How to Use Headphones on an iPhone 7

Listen your way with your favorite headphones

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Updated on July 20, 2021

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What to Know

The iPhone 7 doesn't have a built-in headphone jack, but you can use the included headphones that plug into the phone's Lightning port.
Use AirPods or other wireless headphones. Pair the headphones, then set the audio to play to them via the Control Center.
Use Apple's Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter to connect any set of wired headphones.

This article answers the question "does the iPhone 7 have a headphone jack?" and explains the various ways to connect included and third-party headphones to the iPhone 7.

Does the iPhone 7 Have a Headphone Jack?

No. The iPhone 7 series was the first that did not have a headphone jack. Neither the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus had a headphone jack. All iPhone models since then have also left out the headphone jack.

When Apple introduced these models, it removed the headphone jack to allow the iPhone 7 to be slimmer than previous models.

With the iPhone 7 series, users have three options for connecting headphones: Wireless headphones like AirPods, the Apple wired headphones included with the iPhone 7 and plug into the Lightning port, or an adapter for headphones with a standard jack.

How to Use the Included Headphones on an iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 comes with headphones in the box. These included headphones plug into the Lightning port on the bottom of the iPhone. The only downside is you can't use that port to charge your phone, for example, while you're using the headphones. If you're happy with them, there's no need to buy wireless headphones or an adapter.

How to Use Headphones on an iPhone 7: Wireless Headphones

A straightforward way to use headphones with the iPhone 7 is to use wireless headphones. You can use Apple's AirPods, of course, but you can also connect virtually any other set of Bluetooth-compatible headphones too. Here's what to do:

Make sure your AirPods or Bluetooth headphones are charged and physically close to the iPhone 7.
Put them in pairing mode. For AirPods, this means pressing the button on the case. For other headphone models, consult the instructions.
If you're pairing AirPods, follow the onscreen instructions (or check out our detailed AirPods set-up guide).
If you're pairing third-party models, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth slider is set on on/green.
When your headphones appear on the screen, tap them to pair.
When your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones are connected, make sure audio is going to them by opening Control Center, tapping the audio playback controls, and then tapping the headphones if they're not already selected.

How to Use Headphones on an iPhone 7: Adapter

If you've got a pair of wired headphones you love, you can use those with the iPhone 7, too. All you need is an adapter. Apple sells a Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter that does just the trick. This adapter plugs into the Lightning port on the bottom and offers a standard headphone jack on the other end. Just plug in your preferred wired headphones, and you'll be listening as soon as you press play. Like with regular headphones, there are no onscreen settings to change—start playing music, and you'll hear it in your headphones.

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