How to Wear Wired Earbuds (2024)

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Get a comfortable fit that stays put

By

Ruben Circelli

How to Wear Wired Earbuds (1)

Ruben Circelli

Editor

  • University of Massachusetts, Boston

Ruben Circelli has been a freelance technology writer and editor since 2014. His work has appeared on dozens of sites, including Komando.com, Twinfinite, and TheGamer.

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Updated on January 7, 2022

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What to Know

  • Always use earbud tips that fit your ears, and make sure to clean buds briefly before use.
  • Make sure the cable isn't tangled and goes under some clothing, if possible, for extra protection.
  • Transport earbuds in a case or safely wrapped around a device to avoid tangles.

This article explains how to wear wired earbuds, keep them from falling out, and transport them safely and securely.

How Are Wired Earbuds Supposed to Be Worn?

This may sound like a simple question, but there's actually more nuance to it than you might expect.

The simple fact of the matter is that, depending on your particular earbud's design and the shape of your ear, there's no guarantee an earbud will be a perfect fit for you no matter what you do, so oftentimes, there is no right or wrong when it comes to how you should wear an earbud. However, there are good practices to keep in mind.

  1. If your earbuds have a variety of differently-sized earbud tips, try the different sizes out to find the tip that's best suited to your ear.

    How to Wear Wired Earbuds (2)

  2. Before using a pair of earbuds or even connecting them to a device, make sure they're completely untangled. Even a small knot can cause them to fall out of your ears or even impact audio quality.

  3. No need for compressed air, but do blow on the port on the device you're connecting your earbuds to as well as your earbuds themselves to quickly dislodge any debris that might have gotten stuck first.

  4. Keep the device your earbuds are connected to as close to your ears as is comfortable to make sure you don't accidentally pull them out while moving around.

How Do I Keep My Earbuds From Falling Out?

There isn't an exact science to keeping your earbuds snugly in your ears, but there are steps you can take to keep falling out to a minimum.

  1. Make sure your earbuds fit your ears. Many earbuds come with differently-sized tips for different ear shapes. The ideal fit is snug but not tight. Don't try to squash an earbud tip that's too big into your ear, because you could end up hurting yourself.

    How to Wear Wired Earbuds (3)

  2. Keep your cord untangled. If there are knots or loops in your cord, it can easily get stuck on something and rip your earbuds out when moving. To combat this, it's best to thread your untangled earbuds under a jacket or similar article of clothing to keep the wire(s) from getting caught.

  3. Keep your connected device close. For example, most use earbuds with a phone. Modern phones can have large screens and a decent weight to them, so if you're particularly tall, the weight of your phone in your pocket might pull your earbuds out. Consider keeping your phone in a higher pocket or holding it in this situation.

How Do You Carry Wired Headphones?

Carrying wired headphones like earbuds properly is a big part of keeping them untangled.

  1. Make sure to transport earbuds untangled in your pocket. If they're untangled and neatly wrapped up, there's less of a chance they'll get tangled in your pocket and less of a chance they'll get damaged if you have to untangle them.

  2. If you can, wrapping earbuds around a device like a phone (though not too tightly) and then putting the phone in your pocket is a good way to keep earbuds untangled.

  3. If you're lucky enough to have earbuds that come with a case, use the carrying case to transport them. It will both protect them as well as keep them from getting tangled.

More Earbud Tips

While these tips are intended for wired earbuds, many also apply to wireless earbuds or wired headphones. Regardless of your specific device, keeping cables untangled, getting the right fit, and regular cleaning are essential for any audio device.

FAQ

  • How do I clean my wired earbuds?

    To clean earbuds, use an isopropyl alcohol solution diluted with distilled water. Dab a small amount on a clean cloth or cotton swab, then run it over the plastic and silicone surfaces. Don't forget to remove and thoroughly clean (inside and out) the silicone earbud tips.

  • How long do wired earbuds last?

    How long earbuds last depends on the quality, how often you use them, and how you take care of them. Cheap earbuds may stop working within six months, while higher-end devices can last up to five years.

  • How do I fix my wired earbuds?

    If your earbuds aren't working, unplug and reconnect them, then check the volume and power source. Check for frayed cords or broken plastic coating. You can repair the earbuds cable yourself if you have a soldering iron.

  • What are the best wired earbuds?

    The best wired earbuds include theBeats urBeats3 and the Shure SE215-CL. If you're constantly losing your headphones or putting them through the wash,consider the more budget-friendly 1MORE 1M301.

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How to Wear Wired Earbuds (2024)

FAQs

How do you get wired earbuds to stay in your ear? ›

How Do I Stop My Earbuds Falling Out?
  1. Check the User Manual for Markings and Instructions. ...
  2. Wear Your Earbuds the Right Way. ...
  3. Firmly Insert Your Earbuds in Your Ear. ...
  4. Choose the Right Ear Tips. ...
  5. Keep Sweat Out for Your Ears. ...
  6. Always Clean Your Earbuds. ...
  7. Don't Use Cotton Swabs to Clean Your Ears. ...
  8. Use Accessories for Extra Stability.
Nov 24, 2023

Why do people wear wired earbuds? ›

Headphones that you stick into a jack or charging port of your phone, computer and other devices typically cost less than comparable wireless models. Unlike wireless headphones, plug-in models don't have batteries that are destined to die. And they don't leave you stranded if you forget to charge them.

Why won't my earbuds stay in my ears? ›

If your earbuds don't seem to sit comfortably in your ears, you may simply need to insert them more carefully. Stretch your earlobe gently with one hand to open the ear canal while inserting each earbud, then release so that your ear cavity shapes itself around the earbud and forms a tight seal.

Why do my wired earbuds keep going in and out? ›

Check if the headphone jack is clean and free from any debris. Try using a different pair of headphones to see if the issue persists. Update the audio drivers on your Windows laptop. If none of the above steps work, you might need to consider getting the headphone jack repaired or replaced.

What are the best earbuds for not falling out? ›

The soundcore V30i is widely recognized as one of the best wireless earbuds that don't fall out, tailor-made for active lifestyles and audio enthusiasts alike. These earbuds are a testament to ergonomic design and superior sound quality, featuring an ultra-lightweight, open-ear construction.

What are the disadvantages of wired earbuds? ›

DISADVANTAGES OF WIRED HEADPHONES
  • Limits Movement: The wired headphones can restrict the movement of the users. You might have to limit your movement at times so that they do not tug the wires accidentally. ...
  • They are Fragile: The wires of the wired headphones are thin and fragile.
Apr 18, 2024

Should earbuds be tight or loose? ›

Seat the ear tip firmly

For optimum sound, seal your ear canal with the ear tip. Note that merely inserting an ear tip into your ear isn't always enough to form a perfect seal.

Where do earbuds sit in your ear? ›

In order for earbuds to effectively transmit sound, they need to be lodged in your ear canal and relatively close to your eardrum. Giving the earbuds 2–3 twists back and forth may help to lodge them in place.

Why are wired earbuds coming back? ›

Wired headphones are generally seen as more durable than wireless earbuds, as they don't rely on fragile batteries or complex charging mechanisms. With fewer electronic components, they tend to last longer, resulting in reduced electronic waste.

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