Compatible Adapters

Tested USB-C and Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapters

What You Need

IFE Bridge requires a USB-C or Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter to connect to the IFE system's headphone jack. Below are adapters we've tested and confirmed working.

Status Badges:

⭐ Recommended No issues or limitations whatsoever
✓ Works Functions correctly but has limitations (mono, reliability issues, etc.)
✗ Does Not Work Not compatible with IFE Bridge

Tested Adapters

Note: IFE Bridge has no commercial relationship with any of the vendors listed below. This table is compiled from real-world testing and user reports to help you choose compatible adapters.

Product Name	Status	Features & Capabilities	Link	Additional Notes
Sonos USB-C Line-in Adapter (SD-01)	⭐ Recommended	Stereo (2 channels) Line-level input 48kHz sample rate High quality audio	Sonos Store	Top choice for IFE Bridge - This adapter provides the highest quality audio with no issues or limitations. Natively stereo with full channel separation for the best listening experience on flights. Tested and working well with IFE Bridge.
Saramonic SR-C2003	⭐ Recommended	Stereo (2 channels) Line-level input 48kHz sample rate Gold-plated connectors Compact 3-inch cable	Amazon	Top choice for IFE Bridge - This adapter provides the highest quality audio with no issues or limitations. Natively stereo with full channel separation for the best listening experience on flights. Tested and working well with IFE Bridge.
Saramonic SR-C2001	⭐ Recommended	Stereo (2 channels) Line-level input 48kHz sample rate Gold-plated connectors 9-inch (22.86cm) cable	Amazon	Top choice for IFE Bridge - This adapter provides the highest quality audio with no issues or limitations. Natively stereo with full channel separation for the best listening experience on flights. Tested and working well with IFE Bridge.
Movo UCMA-1	⭐ Recommended	Stereo (2 channels) Line-level input 24-bit, 48kHz audio Female 3.5mm TRS 5.5-inch cable	Amazon	Top choice for IFE Bridge - This adapter provides the highest quality audio with no issues or limitations. Natively stereo with full channel separation for the best listening experience on flights. Tested and working well with IFE Bridge. Compact 5.5-inch design optimized for professional microphones and audio devices.
IK Multimedia iRig Stream	⭐ Recommended	Stereo (2 channels) RCA line-level inputs 24-bit, 48kHz audio Mono/stereo switch Loopback function	Amazon	Professional audio interface - Full-featured stereo audio interface with no issues or limitations. Requires RCA to 3.5mm cable to connect to IFE headphone jack. Probably overkill for IFE use, but great if you already have one. Includes USB-C, Lightning, and USB cables for device compatibility. Premium 24-bit/48kHz audio quality. Tested and working well with IFE Bridge.
Cubilux HLMS-C4	⭐ Recommended	Stereo (2 channels) Line-level input 48kHz sample rate Separate mic/headphone jacks Braided cable	Amazon	Top choice for IFE Bridge - This adapter provides the highest quality audio with no issues or limitations. Features separate dedicated jacks for microphone, headphone, and headset. Natively stereo with full channel separation for the best listening experience on flights. Tested and working well with IFE Bridge.
mic Biaze USB C Sound Card	✓ Works	Mono (1 channel) 48kHz sample rate Mic-level input Standard TRS plug	Amazon AU	Enumerates as "AB13X USB Audio" when connected. ⚠️ Limitations: Mono audio only - Left and right channels are mirrored (not true stereo) Frequently triggers Siri - Must disable Siri in iOS settings for uninterrupted use (see "Preventing Siri Interruptions" below for instructions)
mic Sabrent AU-UCMA	✓ Works	Mono (1 channel) 24-bit, 96kHz Mic-level input Dual 3.5mm jacks Aluminum body	Amazon	USB Type-C audio adapter with dedicated microphone input (pink jack). Aluminum construction for durability and heat dissipation. ⚠️ Limitations: Mono audio only - Microphone input is mono, left and right channels are mirrored (not true stereo)
headset_mic UGREEN CM722 P/N 25838	✓ Works	Mono (1 channel) 48kHz sample rate Mic-level input Needs TRRS adapter Simultaneous charging support	Amazon AU	Enumerates as "UGREEN CM722 USB Audio" when connected. ⚠️ Limitations: Mono audio only - Left and right channels are mirrored (not true stereo) Unreliable enumeration - Does not always register as an audio input properly. May require unplugging and reconnecting Needs TRRS splitter - Has a combined headphone/mic jack (see "Understanding Audio Jacks" below) Bonus: Allows simultaneous charging of your phone while listening - perfect for long flights!
Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter Model A2049, P/N MW2Q3FE/A	✗ Does Not Work	Output-only adapter No microphone input Not compatible with IFE Bridge	Apple Store	Not compatible - This adapter is designed for headphone output only and does not support audio input (microphone). For IFE Bridge, you need an adapter with microphone input support. See the tested adapters above for compatible options.
Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable Model A3299, P/N MDV84FE/A	✗ Does Not Work	Output-only cable No microphone input Not compatible with IFE Bridge	Apple Store	Not compatible - This cable is designed for audio output only and does not support audio input (microphone). Similar to the adapter model A2049 above, this cable lacks microphone input support required for IFE Bridge.
JSAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter Model CM0029	✗ Does Not Work	Output-only adapter No microphone input Not compatible with IFE Bridge	Amazon AU	Not compatible - Despite having both a 3.5mm jack and USB-C charging port, this adapter is designed for audio output only. It does not support audio input (microphone), which is required for IFE Bridge.

Tested Accessories

Note: These accessories are optional and designed to complement the tested adapters above. They enhance functionality but are not required for basic operation. These accessories alone are not sufficient—you must have a compatible USB audio adapter from the "Tested Adapters" section.

Image	Product Name	Status	Features & Capabilities	Link	Additional Notes
	Mizi USB C Splitter 100W Fast Charging Adapter	✓ Works	Simultaneous charging and audio 100W Power Delivery Dual USB-C ports Compatible with iPhone 15/16	Amazon AU	Allows you to charge your phone while using the audio adapter - perfect for long flights! Supports 100W fast charging for compatible devices while maintaining full audio functionality. Universal compatibility with iPhone 15/16, iPad, MacBook, Galaxy S24/S23, Pixel, and other USB-C devices. Setup: Connect the splitter to your phone, plug your USB audio adapter into one port and your charging cable into the other port.

Important Notes

Testing Before Your Flight

Always test your adapter before traveling. Connect it to any audio source (laptop, TV, etc.) and verify IFE Bridge shows "USB Input Connected" and you hear audio through your Bluetooth headphones.

Airplane Headphone Adapters

Some airlines use dual-prong or proprietary headphone jacks instead of standard 3.5mm. In these cases, you'll need an airplane headphone adapter (dual-prong to 3.5mm) in addition to your USB adapter.

Understanding Audio Jacks: TRRS vs TRS

TRS (Headphones Only)

2 black rings on the plug

Left + Right audio only, no mic

TRRS (Headset with Mic)

3 black rings on the plug

Left + Right audio + Microphone

Need a TRRS Splitter?

If your adapter has a combined headphone/mic jack (TRRS), you'll need a splitter cable that breaks it out into:

One plug for microphone (usually pink or red)
One plug for headphones (usually green)

Examples of TRRS splitter cables

Check Your Adapter's Symbols

Most USB-C adapters are output only (for headphones). You need one that supports audio input (microphone). Check your adapter's symbols to see what it supports:

mic

Microphone Symbol

✓ Works

This adapter has a dedicated microphone input. Perfect for IFE Bridge!

✓ Simply plug it into your iPhone. No additional adapters needed.

headset_mic

Headset Symbol (Headphone + Mic)

⚠️ Needs Adapter

This adapter has a combined headphone/mic jack (like iPhone earbuds).

⚠ You need a TRRS splitter to use the microphone input. See below for details.

headphones

Headphone Symbol Only

✗ Won't Work

This adapter is output only (speakers/headphones). It has no microphone input.

✗ Won't work with IFE Bridge. You need an adapter with microphone input.

Lightning Devices: Need Lightning to USB Adapter

If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier), you'll need a Lightning to USB adapter to connect USB audio adapters to your device.

Look for "Lightning to USB Camera Adapter" or "Lightning to USB 3" adapters. These often have a camera symbol on them (as shown in the photos above). Chain it: IFE headphone jack → 3.5mm cable → USB audio adapter → Lightning to USB adapter → iPhone.

Important: The adapter must support data transfer, not just power. Power-only Lightning adapters (like some charging adapters) won't work. Look for camera adapters or USB 3 adapters that explicitly support data.

⚠️ Reliability Warning: Even adapters that claim to work with cameras can be finicky. Some may not work at all, while others can cause audio cutouts or distortion during use.

Example of unreliable Lightning to USB adapter

Example of an adapter that doesn't work reliably with IFE Bridge - causes intermittent audio issues even though it claims camera support.

Recommendation: Always test your specific Lightning to USB adapter thoroughly before your flight. If you experience audio issues, try a different adapter model or consider upgrading to a USB-C iPhone for more reliable compatibility.

Preventing Siri Interruptions

Some adapters may accidentally trigger Siri during use, interrupting your audio. For uninterrupted audio bridging, disable Siri features in iOS Settings.

⚠️ Why This Happens: iOS always gives priority to system features like Siri. Apps cannot programmatically disable Siri for security and privacy reasons.

settings_voice Disable "Hey Siri"

iOS 18 and later:

Open Settings app
Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri
Tap Talk & Type Siri
Turn OFF "Listen for" (or disable all triggers)

iOS 17 and earlier:

Open Settings app
Tap Siri & Search
Turn OFF "Listen for Hey Siri"

power_settings_new Disable Button Activation

iOS 18 and later:

Open Settings app
Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri
Tap Talk & Type Siri
Turn OFF "Press Side Button" or "Press Action Button"

iOS 17 and earlier:

Open Settings app
Tap Siri & Search
Turn OFF "Press Side Button for Siri"

💡 Ultimate Solution: For critical recordings where interruptions are unacceptable, enable Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb. This disables all potential interruptions.

Help Us Build the Database

🎁 Tested a New Adapter? Get a Free App Coupon!

If you've tested an adapter that's not on our list, we'd love to hear about it! Submit your findings and get a coupon for the full App Store version as a thank you.

We need to know:

Adapter brand and model
Whether it worked (yes/no)
Audio quality notes (mono/stereo, gain needed, etc.)
Product link (manufacturer or vendor)

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