Earbud/headphones repair + diagnosis EXPLAINED. #22

(HD) (CC) A step-by-step diagnosis and repair demonstration for BOTH the stereo TRS AND TRRS style ear buds (TRRS with controls), including connecting wires, diagnosing and testing using a multimeter, AND diagnosing and testing with a potato, penny, and galvanized nail/staples. Soldering to the earbuds themselves will be covered in an upcoming video!
"Simple Fix" for "Earbuds not working" (Common problem), or "Earbuds cutting out" video mentioned in this video is here, • Simple Fix - (cleaning...
To find these TRRS and TRS connectors on EBay or Amazon, or elsewhere online, just search either "TRRS male solder connector" for the style with a microphone/controls. Or "TRS male solder connector" for just the standard left/right stereo earbud.
Check out my channel "Mysimplefix"!
kzbin.infov...
0:00 Intro with left and right earbud audio test.
0:15 Introduction and explanation.
0:45 Comparison TRS vs TRRS .
1:55 TRS style diagnosis and repair steps (non-wireless).
3:00 Test your earbuds with a multimeter.
3:17 Test your earbuds with a potato (ha!).
4:15 Replacing the TRS style connector.
9:50 Replacing the TRRS style connector.
14:27 Test the finished repair using a potato, and multimeter.
DISCLAIMER; - WARNING: This video is provided for entertainment purposes only. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, instructions and advice contained in this video. No one is liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in this video or in the related comments. Be safe! Anything you try will be done at YOUR OWN RISK!

[@RevanthKausikan]

This was EXTREMELY informative!! i had been searching all over the internet and reading about this 3.5 mm jack for almost 2 days, but here, it's all explained in 15 minutes.. I wish i had found out this earlier! Thanks a LOT!

[@snowhusk]

This is exactly what I wanted to know in a concise no-nonsense package with nive tips and easy to follow explanations

[@mysimplefix]

To find these connectors on EBay or Amazon or elsewhere online, just search either "TRRS male solder connector" for the style with a microphone/controls. Or "TRS male solder connector" for just the standard left/right stereo earbud.

[@garryrivera9721]

Just discovered your tutorial, really helpful, i was able to repair 2 headphones and 3 earphones, because of your complete tutorial, i was saved from buying new ones. My kids were happy, thank you very much, from Philippines

[@mysimplefix]

I'm glad to hear this helped you! Thank you.

[@canbeyhan7538]

great explanation and seems that the tips are timeless and worth a lot after many years.. thank you very much!

[@xpforevergaming8609]

Most useful tutorial I've seen ages. Thank you a lot!

[@skunkbbk8917]

xpforeverGAMING ปำห

[@hardnoxgrad5763]

The Best video on this subject……Thank You.

[@brettperucco3847]

Great tutorial. Thanks!

[@holohulolo]

What exactly happens when the earbuds are blown? Like what causes it? I think my earbuds are blown. I can hear the diaphragm cracking earlier occasionally when it's on full blast, but barely noticeable, but later that same side is muffled significantly. I figured maybe the diaphragm was crumpled or something, so I opened up the wire mesh that covers it and started blowing and sucking hoping it would readjust the diaphragm but it just got worst, it's rattling and barely produces and music. Now it doesn't rattle as bad but it's muffled even more. Is there a way to fix this?

[@mythoughts9724]

Hi, Thank you for this video. I have an earphone which has less sound in left earphone, can this be resolved by replacing the TRRS 3.5mm connector of the earphones?

[@alexanderkarl4025]

So far this is the most comprehensive detail oriented to Torio I have found

[@mysimplefix]

Thank you!

[@inconspicuous-nobody]

Wish this vid was higher on the list when I searched for how to do this :) thanks for clear and all-encompassing instructions. Attempting to fix a set of sennheiser buds I've had for about 10 years now and I'm quite attached to.. maybe I'll lengthen the cable somewhat while I'm at it. Update: fault was faaaaar up the cable, almost next to the earbud bit. For sennheisers without mic, there's not much online about wiring, but here's the Sennheiser non-mic pinout, if that's what it's called: Left: green, Left-ground: red&green twisted, Right: red, Right-ground: copper color. I'm planning on cutting a new and working jack-jack extension cord and attaching the buds. Cheaper here and more easily available than the actual connectors :) also, soldering the wires should be a cakewalk. (Hahaha I'm doing this with a wood-burning tool intended for art to which I've attached a bit of stripped thick electrical copper wire). Slightly worried about ending up with uneven resistances if I don't clean up these damn small wires from oxidation well enough. Tips are welcome 😅 UPDATE 2: WORKING!! Aaand as a bonus, they now look pretty theft-proof too. :)

[@mysimplefix]

Great! I'm glad you revived them.

[@ketanmorajker9912]

the best video on earphones

[@danielasonntag5317]

Good job man!!You are very talented!!

[@rhodrik.]

Reacently my headset jack started to fail, so i bought a trrs plug and a have the following wires: Blue/left Red/right because i can hear from a 9v batery but i dont know that the Cooper, green and red with Cooper twisted are?! i need help!

[@flinze2001]

your channel is pretty helpful. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@SUMERUP]

you're a born teacher; thanks man

[@SDsailor7]

Very well explained and videotaped!Thank you.

[@alocin110]

Thank you. This was an excellent presentation and the instructional video is clear and well explained. Great work!

[@mysimplefix]

Thank you.

[@Degreezzone]

Thanks a lot. Very useable tutorial. 👍🏽

[@ericpender2280]

great stuff, just fixed my earphones!

[@die4guy454]

Funny thing is my right earbud shorted out while watching this so both don't work lmao

[@maxagent86]

Excellent tutorial, the best I've seen on this subject. One point I would add is that, before starting to solder, it is advisable to test the overall integrity of the replacement TRS/TRRS connectors by checking the continuity between the connection tabs and their respective rings, tip, or sleeve. I have run into defective TRS/TRRS connectors in which rings and/or tip, along with their respective connection tabs, were not isolated from each other, or even not in continuity at all. Thank you for a great video.

[@danielderome7312]

Thank you very much. But my googling for beats trrs earbud pinout gives nothing. So I'm stuck.

[@hollybeary]

Great tutorial!

[@doofensh4030]

I tried to make a diy cable using trs & trrs, my concern is when I plugged it to my mobile (while it is charging) or in pc. it produced ground sound

[@nachikkkkk]

My left and right earbuds show different resistance values, although both sound the same. But they aren't detected on any phone, using tools to force audio to the audio jack makes it work tho. What may the issue be? Skullcandy Smokin' buds 2 with a TRRS jack

[@painpeace3619]

One of the best video

[@KyleD237]

best video on the subject

[@asher8085]

Mine are broken. The right earbud cuts in and out when I move the wire around. Any help?

[@ArtyRachel]

Thank you :D When you mentioned about the phone cases, I took the 'in ear' bit off the right earbud, gave the speaker a wipe and that stopped it being really quiet on the right side haha :)

[@MTLeopold]

Wish I was that smart. Very clever potato trick too. Thank you very much for the video.

[@adekomusic]

Nice video. Thanks

[@kustantin]

I don't have one of those fancy shmancy meters. Are they a necessity?

[@shaikabdulkareem6678]

awesome explanation. its rock

[@DR_SOLO]

Thanks buddy for your left and right and Center sound test at the beginning or video I did watch halfway through earlier but I didn't have any solder. So I watched a couple other message and I tried those and coupled with the information from your video I was successful. I found out through your video I made two wires wrong cuz the colors it was a 50-50 chance thank you buddy straight video

[@richmarsh5029]

Nice job mate thanks

[@MrEthanhines]

Very good tutorial. Thank you. By the way I have a TRRS connector and the wire is flat. Is the procedure the same?

[@mysimplefix]

Thank you! Even though the wire bundle is in a flat configuration, they will still connect to the 4 conductor TRRS connector the same way.

[@protambike7258]

Great help

[@REXXSEVEN]

WOW!! Thank you so much!!!

[@user-mx5we9ne8k]

what can I use instead of a nail

[@robertslockbower306]

No anything about Klipsch wires will accept solder?

[@Priest]

Hey Mysimplefix, I have a question and I was hoping maybe you can help me get to the answer. My headphones have TRRS connection, T = left, R = right, R = ground, S=mic. I have used multimeter to test ground with left and right but I only get reading for LEFT being around 38ohms, and for RIGHT I get nothing and that is because my right side is not working. Now my headphones also have a volume slider and mute button in the middle of the cord(Razer Kraken v2 pro) I was able to test both sides to see if they create a "crackling sound" to indicate that they are functional and the both do, which eliminates speakers being broken/blown. I also assume, even if speakers were blown I would at least get a reading, a continuity, yes ? So that leaves the wire being cut/broken somewhere I assume but how do I exactly figure out where the break is ? Is it at the connector, at volume slider or somewhere at speakers ? Also text at 3:05 confuses me, my multimeter gives me no reading for right side, so which is it, a short circuit or infinite circuit ? Or is that the same ? I don't understand how that helps me narrow down the location of problem.

[@mysimplefix]

If you are able to get both the left and the right buds to crackle with the method shown, but while using a multi meter one ear bud shows no continuity, then something is wrong, because both sides should show the same continuity readings (should be 38 ohms like the other side). The text shown at 3:05 in the video shows that an open circuit would read as "infinity", or no reading. A short circuit would mean the ohms reading would come right down to zero, as if you were touching the tips of the probes together. That slider and mute button I would think would use the ground to mic circuit to operate those functions while those buttons are pressed or slid (for the volume slider).

[@mysimplefix]

If there is no reading, (as if your probes are held apart) that is considered an infinite reading or "open" circuit.

[@kayakingfun9526]

Thanks fixed my headset thanks.

[@SatansFire]

All i wanted was to try to fix a $2 set of headphones and now im buying a Potato and a glue gun.

[@HighVoltageMadness]

If you have expensive headphones this is why you would try ti fix it

[@andresbrett8850]

You all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an instagram account?? I was dumb lost my password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me

[@kyngelian6335]

@Andres Brett instablaster :)

[@andresbrett8850]

@Kyng Elian thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@andresbrett8850]

@Kyng Elian It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account :D

[@meph1570]

what if the faulty one is in the bud? how to open the bud?

[@sourjam4230]

YOOOO IT WORKED (YEAH SCIENCE!)

[@pikachupagaming5774]

very impormative..

[@tubelesstube4237]

Fantastic

[@sls8965]

Looking for a non solder replacement jack for Android device,

[@officialstar1330]

Thankxx dear for help

[@elcaifan]

Ok so I'm getting no noise at all when doing the potato test (with Jack and without Jack just wires) I've already bought and done with gold pleated plug easier cuz it has screws no soldering needed but that didn't work so u said I'd need to cut further up close to ear buds to test them again, if theres no noise again when doin the potato test ear buds are defective- But what if I hear scratches how would I go from there? How would a reattach them to another different pair that I already have just not same quality as the ones trying to fix, would it be just twist them together? Thanks

[@mysimplefix]

+elcaifan The sound quality of the earbuds will be dictated by the quality of the buds themselves. You could theoretically join your good quality buds near the buds, and feed them using a cut off cheaper pair from the bottom. There are only 2 wires directly feeding each earbud. They should be relatively easy to join, although I would try to use heat shrink tube that is small and will match the colour of your wires so they will still look good too afterwards.

[@kitre]

My center part didn’t work in the test... what do I do?

[@danjames7338]

thank you sir!

[@JohnSmithZen]

14:14 Why didn't you crimp the outer sheath of the wires into the the TRRS connector, like you did with the TRS one?

[@mysimplefix]

Those were two different style connectors.

[@gagannagpal7558]

I am getting a bit louder sound on left as compared to right , should i go for these tests or is it confirmed that somewhere in the midway wires are broken (TRRS, HTC)?

[@mysimplefix]

+gagan nagpal The first thing to note, is that if there are broken wires to one or both of your earbuds, all sound will disappear to one or both earbuds! The fact that you have some sound in one earbud indicates to me that either there is something in the bud like some foreign bit of contamination that is blocking sound, or, the earbud itself is blown. When measured with a multimeter both earbuds should have the identical resistance values when compared to each other. (as per the diagnosis shown in the video).

[@89Ssik]

What to do when on my left earbud is 47,8 ohms, and in right earbud is 136.2 ohms resistance? Headphones are working, but left one is louder than right one :/

[@invalidname-error4047]

89Ssik i have the same issue

[@thatboydrew8159]

Can you show me a technique if the potato thing didnt work?

[@timmydoll871]

my buds have a problem where they will work for like a month and then the sound will go down really low for like 2 weeks or so, can you help me?

[@mysimplefix]

Are your earbuds the problem? The way I would test that is to quickly plug them into another device. Are they very quiet then? If they are, use the diagnostic method (s) I this video to determine if everything is OK. This will show you if there's a problem. Please get back to us on this.

[@jaydee3696]

I cut open my wire and it’s got 3 wires instead of 4 for the TRS. Does that mean both ground wires are already combined?

[@tobitt8157]

yeah probably

[@Pierofelizzola]

I just learned that painted lacquer as the insulation ......and I'm a lic elec. But only high 3phase voltage

[@boredgamer9139]

Duude you scared the shit outa me in the intro 😂😂 i thought i broke my earbuds

[@tyrenextdoor]

When I plug in my earphones it plays from the speaker when I unplug my earphones it plays in the ear phones PLZ HELP

[@noecrespo8531]

what is the name of the left earphones?? the one that doesn't have that big connector?

[@mysimplefix]

The ones on the left are standard earbuds, that have no controls. They have the 1/8 inch (or 3.5 millimetre) TRS style of connector.

[@mysimplefix]

Also, this is important, the connector is a "Stereo" connector, as opposed to being a "Mono" connector.

[@Gorgeousbaebeauty]

Omg this might help me but bruh I might as well get some new headphones ion know how to do what you did in the video

[@thatboydrew8159]

Sir can youndo 2nd option please sir

[@Skate_RC]

On my phone the problem is that my headphone jack doesn't seem to let me plug in my earbuds all the way. Is there anything I can do about it or do I have to replace it?

[@mysimplefix]

Yes, 2 things can cause what you are experiencing. 1, if you have a phone case that's blocking your audio connector, or 2, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJurdpmge9yom9E

[@Skate_RC]

Mysimplefix Ah ok thanks I gotta try to clean it out. The thing is that originally my earphone jack somehow pulled up if that makes sense so I'm not sure if there's something it it that's causing it.

[@elismigel707]

+skatemaster213 there might be dust or dirt stuck in it. Try putting rubbing alcohol on a tooth brush, rub a little bit off with your finger so it dosent get too wet, then just rub brush on headphone jack.

[@zahirhussain7948]

great great nobody can not explain like you ..i can change my type c headphone jack to 3.5 mm ..because type c wire cut close to jack

[@antoniofilipovic1386]

my both sides work, but center not, any quick solutions?

[@mysimplefix]

+Antonio Filipović are you taliking about a subwoofer/centre speaker?

[@antoniofilipovic1386]

Mysimplefix yes, centre speaker, that test in the begining worked for left and right, but centre not

[@mysimplefix]

+Antonio Filipović If your left and right speakers both work, and your speakers are driven only by an audio port like the one shown in the video, then the issues could be anywhere between the output amplifier that drives the centre speaker and the speaker itself.

[@miguelsoriano6271]

I had my problem Both sides are not working but my earphone is not broken in external what should i do?

[@mysimplefix]

If your earbuds work in another device, but not in the one you normally use, check out my other video. It might be your issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJurdpmge9yom9E

[@onuadhain7399]

Northcaledon What if my earbuds are just straight up broken should I just buy a new pair? ;>

[@mysimplefix]

Trollert Trollungtin the choice is yours. If you're up for the challenge, and your buds are expensive then I would lean towards doing the repair. Do you have a soldering iron with a small tip?

[@mysimplefix]

Did you check your audio port for a build-up of dust /pocket lint? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJurdpmge9yom9E

[@onuadhain7399]

Yup, But its not just one device,the earbuds in question don't work on my laptop,phone, or tv soooo PLZ HELP MEH Northcaledon SAAAAVEEE MEEEEH :C Or something along those lines C:

[@splash5974]

Hmmm The left ear bud corresponds with left test, centre is missing, and right ear bud test plays on left earbud... I think something is pooched Lol TRS style plug Seems like right and ground are crossed on mine...

[@elmalesly]

The left side of my earbuds are not working what do I dooo😫😫😫😫😫😫

[@Caper1Forever]

this bud's for you ;-)

[@Pierofelizzola]

Excelent video and I was the 888 like

[@mysimplefix]

Thank you.

[@nikolaoskatsoulis1831]

when he was doing the test i didnt hear anything from my right earbud and started laughing like an idiot

[@ferdycelferd5535]

audio works, but the combined red/green and gold doesnt work, no mic sound

[@ferdycelferd5535]

audio klappt, mic nicht. rot grün ist klar, rot/grün und gold unklar

[@FlyAsAFlygon]

I need help so one day I was watching videos so then something happend igot angry and pulled and push on the left earbud a couple of times so then I put it back on and I couldn't hear anything from the left earbud pls give me a answer or make a video about it thanks

[@denescario]

same huhuhu

[@recurveninja]

That solder is a veritable waterfall of flux, holy hell. I've never seen rosin-core solder with that much before.

[@mysimplefix]

+RecurveNinja yup.

[@jorgeuribera]

All control cables go together with the ground? That's strange

[@tomylim6022]

OMG I thought the potato method was a joke...it actually works??!!

[@airadelavega8376]

Im too young to do this.... im just 12...... and Im dead if someone finds out i broke it...... help....

[@kristeng7674]

OMG SAME

[@haotrancong2602]

Urbeat so fixing

[@fawadmirza.]

Aira Dela Vega :(

[@vehiclecrashtag7730]

me too

[@johnabreu7171]

Me too

[@EMS01119]

What if we don’t have a glue gun? Can I just inject some glue in to the hole? What type of glue is it?

[@Priest]

You should get a glue gun, its super useful for many applications. Glue gun uses "plastic cartridges" that it melts, so that plastic becomes liquid, a hot glue, which you then use to pour it over either the wires or solder points, after that same glue hardens, becoming kind of plastic, so its not your regular super glue or shoe glue. What this plastic does is protects the wires and any electrical components from moisture as well as from breaking or short circuiting, it can also be used to stick stuff together. Glue guns and cartridges are very cheap, you should be able to get both for 3-5$ total.

[@lessthanperfect444]

At 4:06 your voice went robotic. What was that about

[@squiggle2054]

rq let me explain something, if the earbuds are super cheap (you can tell usually if the tip isnt gold plated( not including apple ones those are expensive) dont bother fixing them it would just be easier to replace them

[@mysimplefix]

Yes, you are right. I did this to show that if you "wanted" to do a repair, then with a little patience, it is possible.

[@alexandermilleriii499]

whats ur job bro

[@fadumob2607]

no

[@koejonas9131]

can i use a tomato instead of a potatoe ? I ran out of potatoes 😭

[@mysimplefix]

Hey, that might work.

[@koejonas9131]

+Mysimplefix just checked no, tomatoes either. I guess I'll just try it with this celery I have

[@mysimplefix]

+joe jonas the key is to use a fruit or vegetable that has "acidic juices".

[@plantymcplantface7182]

Like pineaple?

[@EMS01119]

Lol

[@memeshke]

My right is missing

[@official.timothy]

my earbuds work on my iPod,iPad but not my Android? they're Apple headphones.

[@CirclesAreRound]

just buy new one way easier than doing this

[@CirclesAreRound]

and cheaper

[@totalacatalepsy2662]

I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING AT ALL ON EITHER SIDE

[@djdjje]

My earphones cost me 0,98€, i think I'll just wait for the 9 i just ordered that sound much better and cost 0,86€ each. When i ordered those for the first time they cost 0,73€, sad that i lost them.

[@YumYumYogurt]

does the potato have to be peeled?? xD And does it have to be a potato?? o.o

[@a-s1104]

***** it can be any fruit ha

[@rooroo3199]

These trs connectors are not even sold on amazon, ebay etc, only electrical stores, so this is not that feasible for some, by the time you've spent hours finding a store that sells them. thanks anyway.

[@mysimplefix]

Hmm. I tried the search "TRRS male solder connector" and "TRS male solder connector" on Amazon and EBay and had many MANY results. Try that search.

[@venustoran9567]

My earbuds are wireless ?

[@mysimplefix]

This video only deals with TRRS and TRS wired buds or earphones.

[@olldlegend3699]

Hahaha lmfao

[@moonbeam112]

i haz airpods

[@billystephens5962]

Or go to pound land and by a new pair

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Great video but where on earth is it pronounced "sold-er"? I is correctly pronounced "sau-der".

[@mysimplefix]

Ha ha! I suppose it depends which country you live in. en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/solder

[@mysimplefix]

BTW, thanks!

[@HappyQuailsLC]

+Northcaledon Ah!That was what I first suspected but I didn't pick up on any clues that you might have been from another area. I'm glad I didn't offend you, I certainly meant no disrespect. I always hope to spare someone from the continued experience of using s mistaken word, although most times I end up saying nothing about it and moving on. I'm glad that in this case I was the one who was informed and spared the future misimpression.

[@justinlocke]

ear wax, problem solved.