Whether you’re new to the world of wireless audio or looking to pick up a few tricks, here’s how to connect your Bluetooth headphones and earphones to your phone and other devices.
While wired headphones have made a comeback among the cool kids in recent years, some of us prefer not to get tangled up in cords. And phone makers have largely dumped the headphone jack on their flagship models, making it necessary to invest in wireless headphones. But is wire-free audio only suited for tech-savvy people, or can anyone pick up a pair of Bluetooth headphones and start enjoying some tunes?
The good news for newcomers is that setup is easy. Typically, all you need to do is connect them to a device, such as a phone or computer, and you’re good to go. If you bought Google’s new Pixel Buds 2a or Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, you can learn a thing or two about pairing Bluetooth headphones. Here’s a rundown for getting connected across operating systems.How to Connect Headphones via Bluetooth
While the actual buttons you press (and for how long) can vary depending on the headphones, the pairing process usually works the same way:1. Turn on Bluetooth
First, enable Bluetooth in your device’s settings menu. On a phone, that means pulling down from the top of the screen to open Android’s Quick Settings menu or iPhone’s Control Center. Make sure the Bluetooth icon is enabled here.
In Windows 10, open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and make sure the Bluetooth switch is enabled. For Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and enable Bluetooth. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth and enable the Bluetooth option.2. Enter Pairing Mode
You can now put your headphones or earphones in pairing mode. Press and hold the Bluetooth pairing button on the headset. If you’re not sure which button that is, consult your manual. Sometimes it’s a dedicated button, other times it’s the power button. Once you hold down the pairing button for a long enough time (usually a few seconds), the LEDs on the headphones should blink to indicate they’re ready to pair with your device.
Some headphones automatically go into pairing mode when powered up. If you have true wireless earbuds, such as Apple’s AirPods or anything that comes in a small charging case, you can typically enter pairing mode simply by opening the case and removing the buds. Some sets also have a pairing button for good measure.3. Select Your Headphones
Now go back to the Bluetooth settings screen on your device.
