How to Connect Cordless Headphones | Pairing Made Simple

For the full breakdown, see our best Cordless Headphones guide.

That’s the whole method, regardless of brand. The tricky part is getting the headphones into pairing mode, and that step differs between models. Let’s walk through the standard process for the most common brands, then cover the stalls people usually hit.

Putting Your Headphones in Pairing Mode

Pairing mode is the state where your headphones broadcast a signal for nearby devices to find. Most wireless headphones enter this mode automatically the first time you switch them on. After that, you usually need to hold the power button to re-enter it.

Here’s the breakdown by brand:

• Beats: Hold the power button until the LED flashes. Apple says to put Beats in pairing mode and then select them in Bluetooth settings on the source device.
• Sony: Many Sony models enter pairing mode by holding the power button for at least 7 seconds. Some, like the WF-C500 earbuds, start pairing automatically when you take them out of the charging case for the first time.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds: Open the case near your phone, then follow the on-screen prompt.
• Other brands: A long press on the power button (5–10 seconds) usually does it. Look for a blinking LED, typically in blue or alternating colors.

Connecting to Your Phone, Tablet, or Computer

Once your headphones are in pairing mode, grab the device you’re connecting to. The steps are nearly identical across platforms:

On iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure it’s on. Your headphones should appear under “Other Devices.” Tap the name to connect.

On Android (Samsung included): Open Settings, tap Connections, then tap Bluetooth. Find your headphones in the list and tap them, then confirm Pair when prompted.

On Windows: Turn on Bluetooth in Settings, then choose Add Bluetooth or other device, select Bluetooth, and pick your headphones from the list that appears.

On Mac: Open System Settings, go to Bluetooth, hover over your headphones, and click Connect.

Once connected, the headphones usually announce it with a voice prompt or a tone.

One Connection at a Time

Bluetooth headphones typically connect to one source device at a time. If they’re already linked to your tablet, they won’t show up on your phone until you disconnect them from the tablet first. Turn off Bluetooth on the connected device or disconnect the headphones through its settings, then try pairing them elsewhere.

When Pairing Fails

Most pairing problems come down to a few causes. Apple’s guidance works for any brand here.

• Charge both devices. Low battery is a common silent killer of pairing.
• Get closer. Stay within about 30 feet of each other.
• Clear the air. Move away from other Bluetooth devices, microwaves, and wireless routers — all can interfere with the signal.
• Forget and retry. On your phone, tap the “i” next to the headphones, choose Forget This Device, then start pairing from scratch.

Sony’s support pages note this “one-touch connection” works on NFC-enabled models, while others must pair through Bluetooth settings.

For a quick troubleshooting recap, the table below covers the essentials.

Once your headphones are connected, they usually reconnect automatically to the last device they were paired with. If they don’t, repeat the process above — it’s a two-minute fix.