Headphones Not Working on iPad But Working on Computer?

[udontno]

I work in a school and I have several pairs of headphones that will not work with student iPads. I thought maybe they had shorted out or something. When I tested them with a computer, they worked just fine.

Any idea why the headphones stopped working with the iPads? It is strange to me that they won't work with the iPads but they will work with a computer.

 

[BrianBaughn]

There could be something particular about the plug that isn't fitting or compatible with the iPads but that wouldn't make sense if they worked previously (you said, "stopped working").

What model are the iPads and what brand and model are the headphones?

 

[udontno]

There could be something particular about the plug that isn't fitting or compatible with the iPads but that wouldn't make sense if they worked previously (you said, "stopped working").

What model are the iPads and what brand and model are the headphones?

Yeah, these were headphones that they have had for several months and then they just quit on us.

We have a lot of iPads of various models (we have purchased over time for 650ish students and are currently on a four year upgrade cycle I think, roughly 300 students have Eggheads headphones like the ones in the link but we don't have the chew resistant cord).

Most of our iPads are on iOS 11 still, but some have been upgraded to 12. We haven't all made the move because our kids take state standardized tests on their iPads and they don't want any sort of hairy situation before testing time. One grade level has iPads model A1893 and they have probably 6 incidents of headphones no longer working with their iPads (out of 100 pairs).

 

[BrianBaughn]

And the 6 not-working headphones work OK on the other 94 iPads?

Does another kind of headphone work on the 6 iPads?

 

[udontno]

And the 6 not-working headphones work OK on the other 94 iPads?

Does another kind of headphone work on the 6 iPads?

When I have tested the not working headphones in other iPads, they have not worked in other iPads. I have been able to get some of the not working headphones to work in an iPhone 6s Plus and in a computer.

When I have tested kids' iPads who had headphones that didn't work with other headphones, they worked. The teachers returned the headphones to me since they couldn't get them to work in any iPad in the classroom. I can't seem to wrap my brain around why they aren't working in iPads, but will work in other devices.

 

[mofunk]

idk if this might help or not.

I've noticed some of those headsets that 5 Below and Target sell will work on some portable devices and some don't. I tested a pair on my iPhone and they worked fine. But on one of my students Android tablet, they didn't work. They look like a good deal but they aren't. These headsets are similar to what you have in the link.

My guess is if they work on your computers and not the iPads, maybe the length of the Audio Connector is not 3.5mm (1/8"). Its basically not reaching the right parts. It could be either too thin or short. There is a flaw in those types of headsets. You are better off going with a brand thats been around longer like Koss or Panasonic or even Sony.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/sear...=fct_brand_name|koss&srtclk=sort&N=3753775955


Another option is going with in-ear headphones and use some cleaning wipes after each use. Teachers and Parents can donate the headphones that they don't use which came with their mobile phones. You can store them by getting a small container. Get the cardboard from a paper towel holder. Cut into 4 pieces around. Use that as a crate to store the ear buds in so that they don't get tangled up.

 

[BrianBaughn]

I'll go along with mofunk and say that it's possible the manufacturing tolerance of the inexpensive headphones is affecting their performance on iPads.

I've had some 3.5mm connectors that I had to trim/shave off some of the plastic at the plug (with a razor sharp blade) for them to be properly seated into particular devices or adapters.

 

[udontno]

Yeah, the headphones themselves aren’t that great to begin with. The school system had money to purchase headphones and someone had seen these at a conference and loved them. I wish I knew who that was so I could tell them we are not in love lol.

My current plan is to just keep the ones that won’t work with iPads in my computer lab. Not a total loss, but still aggravating.

 

[mofunk]

I've purchased those $5 headphones maybe twice and I won't do it again for the reasons that you mentioned. I like giving the young kids in my family headphones. So I will look in stores when they mark them down. JL Audio is sold in Office Max and Target and when I can I'll wait till they mark them down to $5-7. They've lasted fairly well with kids.

Only other option is to collect unused earbuds from friends and family.

 

[udontno]

I've purchased those $5 headphones maybe twice and I won't do it again for the reasons that you mentioned. I like giving the young kids in my family headphones. So I will look in stores when they mark them down. JL Audio is sold in Office Max and Target and when I can I'll wait till they mark them down to $5-7. They've lasted fairly well with kids.

Only other option is to collect unused earbuds from friends and family.

I definitely wouldn’t purchase them but I am kinda stuck since the school system has purchased so many and every kid K-2 has to have a pair. I can’t buy 300ish pairs of headphones. I wish the school would just require students to bring their own.

 

[mofunk]

Yeah if you ask the students to bring their own, you could say it's because we are trying to cut down on cross contamination. lol