Ask iBAM: Broken-Off Headphone Jack

1287 days ago in Ask iBAM by Cheryl | 8 Comments

Photo Credit: DSCN6654.JPG by basictheory on Flickr

The “Ask iBAM” crew got this email a couple days ago from Wes:

I recently broke my headphone cord off in the headphone jack of my macbook. I heard an imic would work by plugging it into the usb jack, but when I tried to order the imic it was on back order. I really really want to be able to listen to music with my computer because that is what I use it for the most and I’m pretty upset right now. I was wondering if there is another product that does the same thing the imic does? Please answer my question asap because I really need to start making some music. Thanks in advance.

The iBoughtAMac staff batted the question around a bit and came up with the following:

Cheryl Colan responded with a focus on repair:

My advice would be to take the laptop over to an Apple Store (especially if you have an Apple Care Protection Plan) or certified Mac repair shop. A simple search revealed some people with this issue are told they have to replace the whole logic board, but others get the repair done cheap or even free.

If you feel the repair is too costly, there are a few methods for getting the broken piece of jack out, hopefully without damaging your MacBook (repeat my search and read results for details):

• You should not try a magnet. Usually the jack isn’t magnetic, like brass. Magnets aren’t especially good around hard drives.
• Several people reported success cutting off the end of a cotton swab and using that to snag and remove the broken jack tip.
• Others have used a toothpick and a tiny dot of superglue. Only attempt with a steady hand, and give the glue plenty of time to bond with the jack tip before attempting to pull it out.
• You can try a removal tool like splinter forceps or any number of cell phone repair tools. I’d take the battery out before inserting metal forceps into your headphone jack to prevent shorting anything in your computer.

Ted Byars had the following suggestion for replacement of lost function:

To my knowlege, unless you buy a usb audio interface, there isn’t much on the market for a mac. Back in the bluberry imac days there was a company making a thumb drive looking interface w/ a 1/8 in jack. You might be able to find one on ebay.

Of course you should always take utmost care in attempting a repair, and when in doubt, let the professionals handle it.

How about you, readers? Do you have further suggestions for Wes? Let us know in the comments!