Let’s be real, wireless audio is everywhere these days. But if you’re like me, someone who still respects the crisp fidelity of a solid pair of wired headphones, you know there’s just no substitute for that clean analog sound. And yes, I’ve heard it all: “No headphone jack? Just go wireless!” But as a gadget technician who’s spent years under the hood of Samsung devices, I can tell you, there’s still room for wired audio, even on the Galaxy S25.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 may be a beast of a phone, sleek, powerful, and forward-thinking, but it doesn’t come with a 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s not a flaw. It’s a shift. And for those of us who still roll with classic gear, that just means we need to plug in a little differently.
In this guide, I won’t just show you how to connect 3.5mm headphones to your Galaxy S25, I’ll walk you through the cleanest, most reliable way to do it without damaging your gear or settling for low-quality audio. No vague instructions, no copy-paste fluff, just a technician’s straight-up solution, the way I’d explain it to a fellow pro or a curious client at the repair bench.
Ready to keep your favorite wired headphones alive and well on Samsung’s latest flagship? Let’s get into it.
The Adapter Solution: USB-C to 3.5mm
Alright, let’s get down to business. If you want to use your 3.5mm headphones on the Galaxy S25, the most straightforward route is what we call the adapter method, specifically, a USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter. But before you run to the nearest online store and grab the cheapest one you find, pump the brakes. Not all adapters are created equal, and if you’re trusting your ears to them, you better know what to look for.
Here’s the key: you need an adapter with a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). Without it, the Galaxy S25 won’t recognize your analog headphones. Why? Because this phone doesn’t have a native DAC onboard for the USB-C port. So unless your adapter can handle the conversion from digital audio to analog signal, all you’ll get is silence, or worse, sketchy performance with distorted sound or dropped connections.
Now, I’ve tested dozens of these adapters over the years, some that work flawlessly, and others that end up in the junk drawer within a week. If it’s dirt cheap and has no brand name? That’s a red flag. A proper USB-C to 3.5mm adapter from Samsung, or reliable brands like Anker, Belkin, or even Google’s Pixel adapter, is worth the few extra bucks. Trust me, your audio quality, and your sanity, depends on it.
Also, watch out for “charging + audio” splitters. Most of them try to do too much and end up doing both poorly. If your goal is clean, uninterrupted audio through your wired headphones, stick with a dedicated audio-only DAC adapter.
Once you’ve got the right gear, connection is a breeze: plug the adapter into your USB-C port, hook up your headphones, and you’re in business. No app installs, no drivers, no nonsense.
Step-by-Step: How to Connect 3.5mm Headphones to Galaxy S25
You’ve got the adapter. You’ve got your trusted wired headphones. Now let’s make them play nice with your Galaxy S25. I’m not going to throw generic steps at you, instead, I’ll walk you through this like I would if you were sitting at my workbench, asking me how to get crystal-clear sound without the guesswork.
Step 1: Plug the Adapter Into the USB-C Port
This part’s simple, but here’s the technician’s tip: insert it fully and firmly. Some users experience cutouts because they don’t push the adapter in all the way, or they’re using a phone case that partially blocks the port. If you’ve got a thick case, consider removing it temporarily or switching to one with a larger USB-C cutout.
Step 2: Connect Your 3.5mm Headphones to the Adapter
Don’t force it, just a clean plug-in until you feel that solid click. Now you’ve got a complete connection chain: phone > DAC adapter > headphones. It should be plug-and-play, but we’re not done yet.
Step 3: Test the Connection with Media
Fire up a song, video, or voice recording. If sound is coming through your headphones, you’re golden. If it’s still blasting from the phone speaker, you’ve got one of three issues:
- The adapter isn’t DAC-supported (swap it out for a known good one),
- The phone hasn’t switched outputs yet (see the next step),
- Or worst case, there’s a hardware issue (rare, but I’ve seen it).
Step 4: Manually Select Audio Output (If Needed)
Sometimes the Galaxy S25 needs a nudge. Pull down the quick settings panel, tap on Media Output, and make sure it shows your “USB Audio Device” or something similar. Tap to select it, and audio will reroute instantly. This is a quick fix I use all the time when devices don’t auto-switch.
Step 5: Make a Call or Try a Voice Note
Why? Because this is how you check the mic passthrough. Some adapters support audio out but don’t pass mic input. Try a voice memo or call a friend to see if your mic is detected. If not, and you rely on headset calls, you’ll want to invest in a DAC adapter with mic support.
Technician’s Tip:
If your adapter works but the sound quality is off, low volume, static, or imbalance, clean your headphone jack. I’ve fixed more “broken” setups just by clearing pocket lint out of connectors than I care to admit.
With these steps, you’re not just connecting headphones, you’re setting them up for optimal performance. And once you’ve done it right, there’s no fiddling around each time. Just plug in and press play.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a modern solution for a classic connection. Just because Samsung’s Galaxy S25 has moved on from the 3.5mm headphone jack doesn’t mean you have to leave your wired audio behind. As a technician who’s seen tech trends come and go, I can tell you this: it’s not about what the phone lacks, it’s about knowing how to make the hardware work for you.
With the right USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (one that’s actually built for audio, not just cheap plastic), and a few insider steps, you can bring your wired headphones back into the game, no Bluetooth lag, no signal drops, just pure, reliable sound.
I’ve guided thousands of users through this exact setup, and it always comes down to the same truth: quality audio is still alive and well, you just need the right tools and a bit of know-how.
So don’t toss those headphones just yet. Whether you’re an audiophile, a music pro, or just someone who values simplicity, there’s still a place for 3.5mm in a USB-C world. And now, you know exactly how to make that connection happen.
Want more technician-backed Samsung tips? Stick around, I’ve got more fixes, tweaks, and real-world advice coming your way.
