Symptoms
- Cable has visible kinks or permanent bends
- Sound cuts out at a specific bend point in the cable
- Cable tangles easily every time it's stored
- Outer cable jacket is fraying or cracking
Likely causes
- CommonWrapping the cable too tightly or in a small loop repeatedlyTight winding stresses the internal wires and jacket at the same points every time.
- CommonStoring headphones loose in a bag with other itemsLoose storage leads to tangling and the cable getting caught or crushed by other objects.
- CommonNatural wear at stress points like the plug and Y-split over timeThese are the most flexed points and wear out first.
- PossibleExposure to heat, like being left in a hot carHeat can make cable insulation brittle and more prone to cracking.
What to do
- Wind the cable loosely using the over-under technique (alternating loop direction) instead of wrapping tightly in one direction.
- Use a cable clip, velcro tie, or the included pouch to store headphones instead of loosely in a bag.
- If a specific bend point causes sound issues, apply a small amount of heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape as a temporary reinforcement.
- Avoid wrapping the cable around your phone or other devices tightly, which creates consistent stress points.
- For a fraying cable, consider a replacement cable if your headphones support a detachable one.
- Keep headphones away from extreme heat sources like a hot car dashboard.
Tools and parts
- Electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing (optional)
Replacement headphone cableSearch: “replacement headphone cable”
When to call a pro
If the cable is severely damaged and not replaceable, and the headphones are otherwise in good shape, a repair shop can sometimes resolder a new cable in for a fee comparable to a mid-range cable replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.