How to Pair Wireless Earbuds to Your Phone

This article explains how to pair wireless earbuds with your iOS or Android device.

How to Put Bluetooth Earbuds Into Pairing Mode

Your earbuds must be put into pairing/discovery mode for them to know that a nearby phone is requesting to connect. There isn't a standard way this is done, so you might need to consult the manual that came with your earbuds (or check online). Here are some common ways this is done:

• Remove the earbuds from the charging case.
• Open the charging case with the earbuds inside.
• Remove the earbuds from the case and put them back in.
• Press and hold the power button.
• Press the pair button on the charging case.
• Press the pair button on the earbuds while you wear them.

Typically, you'll see a blinking light when the earbuds are in pairing mode, or an audible cue if you're wearing them. Then, it's time to start the pairing procedure. Below are detailed directions for how this works on Android and iOS.

How to Connect Wireless Earbuds on Android

As with many things on Android, the process can vary slightly between all the different OS versions and manufacturers but, most of the time, you'll follow these steps:

1. On a Pixel, open Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth.

   On most Samsung phones, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.

2. Make sure the toggle at the top of the menu is switched on. This controls whether Bluetooth is on or off.

3. Tap Pair new device (if you see that option), then tap the earbuds when they show up in the list.

4. Tap Connect or Pair.

   

How to Pair Wireless Earbuds on iOS

iPhone and iPad can pair with Bluetooth earbuds, too, but the steps are different from Android.

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth.

   

2. Ensure that Bluetooth is on, which is indicated by a toggle at the top. If so, iOS will automatically search for nearby devices. Tap the earbuds when the phone locates them.

3. If you see a prompt to confirm, tap Pair.