If you own a modern smartphone, you've probably noticed something missing: the 3.5mm headphone jack. Most phones from recent years—including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, and others—removed this port to make devices thinner and more water-resistant. But if you have wired headphones or earbuds you want to keep using, a USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter solves that problem. The JSAUX USB C to 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter for iPhone 17/15, Galaxy S25, Grey is one option in this category, and understanding what these adapters do will help you decide if one is right for you.

What Does a USB C to 3.5mm Adapter Actually Do

Think of a USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter as a bridge between two different types of connections. Your phone has a USB C port (the newer, reversible connector), but your headphones might have a 3.5mm jack (the older, round connector). This adapter plugs into the USB C port on your phone and converts the digital audio signal into an analog one that your headphones can understand. Inside the JSAUX model, a smart DAC chip handles this conversion, supporting audio up to 16-bit quality at 48kHz sampling rate.

The practical benefit: you can keep using your favorite wired headphones, even if your phone no longer has a jack. You can also answer calls, pause music, and control volume through your headphones' built-in controls—though Apple EarPods with a 3.5mm plug have some limitations here.

Does Your Device Have a USB C Port

Before ordering any adapter, check that your phone actually has a USB C port. Recent iPhones (iPhone 15 and newer, including the iPhone 17 models) use USB C. Most newer Android phones do too: Samsung Galaxy S20 and later models, Google Pixel phones, OnePlus devices, and Huawei phones from recent years. If your phone still has a Lightning port (older iPhones) or Micro-USB, this adapter won't work.

To check your phone, look at the charging port at the bottom. USB C is oval-shaped and symmetrical—you can insert it either way around. If you're unsure, your phone's manual or the manufacturer's website will confirm which port you have.

Headphone Compatibility: The Important Details

Most wired headphones work fine with the JSAUX adapter, but there are exceptions worth knowing. The adapter uses a CTIA-standard 3.5mm female port, which is the most common type. However, it won't work with OMTP devices or with microphone-only headsets designed for older standards.

A practical limitation: if you use Apple EarPods with a 3.5mm plug, the built-in microphone won't function through this adapter, and you won't be able to adjust volume using the EarPods' controls. You can still play and pause audio and answer calls, but that's it. For most standard third-party wired headphones or earbuds, you'll have full functionality.

Build Quality and Daily Use

The JSAUX USB C to 3.5mm adapter features a relief strain design, which means the cable where it connects to your phone is reinforced to handle repeated bending. This matters because the joint between adapter and phone is typically where these devices fail first. The grey colour won't show dirt as easily as white or black might.

To extend the life of your adapter, avoid leaving it connected while your phone is in a bag or pocket—the connector can get stressed. When you're done using it, gently unplug both ends rather than yanking. Store it in a small pouch or case to protect it from dust and damage. The DAC chip inside uses low power consumption, so there's minimal drain on your battery when you're listening to music.

Which Devices Will This Work With

The JSAUX USB C to 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter for iPhone 17/15, Galaxy S25, Grey explicitly supports a wide range of modern devices. That includes recent iPhones (iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series), Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 through S25 and their Plus and Ultra variants), iPad Pro and iPad mini 6, Google Pixel phones, Huawei devices, OnePlus phones, and MacBooks with USB C. If your device has a USB C port and you can't find it specifically listed, it will likely still work, but check the full compatibility list to be sure.

This adapter won't help you if your phone uses a different connection type, so always verify your port before purchasing.

The product in this guide: JSAUX USB C to 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter for iPhone 17/15, Galaxy S25, Grey