Find the cause step by step
- Before the multimeter, use the test above: knowing which side fails saves time.
- Set the multimeter to resistance (Ω), 200-ohm range, and touch the probes together: it should read close to zero.
- TRS plug (3 contacts, 2 black rings): measure tip + sleeve (left) and ring + sleeve (right).
- TRRS plug (4 contacts, 3 black rings): ground is ring 2 and the sleeve is the mic. Measure tip + ring 2 (left) and ring 1 + ring 2 (right).
- Both sides should read about the same. One side at 1 or OL: a broken wire or an open driver on that side.
- Keep the probes on the plug and slowly bend the cable near the plug and near the ear cup. If the reading jumps, the loose contact is at that spot.
Symptom, cause and fix
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Both sides 16 to 32 ohms | Wires and drivers are fine | Look for the problem in the device or jack |
| One side reads 1 or OL | Broken wire or open driver | Find the spot by bending the cable; repair or replace |
| Reading jumps when bending the cable | Loose contact near the plug | Replace the plug or cable |
| Almost zero ohms | Shorted wires | Open the plug or replace the cable |
Related questions
Can I test Bluetooth headphones with a multimeter?
Not at a plug, since they don’t have one. For Bluetooth, use the side test above: if one side won’t play and the battery is charged, it’s an internal fault.
What reading is normal?
Close to the impedance printed on the box. Most regular headphones are between 16 and 32 ohms; studio headphones can be 80 or 250 ohms.
The readings are normal but one side is still silent. What now?
The headphones are probably fine. Test on another device and check the jack: lint, a 4-contact plug in a 3-contact jack, or the sound balance.
How do I test a headphone jack with a multimeter?
With the device off, use continuity mode and check that each contact inside the jack connects to its pad on the board. It’s bench work: first try a pair you know works in that jack, with the test above.
More problems: headphone test
- Headphones only working on one side? How to fix it
- Headphones making static noise: causes and fixes
- Bluetooth headphones won’t connect to your phone: how to fix it
- Bluetooth headphones won’t connect to your PC or laptop: how to fix it
- Headphones not working on your laptop or PC: what to do
- Wired headphones not working on your phone: how to fix it
- Only one earbud connecting? How to get both playing again
- One side of your headphones is quieter than the other: how to fix it
- Headphones left and right reversed: how to fix it
- Headphone volume too low: how to make it louder
- Earbuds not charging in the case: how to fix it
- Headphones only work after restarting the computer: how to fix it
- Which side is left on headphones? L and R explained
- How to test headphones on a phone, iPhone, laptop or PC
Open the full headphone test →
Updated November 12, 2026.