Wired Headphones not recognised after latest update

Hi there from Germany. I have a fairphone 5 and am happy, but…Since the last system update on my Fairphone 5 (Android 15, Android security update: 5 April 2026), the headphones connected via a working DAC adapter (Anker USB-C to 3.5mm audio jack with DAC) no longer work. I’ve tested two different pairs of headphones, no success on both of them. Troubleshooting: the adapter and headphones work perfectly on a Google Pixel. The USB-C port works for both charging and data transfer to a laptop. In the developer options, I have checked USB auto-debugging and also checked the USB audio routing settings. I have also tried restarting the Fairphone several times, without success. I don’t know what to do. I checked similar posts on related issues, but couldn’t find an answer. Can you help?

Many greetings, Stefan

hello and welcome to the community forum

there is a dedicated audio test included in internal testing
I don’t remember the name (my FP5 is now travelling for repair) but it should be suggested to you via self-repair portal, have you tried that?

Hi Meaghan,

thanks for your welcome and your idea. Yes, I have tried that test *#*#2886#*#*, Manu, Digital Accessory, then it just says: “Please insert headset” (DAC-Adapter + headphones were connected, of course). USB 3.0: “please connect USB 3.0 Cable”. So the test did not really help, unfortunately. I am a bit stuck….

It’s strange, since the USB-C-Port works for loading as well as for data transfer. And it did work with the adapter and the headphones before. That’s why I suppose the issue is related to that latest update.

Hi,
the other idea would be to swap the USB as it might be the hardware issue.
perhaps there is an Angel nearby?

Hi Meaghan, thanks, so you think the USB-C-Port could be malfunctioning even though it loads electricity and transfers data? There are Angels within 80 km…

Hi, apologies but I can’t say I think that or this cause I don’t really know for sure.

My USB was obviously a hardware issue, others reported on the forum mostly fell to the same category (but not all).
I don’t remember a case where data transfer worked but not audio but I cannot exclude the possibility of hardware issues.

There was also a case of re-aligning the cables which worked

but please note that we are brainstorming here:)

Thanks, I understand, so switching the usbc-port is something I keep in mind. It doesn’s seem to be a very pressing issue for many, maybe bluetooth headphones rule these days. I had read that post with the re-aligning cables….that’s crazy, sounds too complicated for a tech-dummy likek myself. Your brainstorming is much appreciated! I’ve reached out to an Angel, too. Maybe she know something.

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Update: I haven’t been lucky enough to get an answer from an angel. The problem persists. Does anyone know a good way to let the developpers from fairphone learn about the problem? Maybe a future update might address that…Cheers, Stefan

The best way to contact the Fairphone and report a problem is via the self-repair portal

However I would doubt it is the update related, as there would be more reports on the forum. It also looks to me as your phone fails the audio tests pointing to the hardware issue - would you consider sending the phone for repair? or paying for the new USB out of pocket?

Thanks a lot! ill I am not too enthusiastic about sending the phone for repair, since I need it daily, actually…and I am also not thrilled about trying to change the USB myself. I am not very talended with repairs and whether or not it will help, seems a bit uncertain.