Pixel 3 Headphone Jack: Does It Have One?

The Google Pixel 3 does not have a headphone jack. It was released in October 2018 without the 3.5mm port, following the trend set by the Pixel 2 the year before. If you want to use wired headphones with a Pixel 3, you must use the USB-C port, either with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or with USB-C headphones.

Background: Why Google Removed It

Google removed the headphone jack from the Pixel 2 in 2017, and the Pixel 3 continued that decision. The company cited several reasons at the time, which were similar to those given by other manufacturers:

• Internal space: Removing the jack freed up room for a larger battery and other components.
• Water resistance: Fewer openings made it easier to seal the phone against water and dust.
• Wireless push: Manufacturers wanted to encourage adoption of Bluetooth audio and USB-C accessories.

The Pixel 3 has an IP68 water resistance rating, which means it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. While a headphone jack doesn’t necessarily prevent water resistance (many phones have both), the removal made the design simpler.

What Comes in the Box

The Pixel 3 box includes a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter. This small dongle lets you plug any standard pair of wired headphones into the USB-C port. The adapter is digital, meaning it contains a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and amplifier chip. It works with most wired headphones, but the sound quality depends on the adapter’s chip and the headphones themselves.

If you lose the adapter, you can buy a replacement from Google or a third-party. Not all USB-C to 3.5mm adapters work with the Pixel 3; some are designed for specific phones. Google’s adapter is a safe bet, but many generic ones also work.

How to Use Wired Headphones Without a Jack

There are two main ways to use wired headphones with a Pixel 3:

1. USB-C to 3.5mm adapter: Plug the adapter into the phone’s USB-C port, then plug your headphones into the adapter. The phone will automatically route audio through the adapter.
2. USB-C headphones: Some headphones come with a USB-C connector instead of a 3.5mm plug. These plug directly into the phone. Examples include the Google USB-C earbuds that shipped with the Pixel 3 in some regions.

Bluetooth headphones are another option, but they are wireless. The Pixel 3 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and common codecs like SBC, AAC, and aptX HD.

Common Problems and Solutions

Users sometimes encounter issues when using the USB-C audio adapter:

• No sound: Make sure the adapter is fully inserted. Try a different USB-C port if you have one (the Pixel 3 has only one port). Restart the phone.
• Adapter not recognized: Some third-party adapters are not compatible. Try Google’s original adapter or a known compatible one.
• Sound cuts out: This can happen if the adapter is loose or the headphone plug is not fully seated. Try a different pair of headphones.
• Microphone not working: Some adapters do not support the headset microphone. Check if your adapter supports mic input.

If you use a case, make sure the case’s cutout is large enough for the adapter plug. Some thick cases prevent full insertion.

Comparison with Other Pixel Phones

• Pixel 1: Had a headphone jack.
• Pixel 2 and 2 XL: No headphone jack; included a USB-C adapter.
• Pixel 3 and 3 XL: No headphone jack; included a USB-C adapter.
• Pixel 3a and 3a XL: These budget models DID have a headphone jack. They were released in 2019 and were a notable exception.
• Pixel 4 and later: No headphone jack, except for the Pixel 5a which had one.

If having a headphone jack is essential, the Pixel 3a is the only Pixel 3 series phone with one. The Pixel 5a also has one, but it is a different generation.

Cost of Using USB-C Audio

If you already have wired headphones, the main cost is the adapter. Google’s official adapter retails for around $12, but third-party ones can be cheaper. However, you might need to buy a new adapter if you lose it, and some adapters are more durable than others.

If you want to use Bluetooth headphones, you may need to purchase a pair, which can range from budget to premium. The Pixel 3 does not support wireless charging for headphones, but it does support Qi wireless charging for the phone itself.

Alternatives to Wired Audio

• Bluetooth headphones: The Pixel 3 pairs quickly and supports aptX HD for better quality. Battery life varies by model.
• USB-C earbuds: The Google USB-C earbuds that came with the phone (in some regions) have a digital DAC and offer decent sound.
• USB-C adapters with multiple ports: Some adapters let you charge and listen simultaneously, but they are bulkier.

Note that the Pixel 3 does not have a microSD card slot, so you cannot expand storage for music files. Streaming over Wi-Fi or cellular is the usual way to listen to music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular 3.5mm headphone with the Pixel 3? Yes, but only with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. The phone does not have a 3.5mm port.

Does the Pixel 3 come with a headphone adapter in the box? Yes, the Pixel 3 includes a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box. It was included at launch, but if you buy a used phone, it may not be included.

Does the Pixel 3 support USB-C headphones with a mic? Yes, USB-C headphones with a microphone will work, but the mic may not work with all adapters. The Google USB-C earbuds have a mic and work well.

Can I charge and use headphones at the same time on the Pixel 3? Only if you use a USB-C splitter that has both a charging port and a headphone jack. These are available but not included.

Is the sound quality worse without a headphone jack? Not necessarily. The USB-C adapter contains a DAC, and the sound quality can be very good. It depends on the adapter and headphones. Some users report that the Pixel 3’s USB-C audio is comparable to a dedicated headphone jack.

Does the Pixel 3 have a headphone jack for the microphone? No, there is no 3.5mm jack at all. The microphone on the phone itself works for calls, and USB-C headsets with mics work as well.

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