Wireless headphones · Connect guide
How to connect wireless headphones
Sources checked · how we check
Every pair of wireless headphones connects the same way: put them into pairing mode, then select them in your device's Bluetooth settings. Only the pairing-mode button differs by brand, so check the brand guides below if you're not sure.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Charge the headphones and turn them on.
- Put them into pairing mode. Most make a sound or blink a light when they're ready; if yours don't, check the owner's manual or a guide for your model.
- Brand steps: AirPods, Beats, JBL, Sony and Galaxy Buds each have their own connect guide on this site.
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Android phone
Swipe down → touch and hold Bluetooth → Pair new device
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and touch and hold Bluetooth.
- Tap Pair new device, tap the headphones' name and follow the on-screen instructions.
Google notes some of these steps work only on Android 15 and up.
Source: Google: find and set up Bluetooth devices near your Android device
iPhone or iPad
Settings → Bluetooth → tap the headphones
- Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth.
- Tap the headphones' name when it appears. You might need to enter a PIN or passcode.
Source: Apple: connect a third-party Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad
Windows 11 laptop or PC
Quick settings → Manage Bluetooth devices → New devices
- Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon on the taskbar, then the Manage Bluetooth devices arrow on the Bluetooth quick setting.
- Select the headphones under New devices, then select Done.
Windows 10 steps and fixing "connected but no sound" are in the Windows headphones guide.
Mac
System Settings → Bluetooth → Connect
- Choose Apple menu → System Settings, then click Bluetooth.
- Hold the pointer over the headphones in the list and click Connect.
Source: Apple Mac User Guide: connect a Bluetooth device with your Mac
If it still won't connect
If the headphones don't reconnect automatically, turn Bluetooth on and select them again in your device's Bluetooth settings. If another phone or computer is connected to them, disconnect them there or turn off its Bluetooth first. Avoid forgetting or unpairing the headphones to fix a connection, because you'll have to pair them again, and only reset them as a last resort.
Frequently asked questions
How do I put wireless headphones into pairing mode?
It depends on the brand. Most headphones blink a light or play a sound when they're in pairing mode; the owner's manual or the brand guide for your model gives the exact button.
Why won't my wireless headphones connect?
Often another device is already connected to them. Disconnect them on that device, or turn its Bluetooth off, then select them on the device you want to use.