- Use Apple headphones with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod
- Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector
- Apple EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug
- Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic
- Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
- USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
- iPhone Headphone Jack Not Working? Here’s The Fix!
- Is My iPhone Headphone Jack Broken?
- Restart Your iPhone
- Turn Up The Volume On Your iPhone
- Try A Different Pair Of Headphones
- Check To See If Audio Is Playing Somewhere Else
- For iPhones Running iOS 10 Or Older
- For iPhones Running iOS 11 Or Newer
- Clean Out The Headphone Jack
- Repairing The Headphone Jack
- Headphone Jack Problems: Fixed!
- About Author
- Headphone Jack and Plugs: Everything You Need to Know
- Who Is This Guide For?
- Difference between a Headphone Jack and Headphone Plug
- Female and male connectors
- Evolution of the Headphone Jack
- Who is jack?
- Rounded to pointed tip profile
- Anatomy of a Headphone Plug
- Conductors
- Identifying conductors.
- Nomenclature of the Headphone Plug:
- Different Plug Connectors configuration
- 2 conductor plug (TS)
- 3 conductor plug (TRS)
- 4 conductor plug (TRRS)
- 5 conductor plug (TRRRS)
- Schematic of a headphone jack and plug
- Different sizes of headphone jacks/plugs
- Why does a headphone plug matter?
- Mono VS Stereo Signal
- Balanced VS Unbalanced Audio
- Plug is the key
- Is it confusing?
- Let’s Practice Our New Skill
- 53 comments
Use Apple headphones with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod
Learn which wired Apple headphones work with your iOS device.
This page offers help with wired Apple headphones. You can also get help with AirPods, Apple’s wireless headphones.
Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector
To use Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector, you need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that has a Lightning connector and iOS 10 or later.
Apple EarPods with Lightning Connector don’t work with iPod nano or any device that has iOS 9 or earlier.
Apple EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug
Apple EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug work with iPhone, iPad, and iPod models that have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can also use these headphones with other products that have a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic
Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic work with iPhone, iPad, and iPod models that have a 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can also use these headphones with other products that have a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
The Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect 3.5 mm headphones and other audio devices to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that has a Lightning connector. Your iOS device also needs iOS 10 or later.
Plug your Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter into the Lightning connector on your iOS device and plug the other end into your headphones.
USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
The USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect 3.5 mm headphones and other audio devices to a USB-C port.
Plug your USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter into the USB-C port on your device and plug the other end into your headphones.
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iPhone Headphone Jack Not Working? Here’s The Fix!
The headphone jack isn’t working on your iPhone and you don’t know why. You plugged your headphones in and started playing a song, but you can’t hear anything! In this article, I’ll explain why your iPhone headphone jack is not working and show you how to fix the problem.
Is My iPhone Headphone Jack Broken?
At this point, we can’t be sure whether or not your iPhone headphone jack is not working because of a software issue or hardware issue. However, it’s important for you to know that software problems can prevent your headphone jack from working properly. So before taking your iPhone into the Apple Store, work through the troubleshooting steps below!
Restart Your iPhone
To test for a potential software problem, try restarting your iPhone. Turning your iPhone off and back on can sometimes fix small software problems because all of the programs running on your iPhone can shut down and reboot naturally.
To turn off your iPhone, press and hold the power button. After a few seconds, you’ll see “slide to power off” and a small power icon appear on the screen. Swipe the power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
Wait approximately 15-30 seconds, then press and hold the power button again. Release the power button when the Apple logo appears right in the center of your iPhone’s display.
Turn Up The Volume On Your iPhone
If you plugged headphones into your iPhone, but you can’t hear any audio playing, then the volume on your iPhone may just be turned all the way down.
Press the volume up button on the left side of your iPhone to turn up its volume. When you do, a small box will pop-up on the center of your iPhone’s display indicating the volume of your iPhone.
When the box appears, look for two things:
- Make sure it says Headphones at the top of the box. This confirms that your headphone jack has detected that headphones are plugged in.
- Make sure there’s a volume bar at the bottom of the box. If it says Mute, then audio won’t play through the headphones.
If a box doesn’t appear when you tap the volume buttons, open the Settings app and Sounds & Haptics. Then, turn on the switch next to Change with Buttons.
Try A Different Pair Of Headphones
It’s possible that nothing’s wrong with the headphone jack on your iPhone. Instead, there may be an issue with the plug of your headphones.
Try plugging a different pair of headphones into your iPhone’s headphone jack. Can you hear audio playing now? If audio is working with one pair of headphones, but not the other, then your headphones are causing the problem — your headphone jack is perfectly fine!
Check To See If Audio Is Playing Somewhere Else
Even if your headphones are plugged in, there’s a chance that the audio is playing through a different device such Bluetooth headphones or speaker. If your iPhone connected to a Bluetooth device after you plugged your headphones in, then audio would start playing through the Bluetooth device and not your headphones.
For iPhones Running iOS 10 Or Older
If your iPhone is running iOS 10, open Control Center by using a finger to swipe up from below the bottom of the display. Then, swipe right-to-left to view the audio playback section of Control Center.
Next, tap on iPhone at the bottom of Control Center and make sure there’s a check mark next to Headphones. If the check mark is next to something else, simply tap on Headphones to switch. If you don’t see a Headphones option even though your headphones are plugged in, then there may be a hardware problem with the headphone jack or the plug on your headphones.
For iPhones Running iOS 11 Or Newer
If your iPhone is running iOS 11 or newer, open Control Center by swiping up from below the bottom of the screen. Then, press and hold the audio box in the upper right-hand corner of Control Center.
Next, tap the AirPlay icon and make sure there’s a check mark next to Headphones. If the check mark is next to a different device, you can switch to headphones by tapping on Headphones.
Clean Out The Headphone Jack
Lint, gunk, and other debris stuck in the headphone jack can prevent your iPhone from recognizing headphones that are plugged in. If the headphone jack is not working on your iPhone, grab an anti-static brush or brand new toothbrush and clean out the headphone jack.
Don’t have an anti-static brush? Check out Amazon where you can buy a six-pack of great anti-static brushes that you can use to safely clean out the ports on your iPhone.
For more great tips on cleaning out the headphone jack on your iPhone, check out our article on what to do when your iPhone is stuck in headphones mode!
Repairing The Headphone Jack
If you’ve worked through the steps above and your iPhone headphone jack is not working, then there may be a hardware problem with your iPhone. If your iPhone is covered by an AppleCare plan, take it into your local Apple Store — just make sure to schedule an appointment first!
Headphone Jack Problems: Fixed!
You fixed the problem with the headphone jack on your iPhone and you can start enjoying your favorite music and audiobooks again. I hope you’ll share this article on social media to help out your friends and family if their iPhone headphone jack is not working. If you have any other questions, ask them in the comments section below!
About Author
David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader’s Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.
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Headphone Jack and Plugs: Everything You Need to Know
You will never look at the headphone jack and plug the same way again.
Headphone jack is dead!
Apple has killed the headphone jack.
Sounds familiar? Ever since Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in favor of a lightning port, other smartphone companies have quickly followed suit with the removal of the once omnipresent port.
“I am Jack’s complete lack of surprise.”
There are still a few major companies like LG and Samsung who choose to release their flagships with the headphone jack, but I suspect that could change with the upcoming trend of true wireless headphones.
The truth is that most mainstream consumers don’t care for the headphones jack. Good riddance, they say.
So, why should you care then?
Who Is This Guide For?
- Do you want to enjoy audiophile headphones that only have a wired connection?
- Are you looking to buy an amplifier for your headphones?
- Are you looking to buy and upgrade your audio cable?
- Do you want to try balanced audio?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, this guide is for you.
By the end of the guide, you will be comfortable with terms like:
Difference between a Headphone Jack and Headphone Plug
Do you see these sockets that the above Sony TA-ZH1ES have? Those are headphones jacks. It is where you insert the headphone plugs to receive audio signals.
A variety of headphone plugs
The headphone jack is a family of electrical connectors that are typically used for analog audio signals. It is also known by other names like phone jack, audio jack, aux input, etc.
Female and male connectors
From Amazon. Male Connector (L) Female Connector (R)
Unfortunately, the audio industry has not unified in the way the electrical and mechanical trades have to describe the different gender of connectors. You will often find the word “plug” used to describe the male connectors while “jack” used to describe the female connectors.
Evolution of the Headphone Jack
Who is jack?
The origin of the term “jack” can be traced back to 1874 when C.E. Scribner patented, what he calls, a “jack-knife” connector.
Patent of C.E. Scribner
The earliest known jack was a ¼ inch (6.35mm) version and still has mainstream usages which we describe below.
Rounded to pointed tip profile
In the early development days, there were many different jack designs. The rounded tip design was particularly popular because it was compatible with different manufacturers. The rounded tip quickly gained traction as the de-facto tip profile for audio equipment.
But with the rise of stereo audio, a different tip profile was needed to prevent the old rounded tip from frying the circuit when inserted into incompatible equipment. A pointed tip jack will prevent a rounded tip plug from being inserted fully, hence solving the problem.
Anatomy of a Headphone Plug
Conductors
Regardless of the plug size, all headphone plugs have conductors. Conductors are the contact points of the plugs that close the circuit.
A headphone plug has a minimum of 2 conductors and commonly up to 5.
If it has 3 conductors, it may be called a 3 conductor plug. Some manufacturer uses pole to replace conductor. Hence, it can also be called a 3 pole plug.
Identifying conductors.
Each conductor has a specific name:
All plugs have at least a Tip and Sleeve. It is the number of Rings that differentiate them. If the plug only has one ring, it is a 3 conductor plug or a TRS connector. If it has two rings, it is a 4 conductor plug or a TRRS connector.
Nomenclature of the Headphone Plug:
- 2 conductor, 2 pole, TS
- 3 conductor, 3 pole, TRS
- 4 conductor, 4 pole, TRRS
- 5 conductor, 5 pole, TRRRS
Different Plug Connectors configuration
Depending on available conductors, manufacturers can choose to configure jack and plug in various ways. Both must be complementary to each other.
2 conductor plug (TS)
Available Connectors: Only the tip and sleeve connectors are available.
Connectors Connection:
Pin | Function |
---|---|
1 | Ground |
2 | Signal |
The connection is fairly straightforward here. One connector is used to carry the audio signal while the other acts as a return path and ground.
The ground acts as a reference point for the signal but it also picks up interference noises like an antenna. The longer the cable, the higher chance the more noise will be picked up.
Common Usage: You can find TS connectors mainly with guitars, instruments, and applications that do not require a long cable connection.
3 conductor plug (TRS)
Available Connectors: Aside from the tip and sleeve, there is an additional ring connector with two insulating bands around it.
Connectors Connection:
Pin | Unbalanced Mono | Balanced Mono | Unbalanced Stereo |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Ground | Ground | Ground |
2 | Optional (Mic etc) | Signal — (Cold) | Right Audio Channel |
3 | Signal | Signal + (Hot) | Left Audio Channel |
With the addition of another conductor “R”, we open up different possibilities such as supporting balanced mono signals and unbalanced stereo signals.
As seen in the “Unbalanced Mono” column above, the engineer can choose to make use of the additional conductor to carry a microphone signal instead. In this case, where the audio is unbalanced, we may also sometimes refer to this as a single-ended plug.
Common Usage: Most common form of jack connectors. You see these on the end of most stock headphone cables.
4 conductor plug (TRRS)
Available Connectors: With a 4 conductor plug, we have two additional rings with three insulating bands.
Connectors Connection:
Pin | Function |
---|---|
1 | Microphone |
2 | Ground |
3 | Right Audio Channel |
4 | Left Audio Channel |
The above connection configuration follows the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) standards. Such a connection format is also called the CTIA TRRS jack connector format.
Common Usage: It is the most commonly adopted standard for modern smartphones and gaming consoles where the cable supports a microphone and stereo audio connection at the same time.
5 conductor plug (TRRRS)
Available Connectors: For a 5 conductor headphone plug, we have 3 ring connectors.
TRRRS connectors are used to support balanced stereo signal. You will find that XLR connectors (3 pin pairs, 4 pin, and 5 pin) are also a common choice for stereo balanced headphones. XLR connectors have been the standard balanced connector in the professional audio market for decades.
It is no surprise that when balanced headphone connections grew in popularity, the standard XLR became a go-to solution.
XLR5 Female (L) XLR5 Male (R)
Sony did make a TRRRS headphone jack – 4.4mm Pentaconn connector.
Please be aware that the Pentaconn connectors are new and not adopted widely by the industry. You either have to get an adaptor to accommodate the 5 pole connector or purchase a compatible Sony amplifier.
If you are looking to make your own DIY cable with the 4.4mm Pentaconn connector, check out moon audio store.
Schematic of a headphone jack and plug
If you are interested in the schematic of a headphones jack, you can hop on over here for a more detailed article.
Different sizes of headphone jacks/plugs
When we describe the size of the headphone jack or plugs, we are referring to the diameter of the connector.
- 6.35mm Connector
This is the largest connector among the jacks. It is otherwise known as the ¼ inch connector.
Name | Size | Conductors |
---|---|---|
UGREEN Stereo Audio Adapter | 6.35mm Male to 3.5mm Female | TRS |
UGREEN Stereo Audio Cable | 6.35mm to 3.5mm | TRS |
- 4.4mm Connector
Name | Size | Conductors |
---|---|---|
Yinyoo Upgrated 6 Cores Copper Stereo Earphone Cable | 4.4mm to MMCX | TRRRS |
FiiO 8-Stranded High-Purity Monocrystalline Silver-Plated Copper Cable | 4.4mm to MMCX | TRRRS |
Geekria Apollo Balanced Gold-Plated Adapter | 4.4mm male to 3.5mm female | TRRRS |
- 3.5mm Connector
Known as the miniature size or mini for short. You can call it a ⅛ inch too.
Name | Size | Conductors |
---|---|---|
AmazonBasics 3.5mm Male to Male Stereo Audio Aux Cable | 3.5mm to 3.5mm | TRS |
Zeskit Aux Audio Cable | 3.5mm to 3.5mm | TRRS |
Nacodex Audio Cable | 3.5mm to 2.5mm | TRS |
Kingtop Combo Audio Adapter Cable | 3.5mm male to 3.5mm female | TRRS |
- 2.5mm Connector
Known as the sub-miniature or sub-mini for short.
Name | Size | Conductors |
---|---|---|
NewFantasia Replacement Cable with Remote and Mic | 2.5mm to 3.5mm | TRS |
NewFantasia HiFi Cable Balanced Male | 2.5mm to 2.5mm | TRRS |
Why does a headphone plug matter?
A headphone plug:
- directly affects the audio signal it transmits.
- indirectly affects the overall quality of sound.
- tells us what the cable is capable or not capable of doing (mic, stereo support, etc).
Let us first understand two basic concepts with regards to the transmitted signal from the audio source to our headphones.
Mono VS Stereo Signal
Two types of signal can be transmitted from the audio source to the headphones
- Monaural (Mono)
- Stereophonic (Stereo)
A mono signal uses only 1 audio channel while a stereo signal uses two audio channels (left and right).
Stereo signal simulates “natural” hearing by creating the impression of sound coming from different directions. This is accomplished by the separate audio channels producing sound in two different speakers (or stereo headphones). You can call this the “surround-sound” effect.
As for mono signal, the sound reproduced is intended to be heard from one position.
Balanced VS Unbalanced Audio
Balanced audio is all about interconnecting audio equipment and transmitting signals in a “balanced” manner.
To do that, we need a combination of an audio source (amplifier) that can produce balanced output and a cable that is capable of carrying that balanced output.
A balanced output has two signal phases (or a hot and cold signal) per channel. Each phase has an equal impedance relative to ground, hence the name balanced.
A balanced mono cable typically has at least three conductors (TRS) to carry the signal to the headphones. A balanced stereo cable has at least five conductors (TRRRS).
Advantage of Balanced Audio
The advantage of balanced connections over unbalanced connections is the canceling of noise interference via a technique named Common Mode Rejection (CMR).
Any noise interference that hits the two balanced phases in the cable is imprinted equally on them. The receiving equipment (headphones in our case) only cares about the difference between the phases.
So, interference that adds equally to both phases creates no difference between them and is canceled out when they are recombined by the amplifier. This canceling process of noise while preserving the original sound is known as CMR.
This means that balanced cable can run longer than unbalanced cable and operate in noisier environments because it cancels any noise interference.
So when is audio unbalanced?
When the requirements to meet balanced audio are not met, the audio is considered unbalanced.
- The audio source is unable to produce a balanced output.
- The cable is not capable of carrying a balanced signal (TS, single-ended TRS connectors).
Plug is the key
With the above two concepts, you should know that you can send 4 types of signal from the output (amplifier for example) via a cable to a pair of headphones.
- Unbalanced mono
- Balanced mono
- Unbalanced stereo
- Balanced stereo
Whether a signal can be fully supported or even supported at all depends on the number of conductors found on the plug.
Output Signal | Jack Connector | Balanced Audio Connection |
---|---|---|
Balanced Mono | TS | N |
Balanced Mono | TRS | Y |
Unbalanced Stereo | TRS | Y |
Balanced Stereo | TRS | N |
Balanced Stereo | TRRRS | Y |
Is it confusing?
It can be hard to digest if you are reading all this for the first time. The part where stereo uses two channels and balanced audio needing two copies of the same signal with reverse polarity tripped me up pretty good, too.
An easy way to understand is to first acknowledge that we need conductors to send and carry signals.
The more signals we need to send, the more conductors we need.
For example, if we want to send a balanced stereo signal, it needs to send
- one right channel (R+),
- one flipped right channel (R-),
- one left channel audio (L+),
- one flipped left channel audio (L-).
In total, it needs 4 signal wire and one ground wire which only a TRRRS connector can provide.
Thus, if a jack with an inadequate connector is used (like a TRS connector), the headphone doesn’t receive the complete set of signals to do the CMR. Hence, the whole audio connection becomes unbalanced.
Let’s Practice Our New Skill
Let’s see if we can put our new-found skill to good use.
Remember the “3 pole mini” term we mentioned right at the start of the article? What do you think it means?
Ans: 3.5mm TRS jack
Ans: 3.5mm TRS jack (Bonus Qns: why do we think is TRS and not TS?)
Ans: 3.5mm TRS jack (Bonus Qns: Is this a balanced cable?)
Ans: 2.5mm TRS jack that can carry balanced signals
Do you see that the FiiO Q5 had two outputs? One with a headphone logo, another with “BAL” sign. Do you understand what that means?
Lastly, another practice question.
See if you can read the “Headphone Output” specifications of the Sony TA-ZH1ES and understand what they mean.
If you do, congratulations! You just leveled up your audiophile knowledge.
53 comments
Awesome and informative, rock on!
+1
Couldn’t agree more. Delivers the promise of its headline!
Very useful and exaustive explanation. Get connect!
Very informative article! Thank you.
Thanks Colin for this very helpful article. I understand Hi Res and balanced sound but I use Sennheiser MTW earbuds, BT 5.0. I love their sound and the tuning is superbly balanced but I know that the music will sound better though headphone jack.
Japanese firm Aviot has produced Bluetooth earbuds with two dynamic drivers and one balanced armature. I don’t know what they sound like but know that wired will always have better quality sound for same source.
Can or will Bluetooth technology ever match wired?
Thanks.
Graham
Contrary to what this article says, you should *not* refer to 3.5mm connectors as “1/8 inch.” There was an older size, really 1/8″ diameter, ca. 1960s. Do the math: 1/8″ = 3.175mm.
If you actually have an old 1/8″ plug, it will be very sloppy in a present-day 3.5mm jack. Conversely, if you have an old rig (tape player, etc.) with a 1/8″ jack, a present-day 3.5mm plug will not fit in the hole.
Calling a true 3.5mm connector “1/8 inch” is like calling your size 32 jeans “size 29.” It’s a significant difference, more than ten percent.
(However, 6.35mm really is the same as 1/4 inch. The Japanese did not change the physical size when they started making this connector, which originally had English system dimensions.)
Is it because I am in europe and you in america? I’m puzzled.
Here in Europe ”tip” is the Right channel ”ring” is left and sleeve common ground.
Only exception I ever found was on my Samsung television…..
Nice article BTW…
I find it hard to believe that tip is right channel in Europe. That means every manufacturer of audio equipment — TVs, radio receivers, audio mixers, portable radios and CD players, pro audio gear used in every broadcast station, etc. — would need to make one version of equipment for Europe, and one version for the US. Not gonna happen. For that matter, I’ve worked on equipment bought in Europe, then brought back to the states by servicemen or gov’t employees who were stationed overseas. I never ran into tip=right. I’ve never seen schematics of imported (to the US) gear that had a note saying “in Europe headphone channels are reversed.”
Going back 60 years, I’ve had pro audio gear made in the US, in Germany, in Japan, as well as consumer equipment from all those places and more. Tip is always left; ring is always right. This was true with 1/4″ TRS connectors, as well as the newer 3.5mm size. Perhaps you’ve always had your headphones on backwards.
Now as to what has recently changed: many cellphone manufacturers have started using a single connector for stereo earphones *and* mono mic. They’ve added an extra ring (designated R2), moved common ground to that new R2, and then the mic hot wire goes on the sleeve. Tip still is left, ring still is right. Headphones w/ the usual bigger sleeve will usually play back OK. Mics will not work without TRS>>TRRS adapters, and it’s a real pain because I think most consumers have no clue about this, so many seem to think they have broken equipment when things don’t work as hoped.
Hi Greg, sorry for wasting your time,I ‘ll check before I post next time.
I was so convinced I fear I have dementia….
Well, I can repeat; Usefull article!
Can I use a TRRS to TRRS (m-m) from an old boom box to a cellphone jack (to use as a pillow speaker)? Cellphone speakers are so far superior to the flimsy sound coming out of retail pillow speakers, I’m constantly yelling at the mice to keep quiet.
Now that’s what I call informative. I’ll probably have to read it several times (if I go out without a shopping list these days I come back with the wrong stuff) but that’s just me. Excellent, top marks all round.
Great Article! Even the comments teach you things…seriously.
“A pointed tip jack will prevent a rounded tip plug from being inserted fully, …”
That’s an interesting factoid. Where did you dig it up?
Anyone make a 3.5mm TRS male to female? I need it to fool my LG phone into high impedance mode.
Here I am…a 70-year-old fart trying to keep up with he millennial technical age of understanding. My first computer came in 1983, so, I’ve done pretty good; and I find such articles as this one a TREASURE to find…because it was SO well written and explained; however—as the person said earlier—I will probably have to go over it a few times to get it. And I was a professional musician for about 22 years. things have really changed since that career ended.
You didn’t mention headphone bias voltage and polarity. Ideally, an AC signal centered on zero volts is sent to the headphones, maybe via an output transformer to remove any DC bias. If I understand it correctly, unbalanced line level audio is all positve voltage, from +0.2 volts up to +1.8 volts, allowing the next piece of gear to use a single sided amp. Main reason: transistors can only amplify positive voltage. After going through a 1:1 matching transformer you’d get -0.8 to +0.8. Maybe that explains the thump I can sometimes hear on headphones when my macbook audio turns on and off?
what type of adapter that i need to buy if i want to use my earphone with my piano keyboard?
I am using stereo audio codec in my design, I want to know the pinouts of audio jack to connect it.
Can I get the pinouts of audio jack?
Yeah let’s confuse it more with bias voltage! Major nerds here!
Great article for a master of seventeenth century technology like me. I understood a good bit of it I think, Just a question: I saw someone use a splitter meant for a video camera. It has a trrs on one end and 2 trs(s) on the other. He used it to plug an external mic into an iphone. I am confused because my understanding now is that a lot of headphone jacks, especially for phones, are designed to function for a phone headset that has both audio out left and right for your ears, and a mic audio in. So, if I have a stereo feed (from my Zoom H4 line out jack, the Zoom h4 has two mics on it), that would mean I have to use an adapter that has a stereo, trs plug (because I am guessing it is not balanced, but maybe I am wrong) on one side, and a trrs on the other. But the headphone jack would think (I know they don’t actually think, but) it’s designed, rather, to send the stereo signal out to headphones, and only a mono signal in. So what exactly would happen ? Would just one signal from one mic be recognized and no sgnal at all would travel where the stereo out would have been? Which mic would go in to the device, the left or the right? (Good Lord, and I thought playing the violin was hard! I wish recording would be easier, but I don’t get or speak tech.)
Thanks for the article. Well done.
I’m trying to connect my iPhone to my headset via an amplifier. I’ve just ordered a cable, 3.5mm male line out from iPhone to 2.5mm male line in to amplifier. Hope it works when it arrives next month.
I’ve got a 3.5/3.5 direct cable with no amp and that works. Watch this space.
If I make a headphone cable with one end of 3.5mm jack and the other of 4.4mm jack would it be ok?
Probably the best technical pub I’ve ever read …. and I’m a EE who was in the IT business for 40 years. Just outstanding clarity and pics …. Thanks …. what a pleasure to read!
I am trying to find an adapter which will allow me to convert a 2.5 mm diameter X 13 mm long plug into a 2.5 mm diameter X 11 mm long plug.
I have a consumer level 2-way FRS/GMRS radio that has a jack that fits a 2.5mm X 11 mm plug. I am needing to use a different headset due to the extremely noisy environment I am working in and my headset has a 2.5 mm X 13 mm plug. When the plug is inserted in the jack it does not seat firmly since it is 2 mm longer and does not match the measurements. Do you know of an adapter that would solve this issue?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
Scott
I need this information as I’m building the same type of cross over plug for Motorola Talk-a-bout’s. It seems to be a proprietary jack; Motorola is taking lessons from Ford.
Please pass along any info on buying the longer than normal jack.
Thanks for this article. I think it helped me identify an old Radio Shack 2.5 mm headset with mic (HF-2001) that I have as a TRS plug with “Unbalanced Mono” and the additional conductor carries the microphone signal. Does anyone know what adapter I can use to make this work with a standard (recent) 3.5 mm Android smartphone jack? I tried to get a regular 2.5 mm female to 3.5 mm male, but it doesn’t pass the microphone signal through, only the audio.
For anyone else with this issue, I found an adapter that works from Headset Buddy – https://www.headsetbuddy.com/2-5mm-headset-to-3-5mm-male-adapter-for-smartphones/
Help! I have a cordless Panasonic phone with a headphone jack that is smaller than 2.5 mm! I had an adapter that stepped my standard 2.5 mm headset down to this smaller size so I could work from home hands free. The adapter now has a break in it and pops and crackles and is driving me crazy. This article gave me one more piece of info, the adaptor is a 2.5 mm female to a smaller. TRS male! I can’t figure out the step down size to order a replacement! I’ve guessed 2 mm, 1.5 mm, nothing on Google. The users manual online just says “headphone jack! Useless! It is model KX-TGA931T cordless phone with answering machine base. Why do the Japanese have to make everything smaller/non-standard…sheesh. I’m having flashbacks to that movie “1941” where the Japanese soldier is trying to fit that big American radio down into their submarine! Ha! Anyway, can anybody point me to a link to this adaptor. Thanks in advance!
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