Why your Fairphone uses Bluetooth or USB-C for audio

  • Updated 

You can easily connect your favorite wired headphones to your Fairphone using the USB-C port. This guide explains our audio design choices, why we don't offer a built-in 3.5mm audio jack, and explains how to connect USB-C or traditional 3.5mm wired headphones.

What you need to know about our audio design

A 3.5mm audio jack requires a dedicated internal space of at least 10mm x 5mm x 5mm. Omitting this single-purpose analog port lets us optimize internal space and provide key hardware improvements like:

  • Bigger battery and performance: The majority of Fairphone owners told us they prioritize longer battery runtime and better phone performance over a legacy analog port.
  • Hardware upgrades: Freeing up internal room allows for hardware like extra microphones, stereo speakers, optical sensors, and additional 5G antennas.
  • Superior digital audio: The modern USB-C standard handles digital audio transmission, active noise cancellation (ANC), and high-resolution playback with compatible accessories.
  • Versatility: A single USB-C port charges your phone and outputs sound. If you want to charge your phone and listen to wired audio at the same time, you can use a dual USB-C adapter splitter.

Fairphone does not plan to bring back the 3.5mm port. To support classic wired gear, our official USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (currently available in Europe) includes a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that delivers clean, clean analog sound to your headphones. You can also connect your Fairbuds XL to your USB-C port using a standard USB-C cable.

How to use your 3.5mm headphones with your Fairphone

To listen with 3.5mm wired headphones on your Fairphone, make sure you have:

  • A Fairphone with a USB-C port.
  • Headphones or earphones with a standard 3.5mm audio plug
  • A USB-C to 3.5mm audio jack adapter (such as the official adapter from our online shop).

How to connect your wired headphones

Follow these steps to connect your wired audio equipment:

  1. Insert your 3.5mm headphone plug firmly into the port of the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
  2. Plug the USB-C connector of the adapter directly into the USB-C port on your phone.
  3. Play an audio track or video on your phone to confirm the sound plays through your headphones.

Frequently asked questions

Does using an adapter reduce sound quality?

No, using an adapter does not degrade your listening experience. The USB-C port sends a digital signal directly from your phone. Our official adapter features a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that processes the digital data into high-resolution, 24-bit analog sound.

Why is an audio adapter not included in the box?

We omit extra accessories from our packaging to reduce electronic waste and keep our footprint low. Many owners already have compatible accessories or prefer wireless audio. If you need one, our durable USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is available in our online shop.

Are wireless Bluetooth connections safe to use?

All Fairphone products meet strict international safety and health regulations. Bluetooth Low Energy generates far lower emissions than standard cellular network connections or Wi-Fi. If you prefer a fully wired setup, using our USB-C adapter remains an easy, dependable choice.