If a cable pin is visibly bent, do not push it into the earphone to straighten it. If a pin has broken inside the socket, leave the socket alone and arrange an assessment. These two situations need different handling, but neither is solved by applying more force.

A bent pin still attached to the cable

Disconnect the cable from the source and stop using that connector. Photograph the damage and check whether the earphone socket looks intact without inserting anything. Ask the cable supplier whether the cable should be replaced or professionally repaired.

Repeated bending can weaken a pin. Even if it looks straighter afterwards, it may break during the next insertion and leave a fragment in the socket. A replacement cable can be simpler than recovering a broken pin from the earphone.

A broken pin inside the socket

Do not add glue to a needle, drill the fragment or probe the contact with tweezers. Those methods can damage the contact, push the fragment deeper or contaminate the socket. Store the earpiece safely and send support clear exterior photos. Recovery may require service equipment and inspection of the socket itself.

Check why it happened

Was the cable approved for the exact earphone model?
Did the housing prevent straight insertion?
Was the connector pulled sideways or by the wire?
Was the earphone crushed while connected inside a bag?

These observations help prevent a repeat failure. They do not establish fault or warranty coverage by themselves.

Ordering the replacement

Confirm connector type, pin specification, housing fit and polarity. Choose the source plug and microphone features separately. Do not assume a cable sold as “universal 2-pin” is suitable. Keep the new pins protected during storage and align both pins before applying insertion pressure.

What should I send to TINHIFI?

Include the model, purchase details through the support channel, photos of both connector parts and a short account of what happened. Say explicitly whether a fragment remains in the socket. Avoid dismantling the shell before receiving instructions.

Request support or review TINHIFI warranty information. A careful compatibility check is more useful than trying a thicker pin.

For an intact replacement, follow the detachable cable handling guide.

Illustration: generated editorial artwork, not a photograph of a specific TINHIFI model.