[Johnny2R]

I have an LG G5 phone with a B&O Hi-Fi Plus DAC module, which provides really good sound. The trouble is that the headphone socket seems a bit dodgy - if I so much as touch the plug of the headphones, it switches off (the phone detects the plugging in of headphones and switches to the Hi-Fi DAC, away from its normal socket). This is getting pretty annoying and I'm wondering whether it's just a case of the socket being dirty. What would be the best way to clean this?

 

[megabigeye]

If there is debris in the socket, you might be able to use something like a toothpick to fish it out. If you use something conductive like a needle it might be a good idea to turn the phone off first. Or maybe use compressed air to blow it out.

 

[GREQ]

Other troubleshooting methods for sockets include using a needle or toothpick to bend the contact pins ever so slightly more into the socket so they are more likely to maintain a secure contact.
I doubt the problem is oxidation, but a small cotton bud (maybe tear off a bit of cotton first so it's not too fat) with a bit of alcohol or electronic cleaner would clean up whatever might be on the contacts.

If none of those (and the post above) suggestions work, it might be a problem with the plugs you are plugging into the socket, or a loose cable connection at the base of the socket.

 

[Raketen]

I doubt the problem is oxidation, but a small cotton bud (maybe tear off a bit of cotton first so it's not too fat) with a bit of alcohol or electronic cleaner would clean up whatever might be on the contacts.

Have had this issue several times- (sweat and ocean air love brass contacts). DeOxit is also handy- not so thin and more plastic friendly (less likely to seep into/damage screens etc) than standard electronic cleaner/IPA, though expensive and also a bit adhesive to lint.

 

[tomb]

I've had good luck with Rail Zip: https://www.zapglue.com/corrosion-inhibitors. You can get it from Amazon or any hobby shop that sells model trains. It is specifically formulated to not harm plastic. It's used to increase the electrical contact and clean the rail-to-wheels electrical connection with model trains. When I used it, I applied it to the headphone plug and then plugged it in and out a few times. This will increase the electrical contact/remove corrosion at the same time in the jack.

Note that if you are talking about small 3.5mm jacks, the issue is most often not corrosion, unfortunately. The springs on 3.5mm jacks are so small that metal fatigue is more likely. IOW, the tension is lost on the springs. A corrosion inhibitor/electrical contact enhancer is not going to fix that. It's definitely worth a try, however, and the Rail Zip stuff - used judiciously - will not hurt.

 

[Johnny2R]

I would hope it's not wear on the socket, as it really hasn't been used that much. Thanks for the suggestions, all, I'll have a go.