Hi
I recently updated my Xperia Z2 D6505 (Using the PC Companion) to build 23.4.A.1.200 (it was already on Android 5.1.1 before the update, I just didn't check what build it was).
A day later, when I first connected my Skull Candy earphones (I prefer them compared to what came with the phone), they were not being detected and the phone would play all audio through the speakers. I did several reboots and a complete manual shutdown and restart but this fixed nothing. The earphones that came with the phone however would work perfectly (plus I tested my skull candys on 2 other devices and they worked fine).
I then checked the forums and found that a fix to this would be to go to Settings>Apps>All>SmartConnect then "clear data" (which did not work). I then read further and learnt about installing the app SoundAbout, then selecting "wired earphones with mic" (since my earphones have a mic). After doing this it would be safe to uninstall SoundAbout. I did this very thing and my earphones seemed to be working fine, only to discover later that audio would ALWAYS be routed to the earphones even when they were not connected (meaning the speakers now were not working).
I downloaded SoundAbout once more and set it to "Let App Decide" on media audio. This is where I am right now. Speakers work perfectly fine, however when I connect my earphones (skull candy), the volume automatically reduces itself to minimum (as if someone held the volume down rocker and didn't let go). When this isn't happening, there is a faint crackling sound on the left ear bud. The problem seems to come and go on its own without any specific pattern.
I have tried clearing data for Smart Connect several times, I have uninstalled updates to this app and reinstalled them again but to no avail. I have even disabled the app and this changes nothing. Could this issue be because I used the PC companion to update the phone? (it was the first time I have ever done so, otherwise I always update via WiFi)
Would really appreciate a fix to this.
