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3.5mm

3.5mm Audio Jack (1/8 inch)

Standard: IEC 60603-11 Last updated: 2025-01-21

The 3.5mm jack has been the universal audio connector for decades, but is being phased out of smartphones in favor of USB-C or wireless. The connector originated from 19th century telephone switchboards (the 6.35mm version) and was miniaturized for transistor radios in the 1950s. Despite being 'obsolete' it remains ubiquitous due to simplicity and universal compatibility.

Quick Specifications

Max Speed

0 Mbps

Pins

4

Reversible

No

⚠️ Common Confusion Points

  • TRS (3 conductors) and TRRS (4 conductors) look nearly identical but aren't fully compatible
  • TRRS has two different wiring standards: CTIA (Apple/most phones) and OMTP (older Nokia/Sony) - mic and ground are swapped
  • A TRS plug in a TRRS jack works for audio but no microphone
  • A TRRS plug in a TRS jack may have audio issues or no sound in one channel
  • Balanced TRS is different from stereo TRS - same connector, different wiring purpose
  • Many phones have removed the 3.5mm jack - check before assuming your device has one
  • Impedance mismatch between source and headphones affects volume and sound quality

Protocols & Versions

Protocol Data Rate Power Max Length
TS (Mono) (TS) Analog — 3m unbalanced typical
TRS (Stereo) (TRS) Analog — 3m unbalanced, longer for balanced
TRRS (Stereo + Mic) (TRRS) Analog — 2m typical
TRRRS (Stereo + Mic + Controls) (TRRRS) Analog — 2m typical

TS (Mono) Features

Mono audio 2 conductors (Tip, Sleeve)

Cable requirements: TS cable

TRS (Stereo) Features

Stereo audio 3 conductors (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) Can carry balanced mono

Cable requirements: TRS cable

TRRS (Stereo + Mic) Features

Stereo audio + microphone 4 conductors Headset support

Cable requirements: TRRS cable

TRRRS (Stereo + Mic + Controls) Features

Stereo audio + microphone + extra channel 5 conductors Rare

Cable requirements: TRRRS cable

Connector Specifications

Shape
cylindrical
Pins
4
Width × Height
3.5 × 3.5 mm
Depth
14 mm
Reversible
No

Electrical Specifications

Max Voltage
1V
Impedance
16-600Ω typical (headphones)

Compatibility

Can Adapt To

  • 6.35mm (1/4")
  • RCA
  • USB audio
  • Bluetooth (transmitter)

Can Adapt From

  • 6.35mm (1/4")
  • USB audio
  • Lightning
  • USB-C

Common Uses

  • Headphones
  • Earbuds
  • Smartphones (older models)
  • Laptops
  • Desktop computers
  • Portable audio players
  • Car stereos (aux input)
  • Gaming headsets
  • Microphones (consumer)

Buying Guide

For headphones only, TRS cables work fine. For headsets with microphones on phones, get TRRS cables and verify CTIA vs OMTP compatibility (CTIA is standard for Apple and most Android). For audio equipment, match the connector type to your devices. Gold plating is mostly cosmetic - connector quality matters more than plating.

Also Known As

3.5mm 1/8 inch Headphone jack Aux Mini jack

Data Sources