Can't turn on Beats X

Hey all, I’ve been having this issue on-and-off for the last year or so (owned them since 2017), and massaging the band/cable worked as a stop-gap measure until recently. They had a good run, so I thought I’d cut them open and share my findings for future tinkerers.

After cutting away the silicone sheathing, the band consists 2 black spring wires, 2 braided nylon threads, and 8 wires divided into 2 groups of 4. From bottom to top, in standby state (I couldn’t get it to turn on), these are:

1. Red, 0.5V
2. Yellow, 0V
3. Grey, 0V
4. Green, 0.5V
5. Black, 0V (GND)
6. Purple, 3.3V standby, 5V when charging (VCC)
7. Copper (right speaker GND)
8. Copper w/ red stripes (right speaker signal)

Speculating that connecting one of wires 1 or 4 to wires 2 or 3 might approximate a button press, I found neither worked to turn it on, even though it is charged (and still capable of charging). Thinking about it further, the button-side needs to be able to signal at least 5 states (LED off/red/white, button off/on), so any reductive shorting of these 4 wires wouldn’t suffice – the state must be conveyed digitally

The band’s termination in each housing is recessed and hidden by a white plastic cap. Apple uses a silicone adhesive that 1) is messy and annoying and 2) erodes the wires’ insulation, so I found breaks in the insulation along the entire length of the band. The nylon threads are poorly-adhered by this adhesive and pull out very easily from their housing. The spring wire is also poorly-held by the adhesive, and functionally attaches to the housing via 90º hooks on their ends (the hooks of the spring wires are oriented parallel to one-another); pivot one by 45º in the flat plane of the housing (try one direction, then the other), before pulling straight out. I tried illuminating through the opening this left to see where the signal wires are soldered to the boards, but too much adhesive in the way

I had the same issue with my beats X six months ago and apple replaced them under warranty. Fast forward another six months to last week, same issue arised where the light comes on when charging but goes out when unplugged. I called apple and they said my beats X was 3 months out of warranty and asked for $90 to replace. It’s apparent that these headphones are poorly designed and apple being a trillion dollar company refuses to fix or acknowledge the defect in its product. My Apple TV 4th gen also stopped working out of the blue for no reason and apple refuse to help. With over 30 apple products in my home, I am very disappointed and I will not be buying anymore apple products.

FIX : The band which runs through neck and connects the battery of beats x (one with power button on it) try giving it a slight twist and insert wire inwards, its because of loose contact at that point it won't respond to power button.

am having same issue. was you able to fix it?

Their gonners I’ve had the same issue when these earphones are exposed to humidity there done for. Buying some new ones.

I sent mine back to apple for repair/replace. These will be my 3rd set of beats since January I think it’s time for a recall instead of newly designed phones

Mine have never been used and doing the same thing. Apparently everyone is producing cheap garbage these days and charging a fortune. It's sad that i still have my first ge boom box from 25 years ago that was 50 bucks and still works but i got not even 1 day out of a new 100 piece of crap. It's all about cutting cost on good quality products to make an extra buck. Beyond disappointed!!

I had a similar problem with the Beats X. They wouldn't turn on and had a light then the light stopped turning on and they stopped charging altogether. I immediately contacted Apple because I've dealt with several pairs of defective Beats, (I know, I should have stopped trying after like Solo 2 pair 4, but these looked promising) and I knew they'd just take them in and fix/replace them and I'd be good to go until they went out again, hopefully within warranty. Well I was wrong. I sent them in at the Apple Store and they were nice as usual, assuring me my beats would be fixed and should return in around 5-7 days. Well I get an email from support saying I'd have to pay to get the beats fixed because the mesh was punctured on one of the earphones which voided the warranty. Beats are made like crap and they couldn't even just fix them considering the issue had nothing to do with “punctured mesh" which they acknowledged. Perhaps I've finally learned not to waste time and money on a sub-par sounding, poorly made pair of fashion headphones.

I have the same issue here, I think the problem originated when I exposed them to humidity (not even excessive humidity though...)

Having the same trouble too...thought you people would be viving answers

Still having the same trouble...was hoping youzas have the solution.....s

I am just sending them into Apple... Will give an update if I have to pay for repair

Connected support. Mine is out of warranty by 4 months. Apple wants me to replace them for $80. It's a software issue as a factory reset get them working until they need recharging. Ugh. Poor support by Apple.

I have the same power issues with my beat X, bought in May this year and now replaced twice. I would like to exchange to other product but Apple staff said there is no rule to do that. I guess I could have to trash it when it broken next time

Same issue, can’t seem to find a fix for the problem. Could someone recommend a similar product from a different company that would be reliable. I don’t care how much it cost.

I was able to fix this issue on mine. My solution was to wash the effected button(s) with water, then dry them in front of a fan. This worked to resolve issues turning on, volume up/down and play/pause.

Worked at the first try for me. Thanks!

I had the same problem and tried updating them and reseting them too. I was able to fix mine my pinching and running my fingers along the bendy wire that runs around your neck I think it's just a loose wire that makes them do that and by running your fingers along that wire it puts them back in place.

There's a weakness in the cable that connects to the power unit which will result in loose connection which will cut power intermittently resulting in the flashing red lights

It's a design flaw and apple should start a recall. I guess not enough people have reported it.

The worst customer service ever! My beats x headphones that I purchased in 2018 don’t work anymore. They still charge but they won’t turn on. I contacted beats by dr on Facebook messenger and they said the exact same thing you guys are saying.

“Thanks! We can set up a mail in service where the Beats are sent to Apple, then we send the replacement back to you.

According to this link here https://beats.is/3aVvBf8 the cost to set that up for Beats X would be $ 105 plus local taxes and $ 10.77 shipping. The replacement Beats would come with a 90 days limited warranty.”

total bullshit as the price of the beats were $119.99, they’re just asking for more money. Why isn’t their customer service better and why don’t they back up their products with free replacements like Amazon usually does.

that’s my rant for the day. Just as angry as all of you guys! Thanks for listening