iPad randomly changes music and volume when headphones are plugged in

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPad randomly changes music and volume when headphones are plugged in

Dear Apple Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well.

I'm reaching out regarding a recurring issue I've been experiencing with my iPad when playing music through a wired connection. Every time I connect my headphones or audio cable, the device begins to behave unpredictably. The music will randomly stop and start, the volume fluctuates on its own, and sometimes the iPad switches between apps or even changes the track without any input from me.

There are no buttons on the cable, and I’ve confirmed that it’s securely connected. I’ve also tried restarting the device, but the problem persists. It feels as though the iPad has a mind of its own when it comes to audio playback.

Could you please advise on what might be causing this and how I can resolve it? I’d appreciate any guidance or troubleshooting steps you can offer.

Thank you for your time and support.

Best regards, Tariq

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: My music control panels has a mind of its own

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Sep 12, 2025 09:15 AM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,137 points

Sep 13, 2025 09:50 PM in response to Tariqan

Hi Tariq,

welcome to this Apple (user-to-user) Community.

Re: "My music control panels has a mind of its own"

Thank you for your post to the Apple Support Team. As we are a community of Apple users, like yourself, who are doing what we can to help each other troubleshoot, Apple Support is unlikely to see your post here.

You may want to check you are using the newest iPadOS version available:

Eg: About iPadOS 18 Updates - Apple Support says: iPadOS 18.6.2

and "This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users."

If you wish: You can check in Settings > General > Software Updates to see if an update is available

(NB: If you choose to update: It is always wise to back-up iPad before updating the iPad OS

Else: To contact Apple Support, you may want to try visiting the Apple Music Support website:

Eg: There is a "Get Support - start now" link (online chat / phone / email etc) at the bottom of their website that opens from the link: Music - Official Apple Support

All the best :-)

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Answer 2

Sep 14, 2025 02:46 AM in response to Tariqan

Some questions...:

What model of iPad are you using?
To what are you connecting your iPad?
Are you using an Adapter of some kind?
What type of cable is being used?
If using wired headphones with your iPad, have you tried substituting the headphones - or if connecting to external equipment, substituted the wiring?

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