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Question

Dell Inspiron 3521: Laptop doesn't recognize headphones

Feb 2, 2015 2:55AM PST

I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 running Windows 8. Recently, my headphone jack stopped working. My speakers work fine, but every time I plug in my headphones, my computer doesn't recognize them and the sound comes from the speakers instead of the headphones. I tried various headphones and even bought new ones, but none of them work. I've checked for updates, and tried troubleshooting, but no problems are detected. Sometimes, the I get spam notifications of my headphones being plugged in and unplugged. I think the problem might be my headphone jack as, if I put the headphones a certain way, they temporarily work. PLS HELP!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Since it sounds like a hardware issue.
Feb 2, 2015 2:59AM PST

Most Windows 8 laptops are in warranty. I'd call it in for repair if the short blast of canned air on the jack port doesn't help.
Bob

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I'll try
Feb 4, 2015 10:22PM PST

Laptop is about a year old, so don't have a warranty. I'll try the blast of air and if that doesn't work, will probably go to a local technician

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There are cheaper fixes.
Feb 4, 2015 11:58PM PST
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Answer
Is there a speaker output on back of it?
Feb 3, 2015 4:50AM PST

Use that instead.

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No
Feb 4, 2015 10:24PM PST

I don't have any inputs or outputs on the back, as it is a laptop. I only have one audio input on the left side. That's the one, I'm having problems with.