Frequently Asked Questions

You need: (1) An iPhone running iOS 16.6 or later, (2) Your Bluetooth headphones (any model), (3) A USB-C or Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter. That's it! We recommend the Sonos USB-C Line-in Adapter or the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Tested and working: Sonos USB-C Line-in Adapter, Apple USB-C to 3.5mm, most generic USB-C to 3.5mm adapters. For line-level inputs (like the Sonos adapter), you'll need to use the input gain control in the app to boost the volume.

Yes! Use a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter instead of USB-C. The app works the same way on both Lightning and USB-C iPhones.

Click the "Join Beta on TestFlight" button on the home page or visit testflight.apple.com/join/e2QCknAZ. You'll need to install Apple's TestFlight app first if you don't have it already.

Latency is typically 50-100ms total, which is imperceptible for most content. The app uses an optimized low-latency audio pipeline with real-time monitoring. You can adjust buffer size in settings if needed.

Some USB adapters (especially the Sonos adapter) output line-level audio, which is about 30dB quieter than mic-level. Use the Input Gain slider in the app to boost the volume. Start with 2-3x gain and adjust from there.

Yes! IFE Bridge runs in the background. You can minimize the app, use other apps, or even lock your screen. The audio bridge keeps running. You can also use Siri ("Hey Siri, start IFE Bridge") or the lock screen widget for quick control.

Battery usage is comparable to streaming music via Bluetooth. For long flights, consider bringing a portable charger or using the IFE system's USB port for charging (if available).

Yes! IFE Bridge includes a WAV recording feature. Tap the recording button while the bridge is running. Recordings are saved to your iPhone and can be played back, shared, or deleted directly in the app.

Try unplugging and replugging the adapter. Make sure it's firmly connected. Some adapters take a few seconds to be recognized. If the issue persists, try restarting your iPhone with the adapter connected.

Try increasing the buffer size in Advanced Settings (Settings icon → Advanced). Higher buffer = more stable audio but slightly higher latency. Also ensure your Bluetooth headphones are charged and close to your phone.

The app uses your iPhone's standard Bluetooth pairing. Make sure your headphones are paired in iOS Settings → Bluetooth first. IFE Bridge will then use that connection automatically.

If the Input Level meter is hitting 100%, you're clipping. Lower the Input Gain slider. If it's still low, try a different Bluetooth mode (Settings → Bluetooth Mode). A2DP offers the best quality.

IFE Bridge works with any IFE system that has a 3.5mm headphone jack. This includes most airlines worldwide. It's hardware-agnostic—we're just bridging the audio signal.

Absolutely! IFE Bridge works with any audio source that can output to a 3.5mm jack: gym equipment, hotel TVs, museum audio guides, gaming consoles, etc.

Yes! Any Bluetooth headphones work. AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Beats, Sony, Bose, Sennheiser—if they pair with your iPhone, they'll work with IFE Bridge.

No. All audio processing happens locally on your iPhone. We don't transmit, upload, or store any audio data. Recordings you make are stored only on your device. See our Privacy Policy for details.

IFE Bridge collects no personal data, no analytics, and no tracking. We don't even have a server to send data to. Everything runs 100% on-device.