How do I use wired headphones with an iPhone that has Lightning?
Last checked November 14, 2026
Short answer
Use a Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone adapter. iPhone 7 and later have no headphone jack; Apple says its adapter needs iOS 10 or later.
Best matchLightning to 3.5 mm headphone adapter
See options on AmazonHow to connect it
- Plug the adapter into the iPhone's Lightning port.
- Plug your headphones into the adapter.
- Play something. The sound switches to the headphones.
Check this first
- iPhone 7 and later have no headphone jack. Lightning is the small flat port on iPhone 7 to iPhone 14.
- Fits iPhone 7 through iPhone 14 and iPads with a Lightning port. Apple says it needs iOS 10 or later.
- Choose Apple's own or an MFi-certified adapter. Uncertified ones can stop working after an iPhone update.
- It has no charging port, so you cannot charge while you listen.
Questions people ask
Which iPhones need this?
iPhone 7 through iPhone 14. iPhone 15 and newer use USB-C and need a USB-C adapter.
Why choose Apple's or an MFi adapter?
Uncertified adapters can stop working after an iPhone update.
Not your setup?
Tap what you have and we will find the right part.