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Nothing Headphone (1) is easiest to tune in two stages: pair it from the headphone itself, then use the Nothing X app to adjust sound, noise control and connection options. Start with the default sound, change one setting at a time, and keep the mode that works for your ears and surroundings rather than chasing a supposedly universal “best” profile.
This guide covers first-time pairing, the Roller and Paddle controls, EQ and Bass Enhance, ANC and Transparency, and the Android-only LDAC path. The instructions are based on Nothing’s official Headphone (1) support guidance and its LDAC instructions.
What you need before setup
Have the headphones charged enough to remain powered on during pairing, a phone with Bluetooth enabled, and the Nothing X app. Nothing X is available through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store; search for “Nothing X,” install it, and open it after the headphones are paired. The app is where additional device functions and sound settings are exposed.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Android: a compatible phone is required if you want to use LDAC. The phone must support LDAC and allow that codec to be selected.
- iPhone or iPad: Nothing says iOS Bluetooth supports AAC, not LDAC or other high-resolution Bluetooth codecs.
- For every phone: keep the headphones and phone close together for the initial connection and avoid pairing while another device is actively trying to take over the Bluetooth connection.
How to pair Nothing Headphone (1)
- Power on the headphones. Make sure Headphone (1) is awake before opening Bluetooth settings.
- Enter pairing mode. On the inner side of the right headphone, press and hold the Bluetooth pairing button for three seconds. Release it when the indicator begins blinking slowly. Nothing’s model-specific pairing guidance uses this three-second hold; it is different from a separate general-controls description that mentions a two-second hold.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone. Wait for the headphones to appear in the list of available devices.
- Select the headphones. Tap the Headphone (1) entry and accept the pairing request if your phone displays one.
- Open Nothing X. Launch the app, allow the requested Bluetooth or nearby-device permissions, and select Headphone (1) if the app asks which device to manage.
If Headphone (1) does not appear, turn Bluetooth off and back on, confirm the indicator is still blinking slowly, and repeat the three-second hold. A headphone that is already connected to another remembered device may need that device’s Bluetooth disabled temporarily.
#1 Best Overall
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
Learn the physical controls before changing sound
The controls are deliberately divided between a Roller and a Paddle. Learning the default actions prevents you from changing an app setting to solve what is actually a control misunderstanding.
| Control | Action | Default result |
|---|---|---|
| Roller | Rotate | Adjusts listening volume |
| Roller | Press once | Plays or pauses media |
| Roller | Press and hold | Switches between ANC and Transparency |
| Paddle | Move or press according to its direction | Moves between tracks and handles calls |
The Roller’s press-and-hold noise-control action uses ANC and Transparency by default. In Nothing X, you can change that control so that Off is included as another noise-control state.
Use Nothing X to manage the headphone
After pairing, open the Headphone (1) device page in Nothing X. The app is the route to the additional functions and settings that are not practical to manage from the physical controls alone. Menu names can change as the app is updated, so look for the device home page, sound or EQ controls, noise-control controls, and device settings rather than relying on an older screenshot.
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- Confirm that the app shows Headphone (1) as connected.
- Locate the equalizer and Bass Enhance controls before you start listening critically.
- Find noise-control settings if you want to include Off in the Roller’s press-and-hold cycle.
- On Android, locate Device settings if you plan to enable High-quality audio for LDAC.
Make changes while audio is playing at a comfortable, consistent volume. That makes it easier to tell whether a change is helping or merely making the sound louder.
How to tune EQ without a “best” preset
An EQ setting is a preference, not an objective upgrade. Your music, hearing, ear-pad seal, listening volume and surroundings all affect which balance sounds natural. Nothing’s support material explains where to access sound controls, but it does not establish one universally best EQ curve for Headphone (1).
A reliable starting method
- Begin with the default sound. Listen to several familiar tracks that contain vocals, bass instruments and cymbals. Use the same volume for each comparison.
- Change one control. Move only one EQ band or sound option at a time. If you change several bands together, you will not know which adjustment caused the improvement or problem.
- Use small adjustments. Stop as soon as the unwanted quality is reduced. Large boosts can make a track sound exciting briefly but can also make vocals harsh, bass loose or treble tiring.
- Check more than one recording. A setting that flatters one heavily produced track may sound boomy or thin on another.
- Return to the starting point when needed. If the change is less pleasing after a few minutes, undo it rather than accumulating compensating boosts.
Choose the goal before moving a slider
| What you want to change | Practical approach | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| More weight from kick drums and bass lines | Try Bass Enhance or a modest low-frequency EQ increase | Muddy vocals, masking of guitars or reduced detail |
| Clearer speech and vocals | Make a small midrange adjustment if your EQ exposes one | Nasal or forward voices |
| More perceived sparkle | Use a restrained high-frequency adjustment | Sibilance, hiss or listening fatigue |
| Less coloration | Return toward the default profile and judge at a lower volume | Lower volume can initially feel less exciting even when balance is better |
The table describes listening decisions, not measurements of Headphone (1)’s frequency response. If an adjustment helps with one album but hurts several others, the more neutral choice is usually to undo it.
Rank #2
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
How to enable and adjust Bass Enhance
Nothing says Bass Enhance is off by default. You can turn it on from the Nothing X app home page and adjust its intensity there.
- Open Nothing X and select Headphone (1).
- On the app home page, find Bass Enhance.
- Enable the feature.
- Play a familiar track and set the intensity to a low or moderate level first.
- Increase it only if the added low-end weight remains clean on several recordings; reduce or disable it if bass masks voices or makes kick drums indistinct.
Bass Enhance and EQ can interact. For an easier comparison, begin with Bass Enhance alone, decide whether it solves your problem, and only then experiment with EQ. Turning both up at once makes it difficult to identify the source of boominess.
Choose ANC, Transparency or Off for the situation
Noise control is a situational choice rather than a sound-quality ranking. ANC is intended to reduce outside noise, Transparency lets environmental sound through, and Off removes active noise processing. The Roller’s press-and-hold action cycles through ANC and Transparency by default; Nothing X can add Off to that cycle.
| Mode | Use it when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| ANC | You want more isolation from steady background noise such as transport or an office HVAC system | You hear less of your surroundings and may prefer a different tonal balance than in a quiet room |
| Transparency | You need awareness of announcements, conversations or nearby activity | External sound is intentionally mixed into your listening experience |
| Off | You are in a quiet place or prefer no active noise-control processing | Outside noise is not actively reduced, and Transparency is not added |
Put Off on the Roller if you switch often
- Open Nothing X and enter the Headphone (1) controls or device-settings area.
- Find the setting for the Roller’s press-and-hold action or noise-mode cycle.
- Add Off to the cycle, then save the change if the app presents a confirmation.
- Press and hold the Roller during playback to verify that the modes now advance in the order shown by the app.
If the sound changes unexpectedly, check the active mode in Nothing X before changing EQ. ANC and Transparency can alter your perception of bass and detail, so comparing two EQ settings in different noise modes can lead to the wrong conclusion.
How to use LDAC on Android
LDAC is an optional Android connection path for higher-bitrate Bluetooth audio. Nothing states that LDAC supports 24-bit/96 kHz audio and transmission rates up to 990 kbps. Those are vendor-stated maximum format and bitrate capabilities, not a promise that every recording, phone, wireless environment or listener will hear an improvement.
Nothing’s requirement is explicit: “LDAC requires both device support and the selected codec to be enabled on your phone.” The phone, not just the headphones, must support LDAC and have it selected.
Rank #3
- Dynamic Noise Cancellation Tailored for You: Experience the Nothing Headphone (a) with cutting-edge Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, utilizing state-of-the-art processors and adaptive microphones to eliminate distractions. The innovative Smart Adaptive Mode adjusts seamlessly to your surroundings, while the Transparency Mode allows ambient sounds for situational awareness. Select from four customizable ANC levels (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for a personalized listening journey
- Endless Listening with Rich Sound Quality: Crafted for 5 HD Mics, our Nothing Headphone (a) Bluetooth Headphones Over the Ear boasts a Spatial Audio with Hi-Res Wireless certification for remarkable clarity and an immersive auditory experience, Noise Cancelling Headphone with impressive battery life of up to 135 hours (75 hours with ANC on). A rapid 5-minute charge delivers 8 hours of playback time (ANC off)
- Remote Camera Shutter: Control your camera with a simple press of your Wireless Over-Ear headphones. No more running back and forth—just smooth, uninterrupted content creation. Perfect for vlogs, outfit checks, selfies, or group shots. Frame, get into position, and capture instantly.(On Nothing OS: Directly activates the camera; one press to record. On iOS & Android: Quickly capture or control recording if the camera function is already open)
- Comfort Meets Control: Designed for all-day comfort, the Nothing Headphones Wireless Over Ear features an ergonomic design with memory foam cushions for a secure fit. The Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones design includes an intuitive roller and paddle interface, providing easy access to volume controls, playback, and noise mode switching. The Nothing X app allows for extensive customization, ensuring a continuous, immersive sound experience
- Built For Your Unique Style: Start with your Personal Sound Profile and immerse yourself in Nothing X APP (with Ultra Bass included). Nothing Active Noise Canceling Headphones with Spatial Audio for concert or cinema-level listening for quick access to your most-used commands
Enable the required settings
- Confirm phone support. Check your Android phone’s Bluetooth or audio specifications for LDAC support. If the phone does not support LDAC, Headphone (1) will use another available codec.
- Pair Headphone (1). Complete the normal Bluetooth pairing procedure first.
- Connect in Nothing X. Open the Headphone (1) device page in Nothing X.
- Enable High-quality audio. In the device settings, turn on the High-quality audio option for LDAC.
- Check the phone’s codec selection. In the connected Headphone (1) Bluetooth details, select LDAC if your Android version exposes codec choices. Labels and locations differ by manufacturer.
- Choose Adaptive playback quality. Nothing recommends Adaptive playback quality in Android Developer options.
- Consider dual connection. If you select a higher audio bitrate, Nothing recommends turning off dual connection so Bluetooth bandwidth is available for LDAC streaming.
LDAC can use more bandwidth than a lower-bitrate codec. If playback becomes unstable, drops out or repeatedly falls back to another codec, first return to Adaptive playback quality or a lower bitrate, move the phone closer, and test with dual connection disabled.
LDAC decision table
| Priority | Recommended choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum connection convenience | Keep dual connection enabled and use the codec that remains stable | Two-device convenience can matter more than a higher bitrate |
| Highest available LDAC bitrate | Enable High-quality audio, use Adaptive playback quality as Nothing recommends, and disable dual connection | Frees bandwidth for LDAC, with less multi-device convenience |
| Reliable playback in a busy wireless area | Use Adaptive playback quality or a lower bitrate if dropouts occur | A stable stream is more useful than a setting that repeatedly interrupts audio |
What iPhone users should expect
Nothing states that iOS devices support the AAC Bluetooth audio codec and do not currently support LDAC or other high-resolution Bluetooth codecs. You can still pair Headphone (1), use Nothing X’s available controls, adjust EQ and Bass Enhance, and switch noise modes; the LDAC steps above do not apply to an iPhone or iPad.
Do not treat the absence of an LDAC option on iOS as a pairing failure. It is a codec limitation stated by Nothing for Apple devices.
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Troubleshoot the most common setup and sound problems
Headphone (1) is missing from Bluetooth
- Power the headphones off and on.
- Hold the right-side Bluetooth pairing button for the full three seconds and wait for the slow-blinking indicator.
- Temporarily disable Bluetooth on other nearby devices that have previously used the headphones.
- Toggle Bluetooth on the phone, then scan again.
Nothing X cannot find the headphones after Bluetooth pairing
- Confirm the phone’s Bluetooth page shows Headphone (1) as connected, not merely saved.
- Close and reopen Nothing X, then select Headphone (1) from its device list.
- Review the app’s Bluetooth or nearby-device permission if the phone asks for it.
- If another phone is connected, disconnect it before reopening the app.
The sound is too bass-heavy
- Check whether Bass Enhance was enabled; it is off by default, so an unexpected change may have come from a previous app adjustment.
- Lower Bass Enhance intensity before changing several EQ bands.
- Return EQ bands toward their starting positions and compare at the same volume.
- Check whether ANC or Transparency changed since your last comparison.
LDAC is unavailable or unstable
- Verify that the Android phone supports LDAC and that the codec is selected on the phone.
- Confirm High-quality audio is enabled in Nothing X’s Headphone (1) device settings.
- Use Adaptive playback quality, as Nothing recommends.
- Disable dual connection when attempting a higher bitrate.
- If dropouts continue, choose a lower bitrate or the adaptive option; Nothing’s 990 kbps figure is a maximum capability, not a required operating point.
The Roller does not cycle through the mode you want
Open Nothing X and inspect the Roller press-and-hold assignment. ANC and Transparency are the default states; Off appears in the cycle only after you configure it in the app.
A practical first-session checklist
- Pair Headphone (1) with the three-second right-side button hold.
- Install or open Nothing X and confirm the device is connected.
- Learn Roller volume, press-to-play/pause and press-and-hold noise control, plus the Paddle’s track and call actions.
- Listen to the default sound before making changes.
- Test Bass Enhance by itself, remembering that it starts off and has an adjustable intensity.
- Adjust one EQ control at a time and test several familiar recordings.
- Set ANC, Transparency or Off according to the environment, not as a permanent “best” mode.
- On Android, enable LDAC only if the phone supports it and you value the higher-bitrate path enough to accept its bandwidth trade-offs.
- On iOS, use AAC and do not look for an LDAC switch.
Where to verify the current instructions
App menus and phone Bluetooth labels can change. For the model’s pairing, controls, Bass Enhance and noise-mode guidance, consult Nothing’s Headphone (1) how-to and controls page. For Android codec prerequisites, High-quality audio, Adaptive playback quality and dual-connection advice, consult Nothing’s LDAC support article. The support pages do not show publication or update dates, so check them again if your app presents different labels.
Quick Recap
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