Best Ways to Fix Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Headphone Jack / Adapter Not Working Issue

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are great devices that come with a lot of cool features. However, one feature that you will find missing on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro is the headphone jack. Google ditched the headphone jack on its Pixel smartphones long back. This led to the need for adapters for those still wanting to use wired headphones.

Wired headphones surely have an advantage over wireless ones, especially in terms of latency and audio quality. If you got yourself a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter and find it to be not working with your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, you are in the right place. Let’s take a look at why this issue might happen and what you can do to fix it.

Why Is the Pixel 8 / 8 Pro Headphone Jack / Adapter Not Working?

There can be several reasons why your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro’s headphone jack adapter might not be working. Understanding the root causes of this problem is essential for efficient troubleshooting. There are a number of possible causes for this issue:

1. Physical Damage: Damage to the headphone jack, adapter, or connecting cable might often be the root of the problem. Frayed wires, disconnected connectors, and bent pins all fall into this category. Any disruption to the connection, no matter how small, can cause audio issues.
2. Dust and Debris: The headphone jack is prone to collecting dust and other particles over time. This accumulation might hinder or prevent audio transmission between the adapter and the phone.
3. Software Glitches: Bugs and glitches in the operating system can cause all sorts of problems for your phone, including the inability to use the headphone port.
4. Audio Output Settings: Incorrectly configuring the adapter’s audio output parameters can cause unexpected behavior. It is a result of the phone’s default setting to play sound through the speaker system rather than the headphone socket.
5. Compatibility Issues: Unfortunately, not all adapters for headphone jacks are compatible with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Problems with connectivity can arise if you use unapproved or unsuitable adapters.
6. Third-Party Apps: Occasionally, third-party apps that adjust audio settings or behavior can interfere with the headphone jack’s functioning.
7. System Updates: Updates to the system are a double-edged sword; while they can resolve certain difficulties, they can also cause others to surface. An outdated software or a system update may cause the jack to no longer work with some of your headphones or adapters.
8. Corrosion: Adapters are susceptible to corrosion in wet settings, which can degrade their performance. Isopropyl alcohol is a useful tool for cleaning connectors and preventing this issue.
9. App Conflicts: Certain apps, especially ones dedicated to audio or equalizers, can interfere with the headphone jack’s performance.

14 Fixes For Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Headphone Jack / Adapter Not Working Issue

Now that we have seen what’s causing this issue, we can start troubleshooting it. We will start with the basic steps first to make sure there are no issues with the adapter itself. Then, we will move on to some software fixes. Make sure to try all the fixes to get the issue resolved properly.

Fix 1: Buy an Official Adapter From Google

You can avoid the headphone jack in the first place if you are using Google’s official USB-C headphone adapter. When functionality and dependability are paramount, go with the official adapter.

You’re less likely to have problems with connectivity while using official Google accessories. Google sells a headphone jack adapter that will allow you to get the most out of your headphones. You can purchase an official USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for your headphones from the Google Store.

Fix 2: Check the Adapter and Cable

If your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro’s headphone jack adapter still isn’t working, you should check the adapter and cable first. This fix is crucial since physical damage or wear and tear are common causes of connection problems.

Inspect the adapter’s connector and the headphone jack for any damaged or bent pins. If any of the pins on your adapter are bent, you may experience connectivity troubles with your phone.

Make sure that neither the cables nor the adapter’s connectors are loose or wobbly. Examine the cable for signs of fraying or exposed wiring. If broken cables are the root of your connectivity problems, you may need to get new ones.

Fix 3: Clean the Jack

Dust getting into the jack is another common cause of the headphone jack not working. A visual inspection of the adapter and cable will tell whether they require cleaning. Debris and dust can accumulate over time and hinder the connection. Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the contacts.

Fix 4: Check Audio Output Settings

Sometimes, certain software settings can be incorrect, causing the issue. Among these settings is the audio output setting. Check if the audio output is set to your headphones. Set your phone so that it plays the audio through the headphone jack instead of the internal speakers.

A simple change in these settings could be responsible for the headphone jack adapter not working. Follow the steps below to change the audio output:

1. Swipe down to reveal the Quick Settings panel.
2. Make sure you are playing something on your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro.
3. Tap on the tiny pill in the top right corner of the music playback notification.
4. Select your headphones as the audio output.

Fix 5: Restart Your Phone

Simply restarting your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro may fix the issue. The headphone jack adapter issue is only one of many software issues that this simple fix can solve. There may be no need for in-depth troubleshooting if rebooting your phone clears up temporary issues and refreshes the system. Follow these steps to restart your phone:

1. Press and hold the Power and the Volume Down buttons simultaneously until you see the Power Off menu.
2. Once the Power Off menu appears, tap on Restart.

Fix 6: Check for Software Updates

You should prioritize installing the latest software update for your phone. Google releases updates to fix the bugs and improve compatibility. Check for software updates if your earbuds/headphone jack adapter is misbehaving. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on System.
3. Then, tap on Software Update.
4. Tap on Check for updates at the bottom right corner of the screen.
5. Then, tap on Download & install. If you don’t see this option, it means that your phone is up to date.
6. Once the update is installed, tap on Restart.

Recent updates frequently feature bug fixes and enhancements that may provide a solution. You should check for and install these updates on a regular basis to keep your device running smoothly.

Fix 7: Reset All Settings

In some cases, the problems we face call for a more global approach. If the problem persists after adjusting various settings, resetting your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro settings to default may be your best option. This reset will restore the device to its original settings without erasing any of your personal data. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on System.
3. Then, tap on Reset options.
4. Tap on Reset app preferences.
5. Then, tap on Reset settings.
6. Enter your lock screen’s password, PIN, or pattern to proceed.
7. Finally, tap on Reset settings again.
8. Check to see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 8: Safe Mode Test

Booting your phone into Safe Mode is a good way to see if the adapter is functional. Test the adapter’s functionality in Safe Mode to see if it’s a third-party app creating problems. A malicious third-party app could be at blame in this case. Uninstall any suspicious apps in order to determine which, if any, is at fault. Follow the steps below to do the safe mode test:

1. Press and hold the Power and the Volume Down buttons simultaneously until you see the Power Off menu.
2. Once the Power Off menu appears, tap and hold the Power Off option.
3. Tap on Safe Mode and confirm.
4. Once you are in Safe Mode, check to see if the headphone jack is now working.
5. If the issue is resolved, then there is a third-party app causing the issue. If not, the issue lies somewhere else.
6. Now, restart your phone to exit the Safe Mode.
7. After the restart, uninstall any suspicious or malicious apps that could be causing the issue.
8. If the issue is resolved after uninstalling a specific app, then it is the culprit.

Fix 9: Try Different Headphones

It’s also possible that the headphones themselves are defective and not the adapter. Try a new pair of headphones to help determine if the problem is the headphones themselves or the adapter.

If the new headphones work with the adapter, then the original headphones might be at fault. Replace your headphones or inspect for physical damage on the original headphones to fix this issue. Make sure to insert the headphone jack properly into the adapter.

Fix 10: Test Adapter on Another Device

If the issue persists, try using the adapter with a different device. If the adapter works with another device but not with your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, the problem is probably with your device rather than the adapter. We can rule out a hardware issue with the adapter by doing this test.

If the adapter is working on another device, this means that it is not at fault and your device is faulty. If the adapter is not working on another device as well, this means that it is faulty, and you need to buy a new one.

Fix 11: Check for Physical Damage

If your headphone jack adapter is still not working, then it might be damaged and needs to be replaced. Check that the jack, adapter, and cable for your headphones are clean and flawless. Check for things like frayed wires, unplugged connectors, and bent pins. Usually, it is not possible to repair such damages, and it is better to get a new one instead.

Fix 12: Factory Reset (Optional)

If nothing else helps, try resetting your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro to factory settings. Beware, though; doing so will completely erase all data from your device. A factory reset should fix any software-related issues and return your phone to its original settings. Before you proceed further, make sure that you have the latest backup of your data. Follow the steps below:

1. Make sure your device’s data is backed up.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Scroll down and tap on System.
4. Then, tap on Reset options.
5. Tap on Erase all data (factory reset).
6. Then, tap on Erase all data at the bottom right.
7. Enter your lock screen’s password, PIN, or pattern to proceed.
8. Finally, tap on Reset again.
9. This might take some time, depending on how much data you have on your Pixel to erase.
10. Set up your device and check to see if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 13: Contact Google Support

If you’ve tried everything else without any luck, you should contact Google’s support team. They will be able to provide you with information specific to your device. If your product is still under warranty, they should help you with your repair or replacement options and inform you of any known issues and their solutions.

Fix 14: Consider Wireless Alternatives

If the headphone jack adapter is still not working, consider going wireless instead. Bluetooth headphones or earbuds are a convenient and trustworthy substitute for the 3.5 mm audio connector. This solution might give you a perfect audio experience on your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro without the hassle of having to carry an adapter. However, the latency might be better than your wired headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where there is no headphone jack on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro?

Google ditched the headphone port on its Pixel smartphones to make room for better design and new functionality. Despite mixed reactions to Google’s decision to ditch the headphone jack, the company has made it simple for customers to continue plugging in their wired headphones thanks to a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Do third-party headphone jack adapters work with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro?

The official Google USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is the safest choice for your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, although third-party adapters will also work. You may have the entire faith that an official Google adapter will perform without any complications on your device. It’s important to remember that external adapters can vary greatly in both quality and compatibility.

Why is my adapter not working with certain headphones, even though it’s an official Google adapter?

The official Google adapter might not be compatible with your headphones. This is due to the fact that there is a large range of TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ting-Sleeve) headphone setups. If problems persist, contact Google’s support team after making sure the adapter is TRRS-compatible.

My headphone jack adapter worked perfectly before, but now it’s not. What could be the issue?

The adapter could stop working if you install new software, update your operating system, or face even modest hardware issues. If your headphones suddenly stop working, try restarting your phone, checking your audio settings, and cleaning the jack. If none of these work, you may need to contact Google for assistance or restore your phone to its factory settings.

Are there any alternatives to using a headphone jack adapter with my Pixel 8 or 8 Pro?

Wireless Bluetooth headphones or earbuds are a convenient alternative to wired headphones. These wireless options allow the transmission of sound without the need for a headphone jack. Although these can be a tad bit expensive, they are worth the price.

How to check the authenticity of my headphone jack adapter?

All Google-verified adapters are legit and packaged uniformly. Look for a serial number, a QR code, or some other indication of product legitimacy on the box. To avoid unintentionally purchasing a counterfeit adapter, stick to the official stores.

Final Words

That’s how you fix the adapter not working on Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. We hope that these solutions have helped you fix the issue and get back to listening on your wired headphones. If the issue still persists, make sure to contact the Google Support team. However, if the issue has been resolved, let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading till the end!