Which audio adapter do you need: USB-C to AUX or Lightning to AUX?

Would you like to use wired earbuds, headphones or an AUX cable with a phone, tablet or laptop that doesn’t have a headphone jack? Then you’ll often need an audio adapter. It converts a USB-C or Lightning port into a practical 3.5mm mini jack port.

The main choice is simple: does your device have USB-C or Lightning? In this blog, we explain which audio adapter you need, what to look out for, and when it’s better to choose another adapter or converter.

What does an audio adapter do?

An audio adapter converts your device’s port into a 3.5mm mini jack port. This is the round port used by many wired earbuds, headphones, speakers and AUX cables.

Many modern smartphones and tablets no longer have a dedicated headphone jack. With an audio adapter, you can continue using your existing wired audio accessories without having to switch straight to wireless earbuds or a new pair of headphones.

When should you choose a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter?

Choose a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter if your device has a USB-C port. This is the case with many Android phones, tablets, laptops and newer Apple devices such as the iPhone 15, iPhone 16 and many recent iPad models.

Have a device with USB-C and want to connect wired earbuds, headphones, a speaker or an AUX cable? Then the Ibley USB-C to 3.5mm mini jack adapter in white is the obvious choice.

Please note: not every device handles audio via USB-C in exactly the same way. So always check whether your device supports audio via USB-C. The adapter is designed for audio, not for charging, transferring data or displaying video.

When should you choose a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter?

Choose a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter if you use an Apple device with a Lightning port. These include many iPhone models up to and including the iPhone 14 series, older iPads with a Lightning port and some iPod models.

Have an iPhone or iPad with Lightning and want to connect wired earbuds, headphones, a speaker or an AUX cable? Take a look at the Ibley Lightning to 3.5mm mini jack audio adapter in white.

Have an iPhone 15, iPhone 16 or a newer iPad with USB-C? Then you don’t need a Lightning adapter, but a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

USB-C or Lightning: how do you identify the right port?

Not sure whether you need USB-C or Lightning? Check the port on your device. USB-C is slightly wider and oval-shaped, and is used on many modern smartphones, tablets and laptops. Lightning is narrower and was used for years on Apple iPhones and iPads.

Have several devices with different ports? Also read our blog USB-C vs Lightning: what’s the difference?. There, we explain the differences between these ports in more detail.

What can you use an audio adapter for?

An audio adapter is especially useful when you want to keep using your existing wired accessories. For example:

• connecting wired earbuds to your phone;
• using headphones with a tablet that doesn’t have a jack port;
• connecting your phone to an AUX input in your car;
• connecting a speaker via a 3.5mm cable;
• listening to music, playing podcasts or watching videos without wireless earbuds.

A compact audio adapter is handy for everyday use because it’s easy to carry in your bag, jacket pocket or accessory case.

What should you look for in an audio adapter?

First, check which port your device has: USB-C or Lightning. Then check whether your audio accessory uses a standard 3.5mm mini jack. This is important for headphones, earbuds, AUX cables and speakers.

Also consider what the adapter is designed to do. An audio adapter is for sound, so you can’t use it as a charging adapter, data adapter or video adapter. If you want to transfer files, connect a USB device or output video via HDMI, take a look at our adapters and converters or our card readers.

Will the microphone or controls on my earbuds work too?

Playing audio is the main purpose of a 3.5mm audio adapter. Additional features such as a microphone, volume buttons or an inline pause button may depend on your device, software version and type of headset or earbuds.

Are you mainly using the adapter to listen to music, watch videos or connect an AUX cable? Then there’s a good chance this is exactly what you’re looking for. If you want to make calls or use the inline controls, it’s a good idea to check the product information first.

Which audio adapter is right for your device?

Using an Android phone, Google Pixel, Samsung device, laptop, iPad with USB-C or iPhone 15/16? Choose a USB-C to 3.5mm mini jack adapter. Using an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning port? Choose a Lightning to 3.5mm mini jack adapter.

Browse all audio adapters or contact us if you’re not sure which adapter is right for your device.

Related topics

Looking for other handy accessories as well as an audio adapter? Take a look at our audio accessories, ear tips, ear pads and sports hooks.

Want to browse more types of connections? Visit our adapters and converters. For photos, videos and files from SD or microSD cards, you can also browse our card readers.

Also read our blog USB-C vs Lightning: what’s the difference? if you’re not sure which port your device uses.

Frequently asked questions about audio adapters

Which audio adapter do I need for my phone?

That depends on the port on your phone. If your phone has USB-C, choose a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. If your phone has Lightning, choose a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.

Can I charge my phone with an audio adapter?

No, a standard USB-C or Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter is designed for sound. You can’t use it to charge your phone or transfer data.

Can I use an AUX cable in my car with an audio adapter?

Yes, if your device supports audio via the adapter. Connect the adapter to your phone, then connect the AUX cable to the 3.5mm mini jack port.

Which adapter do I need for an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16?

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 use USB-C. You’ll need a USB-C to 3.5mm mini jack adapter for these models, not a Lightning adapter.

Which adapter do I need for an iPhone 14 or older?

Many iPhone models up to and including the iPhone 14 series use Lightning. For these devices, you’ll usually need a Lightning to 3.5mm mini jack adapter.

Will any headphones work with an audio adapter?

Most standard headphones, earbuds, speakers and AUX cables with a 3.5mm mini jack are compatible for audio. Additional features such as a microphone or inline controls may vary depending on the device and accessory.