Beats Studio Will Not Turn On

A device’s firmware is responsible for doling out instructions to the various parts of the system. Even headphones need some level of programming to accomplish all the things we expect of them. Damaged or outdated firmware can lead to any number of problems. Your headphones may be perfectly capable of powering on properly, but lack the correct instructions to do so.

• If you are connecting your Beats to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, firmware updates should come in automatically, or process alongside updates to the OS. Install any outstanding updates for your device, leave your headphones charging nearby and cross your fingers.
• If you use your Beats with an Android device download the Beats app from the Play Store. See if they are recognized in the app. If so, it may cue for a firmware upgrade. Follow the prompts to process it and retest for power once it has completed.
• There aren’t presently any update tools available for Mac or Windows, so if your Beats are truly not powering on, and you’ve never paired them with a mobile device, sit this one out and skip ahead.

Due to the repeat connect and disconnect nature of the port, it commonly undergoes significant wear. Ports often develop loose connections, bent pins or other failures which prevent power from getting to the components.

• Inspect the port with a flashlight to ensure there are no loose or bent pins. Ports are magnets for lint and other debris which may prevent your charger from making good contact.
• If you see any debris in the charge port, you can remove it with a toothpick or other non conductive material. Be mindful of any pins and avoid using any metal tools to clean the port unless the battery is disconnected.
• Ensure the cable seats properly and clicks into place. A loose connection could indicate the charge port is worn and needs to be replaced.
• Gently wiggle the cable inside the port. If it only charges at a specific angle, chances are high your port is faulty.

In over the head models, the battery is generally mounted within one ear speaker and circuit boards are within the other. If cables connecting the two are damaged or disconnected, the battery may be unable to transmit power to necessary components.

• Check for pinched or damaged cables. Hinges in the headband on over the head models are prime locations for this kind of failure.
• Gently wiggle cables near points of connection to see if you get power in a certain position

In cases where you can use your Beats Studios with an audio cable, but do not power up, this is a probability. An independent power source (the battery) is necessary for wireless function, but for wired function, all power is provided by the audio cable. Verify any

• Exercise caution when attempting to open any earbuds. The housings are less likely to go back together easily and adhesive is likely required.
• Beats Studio earbud connections are often directly soldered to the circuit board to minimize its size. Consult the relevant Guide or search around for some direction before conducting any surgery.

All rechargeable batteries have a shelf life. It’s a matter of science. The electrolyte necessary for repeat use is eventually depleted, preventing further charge from being stored. If the battery reaches a point in its life cycle where it can no longer accept incoming power, the headphones will cease to power on at all.

• This may be the case if you are able to get sound out with an audio cable. Or if you get brief flickers of life when pressing the power button. The battery may not have enough capacity left for wireless function.
• You can test battery charge levels with a multimeter to verify they are outputting adequate voltage.
  • Set the meter to DC voltage. Measure voltage between the red wire and the black wire leading from the battery.
  • Normal battery voltage is 3.7 volts. If you are getting less, charge for a a few hours and measure again. If the voltage is still less than the battery is rated for, it is likely to be faulty.
• Beats Headphone Batteries and Repair Guides for some models can be found right here at iFixit!

Unlike most laptops, or smartphones, most headphones do not have an auto-on function when power is connected. In fact, they are more likely to be unable to power on while charging.

• Verify your power button is depressing, or hitting some point of activation. If it doesn’t seem like it’s clicking, it probably isn’t. It may even be jammed in place altogether.
• Try giving the externals a good cleaning. A damp cloth will remove most gunk from the housing. A toothpick can be used to pick debris out of any crevices around the button which may be interfering with its use.
• If you suspect this is the issue, you may need to tear your unit apart to see if pressing button from the inside gets results.
  • Proceed with caution, some models will be difficult to open and are held together largely with plastic clips.
  • These buttons are typically part of a circuit board. The external button mechanism aligns with the button mounted to the board.The switch can be replaced if you are competent at soldering. Otherwise the board itself will need replacement. The one in this image below is a mute button, but the power button style is often identical.

Headphones are not exempt from falling prey to the arch enemy of electronics–liquids. Anything from rain to perspiration is liable to get into your headphones, performing nefarious acts of electronic destruction.

• Liquid can damage any of the parts on the inside of your Beats. You can check to see if your device has been affected without opening them, but opening them will help to pinpoint the issue.
• See if any part of the headphones has rusted or shows signs of liquid entry.
• If you see signs, inspect the device internals, if you are able. Replace any components which have been affected.
• Liquid damaged Studio Earbuds may be worth replacing altogether. They are considerably less repairable and are unlikely to be reassembled easily.