Massachusetts. Florisa founded Office & Home Cleaning in 2017 and brings over 20 years of experience in the house cleaning industry. With a 5-star rating on Google, Office & Home Cleaning offers deep cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and office cleaning services. With extensive training in cleaning business fundamentals and a workshop certification in commercial cleaning and facilities management, Florisa has built a reputable career in the cleaning industry, demonstrating expertise in both residential and commercial cleaning services. She has been featured on multiple online platforms, showcasing best practices, expert cleaning tips, and sustainable cleaning solutions. Recognized for her commitment to eco-friendly practices, Florisa prioritizes using safe, non-toxic products to protect both clients' spaces and the environment. Florisa has an Associate's degree in Business Administration from Mount Wachusett Community College. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 286,130 times.

Are you having issues connecting headphones to your phone or other electronic device? When your headphone jack is left uncovered in your bag or pocket, it can easily accumulate dirt and lint. Without proper cleaning, you eventually may not be able to plug in your headphones. Headphone jacks and aux ports on stereos can be cleaned quickly and safely. Compressed air blows out debris, but you can also use a cotton swab for tough debris or a taped paperclip to remove lint.[1] We'll walk you through 4 incredibly easy ways to clean your headphone jack.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Cotton Swabs

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  1. Step 1 Buy cotton swabs. 1 Buy cotton swabs. Cotton swabs are easy to find in any store where health and beauty products are sold. Try to get swabs that don't look very fluffy so the cotton isn't left behind in the jack or port. Swabs with thinner tips work better because they are easier to fit inside the jack.
    • Make sure your device is powered off before you continue.
  2. Step 2 Remove some cotton from the swab's tip. 2 Remove some cotton from the swab's tip. On one end of the swab, begin tearing or cutting off cotton from the tip. Make the tip as close to the width of the swab's middle portion as possible. Once the swab tip is this size, it should fit comfortably inside the jack. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Gently brush the jack. 3 Gently brush the jack. Don't jam the swab into the jack. Slowly push it in until it rests inside the hole. Spin the swab to brush off all sides of the jack. Remove the swab and most debris will fall out.[2]
  4. Step 4 Swab with rubbing alcohol. 4 Swab with rubbing alcohol. For difficult debris, you can dip the swab in some rubbing alcohol. Make sure the swab is lightly coated, not soaked or dripping. Squeeze out excess moisture with a tissue or cloth first. Put the swab back inside the jack and spin it again.
    • Rubbing alcohol can corrode the metal, so use it sparingly. You may want to let it sit and dry for a few minutes before putting it back in the jack.
  5. Step 5 Dry out the jack with a clean swab. 5 Dry out the jack with a clean swab. The rubbing alcohol should dry quickly on its own. However, you can remove excess moisture to minimize the jack's exposure. Stick a clean swab into the jack. Leave it in there for a moment and spin it around to collect the alcohol.
    • Wait at least an hour before powering your device back on.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Compressed Air

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  1. Step 1 Buy a can of compressed air. 1 Buy a can of compressed air. Compressed air, which can be found at electronics, office supplies, or computer stores, is used for clearing debris from computer parts and keyboards. Air is least likely to damage your jack since you don't have to put anything inside the hole other than the air.
  2. Step 2 Point the nozzle at the headphone jack. 2 Point the nozzle at the headphone jack. Get the air dispensing opening right up next to the jack. Some bottles come with thin straws that stick out from the can. These may be easier for you to use since you can point the tube directly at the jack and focus the air into the small opening.
  3. Step 3 Release the air. 3 Release the air. Press the button on the top of the can to start dispensing air. You should only need a blast or two to loosen most debris inside the jack. Make sure all it comes out of the hole.[3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

A Taped Paperclip

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  1. Step 1 Unfold a paperclip. 1 Unfold a paperclip. Open up a paper clip so that one end is straight. Once straight, the paper clip can be used to scrape out debris. But since the metal can scratch the inside of the jack, you should never simply insert it into the port.
    • A toothpick can also be used, but the pointed ends can also scratch the jack's interior.
    • Needles are useful for reaching lint and large debris but can easily scratch the jack. Only use a needle as a last resort.
  2. Step 2 Wrap tape around the clip's end. 2 Wrap tape around the clip's end. Use standard office tape (like Scotch or Sellotape). Tightly wrap the tape sticky side up around the straightened end of the paperclip. Before use, check to see that the tape is secure and won't come off.[4]
  3. Step 3 Gently insert the taped end of the paperclip into the jack. 3 Gently insert the taped end of the paperclip into the jack. Slowly move the tape into position. Don't jam it in there. Reach for any debris you see. The tape forms a lint roller and will remove stuck debris and lint.
    • After cleaning out the headphone jack with a taped paperclip, you may want to clean it out with a cotton swab, just for good measure.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

An Interdental Brush

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  1. Step 1 Purchase an interdental brush. 1 Purchase an interdental brush. These are small dental brushes with bristles on all sides of the tip which are typically used for cleaning braces. You can buy them at any drug store or health and beauty supply store.
    • This can be useful for removing any corroded metal or rust that has accumulated on the inside of your headphone jack.
    • Make sure your device is turned off before inserting a brush or anything dipped in alcohol.
  2. Step 2 Lightly soak the brush in rubbing alcohol. 2 Lightly soak the brush in rubbing alcohol. To do so, dip the brush in some rubbing alcohol and then tap it a few times to remove excess alcohol. It should be damp but not soaking wet. If it is too wet, ring it out with a cloth or tissue.
  3. Step 3 Insert the brush into the headphone jack. 3 Insert the brush into the headphone jack. Don't ram it in. Make sure you insert it gently as far as it will go. Then rotate it to loosen any debris left on the inside.
  4. Step 4 Repeat two or three times. 4 Repeat two or three times. Go ahead and reinsert the brush into the headphone jack and twist it a few times to make sure all the debris is cleaned out.
    • Be sure to wait at least an hour before powering your device back on.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question I tried almost all of these and my phone is still in headphone mode. What do I do? Community Answer Community Answer If nothing is working, you should consult the technical support department of your phone's manufacturer. There may be something easy they can do to fix it, or you may need to upgrade your phone. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 34 Helpful 38
  • Question What should I do if my headphones won't connect properly? Rudy Toth Rudy Toth Community Answer Use a can of compressed air to clean out the headphone jack, ensuring good ventilation in the room. If the problem persists, consider using an adapter to adjust the jack size to 3.5mm. While Radio Shack used to sell these, you can now find them online at affordable prices. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 7
  • Question Why do my headphones disconnect or play sound through the phone instead of the headphones? Robert Lupas Robert Lupas Community Answer The issue could be either a dirty headphone jack or a problem with the phone. Start by cleaning the headphone jack using a recommended method. If the problem persists, it might be the phone; try scanning for viruses, performing a hard reboot, or even a factory reset. If none of these solutions work, consider getting professional service. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 5
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Tips

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Warnings

  • Be gentle and minimal when putting anything inside the jack. The metal can easily be scratched or corroded. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
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Things You'll Need

  • Compressed air
  • Cotton swabs
  • Paperclip
  • Office tape
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Interdental brush

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning, check out our in-depth interview with Florisa-Leila Ramos.

References

  1. ↑ Florisa-Leila Ramos. Cleaning Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.gazelle.com/how-to/iphone/how-to-clean-an-iphones-headphone-jack
  3. ↑ https://www.gazelle.com/how-to/iphone/how-to-clean-an-iphones-headphone-jack
  4. ↑ https://www.gazelle.com/how-to/iphone/how-to-clean-an-iphones-headphone-jack

About This Article

Florisa-Leila Ramos Co-authored by: Florisa-Leila Ramos Cleaning Expert This article was co-authored by Florisa-Leila Ramos and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Florisa Ramos is a Cleaning Expert based in Leominster, Massachusetts. Florisa founded Office & Home Cleaning in 2017 and brings over 20 years of experience in the house cleaning industry. With a 5-star rating on Google, Office & Home Cleaning offers deep cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and office cleaning services. With extensive training in cleaning business fundamentals and a workshop certification in commercial cleaning and facilities management, Florisa has built a reputable career in the cleaning industry, demonstrating expertise in both residential and commercial cleaning services. She has been featured on multiple online platforms, showcasing best practices, expert cleaning tips, and sustainable cleaning solutions. Recognized for her commitment to eco-friendly practices, Florisa prioritizes using safe, non-toxic products to protect both clients' spaces and the environment. Florisa has an Associate's degree in Business Administration from Mount Wachusett Community College. This article has been viewed 286,130 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 8, 2025 Views: 286,130 Categories: Featured Articles | Headphones Article SummaryX

1. Use compressed air to blow out any dust and debris with a couple blasts of air directly into the headphone jack. 2. Power off the device. 3. Use a cotton swap lightly coated with rubbing alcohol to gently swab the inside of the jack. 4. Use a paperclip with tape wrapped around the end to get stubborn lint and debris out. 5. Use an interdental brush lightly coated in rubbing alcohol to brush out any rust or corrosion from the inside. 6. Wait at least an hour before powering your device back on. To learn how to use compressed air or a taped paper clip to clean your headphone jack, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Florisa-Leila Ramos Co-authored by: Florisa-Leila Ramos Cleaning Expert Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 8, 2025 Views: 286,130

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