So I got my earphone jack port cover replacement parts from Ebay.
(Will talk more if you need this explained)
I recently posted a problem with my Xperia Z where the earphone port cover keeps popping out by itself.
For some people who has the same issue, here's how I fixed it.
(If you are looking for a quick fix, I'm afraid this isn't for you. The steps below involve getting replacement parts.)
Part 1
First things first!
Before ordering anything from anyone, you would want to try first if you can remove the port covers MacGyver-style.
I wanted to make a video but I'm kind-of in panic to get this over with to setup a video shoot! Don't worry I promise to make it as visual as possible.
Step A.
Gather your tools.
What I used:
- twist ties
- tweezers
[caption id="attachment_203" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Twist ties (those little pieces of twisty things that puts your cable together when you buy them)[/caption]Step B.
Peel off the plastic casing of the twist ties.
I left the other half on just so I have something to hold on to.
Step C.
Bend the bare half of the twist ties all the way down.
[caption id="attachment_205" align="alignnone" width="300"]
With the round-ish tip. NOT pointed.[/caption]Try not to make the bent area too flat or pointed. You would need that later. Make it flat enough sideways by putting and pulling it between the tweezers this way.
Step D.
Open the earphone port but keep the plastic strip half-way in.
Step E.
Insert the bare part of the twist ties inside the hole of the plastic strip on the shorter side of the cover. Take note this plastic strip has a hook-like tip on the other side.
Insert the twist ties on the opposite side of the earphone jack and push it far down as you can. Just don't push it too hard so you don't bend it instead of getting it inside.
Here's how it should look like when it's inside, maybe this will give you a better picture.
Step F.
This is the part where it gets tricky. When the twist tie is further down as possible, pull the cover as high up as you can. Then pull the twist tie trying to scoop out the "hook" plastic tip of the cover. This took me several tries before actually making it work--tip: When they're both as nearly getting out of the hole, just pull them together and pull with pressure, it isn't likely to tear apart that way.
After several tries and a lot of patience, the cover should be out. Putting it back in is a lot easier.
Since the hook tip already flattened a bit, I just pushed it back my hands, no tools or what.
Part 2
Step 1:
Hop on over to Ebay.com and get yourself a new set of port cover replacement parts.
Now you know it's possible for you to possible for you to replace it yourself, get the replacement parts. Some have suggested they are available on Rounded.com which is good if you're in the UK. But if want it shipped in South-east Asia (like here in Manila), Ebay stores from Hongkong sellers sounds good enough (and they're cheaper). I even got mine with Free Postage.
[caption id="attachment_208" align="alignnone" width="844"]
I really recommend this seller since I got my order pretty fast.Seller: gsm4world[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_209" align="alignnone" width="167"]
Xperia Z port cover replacement parts (Set of 4)[/caption]Step 2:
Once you get your hands on the replacement parts, pull out the faulty one just like how you did it in Part 1.
This should be fairly easy now 'cause you've done it already a little loose.
Step 3:
Insert the new port cover.
This was harder than putting back the old one since it's new and stiff (or at least that's what I got). I had to push the hook part with the end of a twist tie (not bent) to get it in.
And that's it!
While getting an Xperia Z1 to get rid of the earphone port cover sounds like a great idea, maybe you should think twice because Z1 still has other port covers around it, too!
Hope this helps. If you have any questions, just leave a message/comment!
