How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Any Device

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By
S.E. Slack
S. E. Slack
S.E. Slack
Associate General Manager, 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.
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Updated on December 25, 2022
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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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

    What to Know

    • PC: With Bluetooth on open Settings > Bluetooth and other devices > Audio > choose device to connect.
    • Mac: Select Apple > System Preferences > Bluetooth > choose headphones > select Connect.
    • iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > Under My Devices or Other Devices, choose headset to pair.

    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 necessary.

    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.

    Windows 10 settings with the 'Add Bluetooth or other device' option highlighted

    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).

    Bluetooth devices under System Preferences

    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.

    iPhone Bluetooth settings with 'My Devices' and 'Other Devices' highlighted

    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.

    An Android user pairs a new Bluetooth device

    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.

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    How to Connect Headphones to Any TV Via Bluetooth

    Learn more about connecting headphones to televisions.

    FAQ
    • How do I 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 I 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.

    • How do I put my 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.

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