What wired headphones to use with GrapheneOS?

gvprtskvni

The first ones I used where relitively cheap earbuds with a build in USB-C plug. They appeared to work well enough, but I soon realised that they constantly lose connection while I'm walking or sometimes just moving slightly. And due to (I assume) GrapheneOS's security features, whenever it disconnects I have to unplug them, then unlock the phone, and then reinsert them, which is a pain in the ass to do every few minutes. I tried other similar models but they all had the same problem plus very noticeable white noise.

I was then recommended to buy an expensive 3.5mm to Usb-c adaptor, Fiio KA11, which was supposed to be better. And it was much better initially, for all of two weeks. And now it too does the exact same thing as the ones I had prior.

What am I doing wrong? Am I the only one having these issues? This is extremely frustrating and expensive. I'm this close to just giving up and going back to Bluetooth earbuds. Though I really don't want to for the sake of peace of mind, knowing the security issues with Bluetooth.

Johnnyloans

gvprtskvni constantly lose connection

Your usb-c port could have debris in it. clean with a tiny sewing needle with the phone turned off. Don't scratch the center chip. focus on the outter edges with the point.

gvprtskvni I have to unplug them, then unlock the phone, and then reinsert them

There is a security feature under settigns > security > exploit protection > usb-c port
perhaps yours is set to charge only while locked (not sure if this effects wired headphones)

Other than that I don't know. With any wires, I try to not have them make sharp bends or bend back and forth when wound up or stored.

gvprtskvni

Johnnyloans It's definitively the plug and or the jack rather than the wire, as I can induce the behaviour by wiggling it around. I'll try cleaning it and see if it helps.

Edit: There was only a tiny amount of dust and removing it had no effect.

Norman

As someone who exclusively uses wired IEMs with a DAC/AMP Dongle I sometimes have had this issue. Usually its due to the USB-C connection getting disconnected due to movement or a cord pulling on it.

I switched dongles and have no longer really had this issue.

Worst case scenario you could disable the security feature for USB-C exploit protection to enable data transfer while locked

gvprtskvni

Norman Worst case scenario you could disable the security feature for USB-C exploit protection to enable data transfer while locked

Honestly then I think Bluetooth is the lesser of two evils. At least it turns it self off automatically when not in use.

Norman

gvprtskvni

Honestly then I think Bluetooth is the lesser of two evils. At least it turns it self off automatically when not in use.

Yeah but I personally don't like using Bluetooth in-ears. Plus the wired ones work perfectly fine for me.

This is simply a USB-C connection issue. You could use a different cable maybe. I use a dongle with an interchangeable USB-C cable so I can use a shorter or longer cable depending on my usecase.

gvprtskvni

Speaking of Bluetooth: would using it only on a dedicated secondary profile help mitigate any of the potential security risks? Or could an attacker still gain access to the main profile running in the background?

AnthonyG45

Had similar problems. I bought the "official" Google pixel USB C wired earphones from eBay for about £17. You can take your own view on the validity of that claim, but they have worked perfectly without random disconnections. I'm not sure whether it's GrapheneOS or the Pixel 8 but the combo is waaaay more fussy than CalyxOS on the Pixel 7, which I was running before they fell to pieces.

starglider

AnthonyG45 same; I've been happy with the "official" pixel wired buds, and so have people on the other end of the line.

DeletedUser639

Wired is fine as long as you allow for the constant movement of the USB connector from the headphones wearing away at the USB socket, which is impossible when you move yourself. Eventually one or the other will wear to a point of non use, if its the socket on the phone then that's a major headache that Bluetooth will not have. Single grain of sand in the socket and you walk two miles, wired headphones on, how much damage has been done. Try and recover your device if it malfunctions, when your USB socket is damaged... Bluetooth all the way.