So your headphones decided to start living their own life. "Silence... transparency mode... silence... transparency mode..." – like someone got stuck on a merry-go-round. Don't worry, this doesn't mean a poltergeist has moved into your headphones. The problem is almost always either a stuck button or a minor software glitch, and it usually sorts itself out in a couple of minutes.
Why are the headphones going haywire?
ANC mode switching happens via the multifunction button on the headphones. When they start cycling through modes on their own, the reason is practically always one of these:
- The multifunction button is stuck or getting pressed accidentally. Dirt, sweat, or a mechanical fault is holding the button down, and the headphones interpret it as repeated presses.
- The software got its knickers in a twist. Electronics do this sometimes. Just like a computer that suddenly decides to open a hundred windows for no reason.
- The ear cups are pressing the button. If an ear cup is even slightly crooked or the cushion has gone flat, it might be pressing the button for you.
How to fix it
1. Reset the headphones
This is the first and most important step. A reset clears the software state and stops the mode carousel.
- Over-ear headphones (VMK series): Plug the AUX cable into the headphones and unplug it. This acts as a reset. Simple as.
- In-ear headphones (NL25): Put the earbuds in the case, close the lid, and wait 10 seconds. Take them out and power on again.
If you're not sure how to reset your specific model, check the user manual – you can also find it at valco.support.
2. Check the multifunction button
- Look for any dirt or debris around the button.
- Press the button a few times and feel whether it springs back up normally. If it feels sticky or stays pressed down – there's your culprit.
- Gently clean around the button with a dry cloth or a soft brush.
3. Check the ear cups and cushions
- Make sure the cushions haven't gone so flat that they're pressing the multifunction button.
- Try wearing the headphones in a slightly different position and see if the problem repeats.
4. Update the firmware
If you're running an older firmware version, an update might fix the software-side glitch. Check for available updates in the Valco app or on the support site.
If nothing helps
If the headphones keep running their own ANC disco even after a reset, it's most likely a mechanical fault in the multifunction button. That means it needs a proper service.
Send us:
- A photo of the headphones
- Your order number
- A short description of the problem
Email it to info@valco.fi, and our service team in Kajaani will sort it out. We fix headphones here, we don't chuck them in the bin – that's kind of the whole point.
Oh, and if your headphones happen to start saying anything other than "silence" and "transparency mode", get in touch immediately. At that point we've either got a breakthrough in AI or a serious problem on our hands.
