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How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Any Device

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By S.E. Slack S.E. Slack Senior Strategy & Editorial Director, Lifewire.com California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo S.E. Slack has 30+ years' experience writing about technology. She has authored 12 books, thousands of articles, and worked for IBM and Microsoft. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 18, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Headphones & Ear Buds Eco Tech Electric Vehicles Working From Home Headphones & Ear Buds Smart Home Smart Watches & Wearables Travel Tech Connected Car Tech iPods & MP3 Players

What to Know

PC: Enter Bluetooth in the search box. Click Bluetooth and other devices settings > turn Bluetooth on > select device > click Connect.Mac: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth > select the headphones > click Connect.Android phone: Settings > Connections > tap Bluetooth > tap the device from the list to pair and connect.iPhone: Settings > turn on Bluetooth > tap the name of the headset to start pairing.To connect to a Bluetooth-enabled TV (brands vary), go to Settings > Connections menu > Bluetooth, pair and connect. This article provides an overview of connecting a television, a PC, a Mac, an iPhone, or an Android to headphones. Before attempting to connect any Bluetooth headphones to any device, be sure your current device has the proper adapters (if needed) and that Bluetooth is turned on, so the device is discoverable. Headphones must also be turned on and in pairing mode.

Add Bluetooth Headphones to a PC

In Windows 10, be sure to turn on Bluetooth before you can connect your headphones. When your headphones are also turned on, go to Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Audio and tap the headphones to pair and connect. If the device is not on the list already, click Add Bluetooth or other device > Bluetooth and make the new device discoverable. Learn more about connecting headphones to Windows PCs.

Connect Headphones to a Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple logo on your desktop. Then click System Preferences > Bluetooth and, when your headphones appear on the list, click Connect. You can also go to Control Center > Bluetooth > Bluetooth Preferences > Connect (next to device name). Learn more about connecting headphones to a Mac.

Pair a Bluetooth Headset to an iPhone

Open Settings and confirm Bluetooth is on. Tap the device's name (under My Devices or Other Devices), and the iPhone will connect to it. Learn more about connecting headsets to iPhones.

Pair and Connect Headphones to Android

On Android phones, the process falls under Settings. Go there, then tap Connected Devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth > Pair new device and tap the available device to pair and connect. You can also get to the Bluetooth menu by swiping down the Notifications shade and pressing/holding the Bluetooth icon.
Learn more about connecting Androids to headphones.

Connect Headphones to a TV

Every television brand uses a slightly different approach, but, in general, go to Settings > Connections menu > Bluetooth, then pair and connect your headphones from the list. You might also see wording differences if you're using a streaming device instead of a cable company. 1:54

How to Connect Headphones to Any TV Via Bluetooth

Learn more about connecting headphones to televisions. FAQ How do you connect Bluetooth headphones to a PS4? The PS4 doesn't natively support Bluetooth headsets, but you can still make it work. Put the headphones in pairing mode and go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. Select the headset to pair it. If this doesn't work, try connecting the headset to the DualShock 4 controller or consider investing in a USB Bluetooth adapter. How do you connect Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox One? Like the PS4, the Xbox One console doesn't natively support Bluetooth headsets. Instead, it uses a proprietary technology called Xbox Wireless. If your headset is Xbox Wireless-compatible, put it and the console in pairing mode, like you'd pair an Xbox controller. They should connect in a few seconds. Microsoft has a list of Xbox One compatible headsets on its website. Check out Lifewire's guide for other methods of connecting Bluetooth headphones to an Xbox One. How do you connect Bluetooth headphones to a Nintendo Switch? The Nintendo Switch doesn't support Bluetooth headphones through its hardware. To use a headset with the handheld console, you need a USB Bluetooth adapter or a headset with a 3.5mm audio cable. Check out Lifewire's guide to the best gaming headsets of 2021. How do you put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode? The method can vary by manufacturer, but generally, you can put Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode by holding down the power button until the status light begins flashing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect Bose Headphones to Your iPhone How to Turn on Bluetooth on a Mac How to Pair Bluetooth Headphones With a Phone How to Connect Beats Wireless to a Phone or Computer How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS4 How to Set Up a Bluetooth Device on a PC How to Connect AirPods to Zoom How to Connect Alexa to Your Computer How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a Mac How to Pair a Bluetooth Headset to an iPhone How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PC How to Add Bluetooth to Your Computer How to Connect AirPods to an HP Laptop How to Connect AirPods to Kindle Fire How to Play YouTube Videos on Alexa Devices How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to an Apple Watch Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies