To pair Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, put them in pairing mode, turn on Bluetooth on your phone or computer, and select the headphones from the device list. The button or case action that starts pairing depends on the headphone model, so check its instructions if you are unsure how to make it discoverable.
Before you start
- Charge the headphones, especially if they are new or have been unused for a while.
- Keep them near the phone or computer. Apple advises keeping an iPhone within about 33 feet (10 meters) while pairing.
- Use the headphone maker’s instructions to enter pairing or discovery mode. A device that is not discoverable will not appear in the Bluetooth list.
Pair headphones with an iPhone
- Put the headphones in pairing mode.
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Tap the headphone name when it appears in the device list. If the iPhone requests a PIN or passcode, check the headphone instructions.
See Apple’s instructions for pairing a Bluetooth accessory with an iPhone.
Pair headphones with an Android phone
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and touch and hold Bluetooth.
- Tap Pair new device. If that option is missing, look under Available devices or tap More > Refresh, depending on the Android interface.
- Put the headphones in pairing mode, tap their name, and follow any on-screen prompts.
Some supported headphones may display an Android Fast Pair notification instead. Fast Pair availability depends on the device; you can also use the Bluetooth settings route. Google notes that a Bluetooth device remains paired until you unpair it. See Google’s instructions for connecting Bluetooth devices to Android.
Pair headphones with a Windows PC
Windows 11
- Turn on Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth & devices or in Quick Settings.
- Put the headphones in pairing mode, then open the Bluetooth device controls from Quick Settings.
- Under New devices, select the headphones and complete any prompts.
For supported headphones that are nearby and discoverable, Windows Swift Pair may show a Connect notification. If the PC has no built-in Bluetooth, Microsoft says a Bluetooth adapter can add the capability.
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Windows 10
- Put the headphones in pairing mode.
- Open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth, choose the headphones when they appear, and follow the prompts.
This route applies to Windows 10, whose support ended on October 14, 2025. See Microsoft’s instructions for pairing a Bluetooth device in Windows.
Pair headphones with a Mac
- Put the headphones in pairing mode.
- Open the Mac’s Bluetooth settings and select the headphones when they appear.
- Complete any prompts shown on the Mac.
Menu labels and steps can vary by macOS version and headphone model. For a model-specific example, Apple’s Beats Solo3 instructions direct users to open the Mac’s Bluetooth settings and choose the discovered headphones. For other models or macOS versions, use the current instructions from Apple and the headphone maker.
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If your headphones do not appear or will not connect
- Check pairing mode. Make sure the headphones are discoverable; the steps vary by model. If needed, consult the manufacturer’s instructions rather than trying a generic reset-button sequence.
- Move closer and check the charge. Low battery can prevent some Bluetooth devices from entering pairing mode or maintaining a connection. Charge the headphones and try again.
- Refresh the device list. On Android, use the available refresh option if the headphone name does not appear.
- Remove and re-add the headphones on Windows. If the headphones appear but will not connect, remove them from Bluetooth settings and pair them again.
- Check any PIN request. Use the passcode specified in the headphone instructions rather than guessing.
For Windows-specific checks, see Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens after pairing?
Pairing registers the headphones with the phone or computer so they can connect over Bluetooth. On Android, Google says they stay paired until you unpair them. If you later want to use the headphones with another device, put them into pairing mode again and select them from that device’s Bluetooth list; the exact controls and behavior depend on the headphone model.
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