If your Dell laptop’s headphone jack isn’t working all of a sudden, then this article can be of great help.
This issue frustrates users who regularly use headphones. Here I have shown what you need to do when the Dell laptop headphone jack is not working.
Without delaying any further, let’s dive deep into the fixes.
Why Is My Headphone Jack Not Working?
Headphones are used for multiple purposes, so even a tiny problem with the headphone is a cause to worry.
There can be many reasons why your laptop’s headphone jack is not working.
I have listed below the potential causes:
- Problematic Audio Drivers
- Improper Sound Configuration
- Hardware Glitches
How Can You Fix Your Laptop Headphone Jack Not Working?
Dell laptop users have reported that when the headphones are plugged in, the headphone jack doesn’t work.
The Sound comes out from the speakers even when it is plugged in.
Here, I have mentioned some solutions for resolving the Dell audio headphone jack not working issue.
1) Restart The Device
Few users have observed that restarting the device has helped in resolving this kind of issue.
So, restart your laptop and then plug in your headphones and check whether it is working properly.
If the issue still persists, then plug in the headphones before rebooting.
2) Plug In Headphones Before Rebooting
Few users have discovered that if the headphones are already plugged in before rebooting the Windows device, then this issue won’t occur.
Try doing it and check whether it solves the problem
3) Update The Audio Driver
An outdated audio driver can be responsible for this issue.
If this is the case, you need to update the laptop’s audio driver and check whether the issue is resolved.
This is how it can be done:
- First, type “Device Manager” in the Windows Search button and choose the top option.
- Now, expand the Sound, video, and game controllers section.
- Right-click on your audio driver and select Update driver.
- In the next window, click on the “Search automatically for drivers” option.
- Wait till the process is complete. Now, restart the PC and check whether the issue is resolved. If not, then run the Sound Troubleshoot.
4) Run The Sound Troubleshoot
Windows has a lot of troubleshooters that can help in fixing most of the issues.
If you are facing a problem with the headphone jack, then you can easily fix the issue by clicking on the Sound Troubleshooter option.
Here is how you can do it:
- First, you need to right-click on the Speaker option that is present on the System Tray.
- Then click on “Troubleshoot Sound Problems”.
- Soon a new window will open in front of you and you need to click on “Next”.
- By pressing the “Next” button, you can run the sound troubleshooter.
- If this method didn’t work out, then check if the headphones are plugged in correctly.
5) Plug In The Headphone Properly
Make sure you have plugged in the headphones properly on your laptop.
If not, then you will not be able to hear the Sound when you are using the headphone.
If you have plugged the headphones properly, but still, you can’t hear any sound, then use proper headphones.
6) Use A Proper Headphone
Make sure the headphone that you are using isn’t broken.
It is, therefore, necessary to a headphone that is in proper working condition.
It may happen that your headphone jack is fine, but the main problem lies with the headphone that you are using.
Also, check whether your phone is connected to a different device.
7) Check Whether Your Phone Is Connected To A Different Device
If your smartphone is paired with wireless headphones, speakers, or anything else, then the headphone jack may get disabled.
If you find that the Bluetooth option on your phone is on and is connected, then turn off the Bluetooth and plug in your headphones.
Even though this doesn’t happen, always check for this issue before going to the next solution.
If you are still now pissed off with the same issue, then it’s time to clean the headphone jack.
8) Clean The Headphone Jack
Making the headphone free from dust, lint, and other debris will be helpful in fixing your issue.
Dirt generally blocks the connection between the headphone and the port, so cleaning it is one of the primary things that can be done.
Take a look at the jack and see whether it is dirty.
Use a damp cotton swab and clean it before plugging your headphones.
Before you plug in the headphones, restart the device.
9) Contact The Manufacturer Or The Retailer
If none of the above fixes worked then you can contact the manufacturer or the retailer and explain the problem to them.
If the product is under warranty, then the company will send a technician and repair it free of cost.
This might take a lot of time but it can be the last and best possible thing that can be done to fix the issue.
If the issue persists, you can always use a bluetooth headphone instead.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. How Do I Turn On The Headphone Jack On My Dell Laptop?
If you want to turn on the headphone jack on your Dell laptop, then follow the steps mentioned below:
- Click on the Start menu followed by a click on the Settings icon.
- Then, on the left menu, click on Sound.
- Now, under choose your Output device, select the audio device that you want to use.
2. How Can You Fix A Water-Damaged Headphone Jack?
For fixing a water-damaged headphone jack, you should use a cotton swab.
Insert some cotton from the end into the slot and turn it gently to absorb the residual water.
Doing this will help you in resolving the issue.
3. How Can I Use The Microphone Jack As A Headphone Jack On My Laptop?
This is how you can use the microphone jack as a headphone jack on my laptop:
- First, you need to plug your earphones into the jack.
- Then, type “manage audio devices” in the search box and click on it.
- You will soon see the Sound Control Panel opening up.
- Finally, click on the “Recording” tab on the Sound Control Panel.
Wrapping Up
So, that’s it. Now you know how to fix this issue. Feel free to reach out to us in the comment section below in case of any doubts or queries.
