
If your iPhone XR is stuck in headphone mode after an iOS update, it may think headphones are still connected, even when they’re not. This issue can cause audio to stop playing through the speakers. Here’s how to fix it using simple steps like cleaning the port, restarting the device, or resetting settings.
5 Solutions to Fix iPhone XR Stuck in Headphone Mode
Solution 1: Restart your iPhone X
We will start with a straightforward and popular solution to fix iPhone X stuck in headphone mode after updating iPhone X.
- Press and hold the Side button and any of the Volume buttons until you see the “Slide to power off your phone” screen.
- After a few seconds, again press and hold the Side button to start the device.

Solution 2: Clean the Headphone jack
Use the Correct Tools to clean up your Headphone jack. (Check-in Video below)
iPhone X or Later (iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS): use Hair Dye or a paintbrush that must be dry and Moisture-free.

For iPhone 6 and earlier models, use a ballpoint pen to clean the round headphone jack. Ensure that you cover the inner area while cleaning.
Check the Hands-on Video that Fixed iPhone Stuck in Headphone mode.

Solution 2: Check Call Audio Routing
Your iPhone automatically recognizes your calling situation with this option. If you connect headphones or AirPods to your iPhone, you’ll hear music and calls through those accessories. If not, the sound will come from the normal speaker.
- Launch the Settings app
- Scroll to Accessibility
- Select the Touch option.
- Click on Call Audio Routing
- Choose Automatic.
Solution 3: Reset all Settings
If restarting iPhone X doesn’t work out for you then you should try to reset all settings. When you reset all settings, all changes you have made to the settings will be reset to their default values. Your data on the iPhone is safe with this solution.
- Go to “Settings”
- Tap “General”.
- Scroll all the way to Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap “Reset.”
- Select “Reset all Settings”.
- Enter the passcode to proceed.

Solution 4: Check for Updates
To avoid errors while using iOS, make sure your device is updated to the latest version. Check for updates and update your iPhone X if necessary. Hint – Fix: Unable to Check for Update on iPhone.
- Open “Settings”
- Click on “General”.
- Tap “Software Update”.

Solution 5: Restore iPhone XR using iTunes or DFU mode Restore
Restoring your iPhone XR on a Mac can help fix software issues or prepare it for a fresh start. Here’s how to restore it using Finder. Before proceeding with the following steps, please ensure that you take a fresh backup of your device.
Steps to Restore iPhone XR on Mac:
- Connect your iPhone XR to the Mac using a USB cable.
- Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later).
- Select your iPhone from the Finder sidebar under Locations.
- Click General in the button bar.
- Click Restore iPhone.
- Confirm your action and wait for the process to complete.
- After restore, set up your iPhone as new or from a backup.
Give us a thumbs up if these tips help you resolve your iPhone XR issue of being stuck in headphone mode after a call, playing a game, watching a video, or other similar scenarios.
