How to Pair Bluetooth Headphones

The short answer

Pairing makes your Bluetooth headphones and audio device remember each other so they can connect automatically later. In most cases, you put the headphones into pairing mode, open Bluetooth settings on the phone, computer, or other source, and select the headphones when their name appears. The exact button or menu name can vary by model and operating system.

Before you start

• Charge the headphones enough that they can stay on during pairing.
• Keep the headphones and the source device close together, usually within about 3 feet or 1 meter.
• Turn off Bluetooth on other devices that may already be connected to the headphones, so they do not claim the connection first.
• If the headphones have been paired before, remove or forget the old pairing on both devices before starting fresh.

Put the headphones into pairing mode

Start with the headphones powered off. On many models, press and hold the power or Bluetooth button for several seconds until a light blinks, often in an alternating or rapid blue and red pattern. Some earbuds enter pairing mode when you remove them from the case, while others require you to hold a button on the case or on the earbuds themselves. Because the method varies by model, check the maker's quick-start guide if the first method does not work.

Open Bluetooth settings on the source device

On a phone or tablet, open the Settings app and go to Bluetooth or Connected devices, then make sure Bluetooth is on. On a computer, select the Bluetooth icon in the system tray or menu bar, or open Bluetooth settings from System Settings or Settings. On a TV, look for a Bluetooth or Sound output menu in the television's settings. Bluetooth must be enabled on the source device before it can find the headphones.

Select the headphones

• With the headphones still in pairing mode, let the source device search or scan for nearby Bluetooth devices.
• Wait for the headphones to appear in the list. This can take a few seconds.
• Tap or click the headphones' name to pair.
• If asked, confirm a number or enter a code such as 0000. Many modern headphones pair without a code.

Check that pairing worked

A successful pairing is usually shown in the Bluetooth settings by the word Connected or Paired next to the headphones. You can also play a short piece of audio and listen through the headphones. If you are using the headphones for calls or recording, open the app's audio settings and confirm that the headphones are selected as the output or input device. Bluetooth headphones can sometimes connect as a headset for calls and as headphones for music under different input and output names.

If the headphones do not appear

• Confirm the headphones are actually in pairing mode and not merely switched on.
• Turn Bluetooth off and on again on the source device.
• Remove the headphones from the source device's saved device list if they appear as previously paired.
• Move closer and keep other nearby Bluetooth devices off to reduce interference.
• Restart both the headphones and the source device.
• Consult the manual for the model-specific pairing command if the steps above do not apply.

What the check covers

This guide covers setup and connection only. It does not diagnose headphones that pair but then produce no sound, drop out, or fail during a call. Those issues need separate audio output, input, or Bluetooth troubleshooting.