A mini plug is a 3.5 mm male connector used with computer headphones, headset, microphone, and speakers, which connect to the computer’s sound card. This plug is one example of how audio gets transmitted from the computer to a peripheral device.

Today, newer devices that may have previously used the mini plug are switching to either USB or wireless.

Some higher-quality headphones use the original 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo plug. To connect these headphones to the computer, you must purchase a 1/4" (6.35 mm) female to 3.5mm male adapter.

Alternative names

Originally, this jack was developed in the late 1800s for use with telephone switchboards and was called a phone connector or phone jack. Over its evolution, it’s also been called a jack plug, audio jack, audio plug, mini plug, stereo plug, sub-mini plug, and headphone jack.

  • Alternative names
  • Phone connector sizes
  • What are TS, TRS, TRRS, and TRRRS?
  • Where are phone connectors used?
  • Related information

Some of these alternative names describe the size of the phone connector, while other names are only alternative ways to describe the connector.

Phone connector sizes

Over its evolution, there were many different sizes of phone connectors. Below are the more common ones:

  • 2.5 mm (1/10") mono (TS) (sub-mini)
  • 3.5 mm (1/8") mono (TS) (mini)
  • 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo (TS) (mini)
  • 6.35 mm (1/4") stereo (TRS)

What are TS, TRS, TRRS, and TRRRS?

When describing a type of phone connector, TS, TRS, TRRS, and TRRRS describe the type of contacts on the connector. The T is short for “tip,” R for “ring,” and S for “sleeve.”

The 3.5 mm TRRS connector may have a length of 15 mm (0.59-inch) or 17 mm (0.67-inch). Using the wrong length may prevent the cable from working correctly and cause physical damage.

Where are phone connectors used?

The phone connector is widespread, used with many electronic devices for over 100 years, and is still in use today. Below are examples of different devices that used phone connectors in alphabetical order.

  • Camcorder
  • Digital camera
  • DVD players
  • Electronic keyboards
  • Headphones used with (cell phones, computers, radio, smartphones, stereos).
  • Headsets
  • Keyboard on Apple Lisa.
  • Microphone
  • Mixing deck and other DJ equipment.
  • Patching
  • Speakers

Data cable, Plug, RCA, Sound terms

  • How to connect a headset to a computer.
  • What is the difference between a connector, jack, plug, and port?
  • Microphone and headset help and support.
  • Sound card help and support.