Why is my phone stuck in headphone mode

[Android Central Question]

my zte blade z maxs' headphone indicator is on but I don't have anything plugged into the headphone jack

 

[Tim1954]

Sometimes you can get some grit stuck in the microswitch...
Push in and pull out the plug several times to see if that clears it.
Next trick would be to blow some compressed air (low pressure, not garage).
Failing that, take it to a phone repair place where the tech can disassemble it and check /repair/"replace switch.

 

[JD 96]

It's probably just dust and/or filth. Try cleaning the headphone jack. That did it for my friend.