How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to a PC

This article explains how to connect your Bluetooth headphones to Windows or Mac computers.

How to Set Up New Bluetooth Headphones on Windows

The process for setting up Bluetooth headphones varies somewhat by platform, but here are the steps for Windows 11:

1. Select Start and enter Bluetooth in the search box to bring up Bluetooth & other devices.

   

2. Select Add device (or Add Bluetooth or other device on Windows 10).

   

3. Select Bluetooth.

   

4. Put the headphones into pairing mode.

   For many headphones, you can do this by turning off the headphones, then holding down the power button until indicator lights flash rapidly. Refer to your headphones' manual for details for specific instructions.

5. Allow the computer a few seconds to find your device, and then select it from the list.

   If you don't see them, double-check to make sure your headphones are still in pairing mode.

6. After a few moments, your Windows PC should alert you that the pairing was successful.

Set Up Bluetooth Headphones on a Mac

You need to complete this pairing process only once at setup. When you turn on your headphones and are in range, they automatically connect to your computer.

1. Select the Apple icon on the desktop. 

   

2. Select System Preferences.

   

3. Put the headphones into pairing mode.

   For many headphones, you can do this by turning off the headphones, then holding down the power button until indicator lights flash rapidly. Refer to your headphones' manual for details for specific instructions.

4. Select Bluetooth.

   

5. Wait for the headphones to appear on the device list, then select Connect.

   

6. Your Bluetooth headphones are now connected to your Mac.

Fixing Possible Bluetooth Problems

If your headphones have not paired correctly with your computer, turn the headphones off and start the process again from the beginning. Review the directions for putting them into pairing mode in their manual.

If you have confirmed that they are in the proper mode and your headphones won't pair with your computer, restart both devices.

If the problem persists, contact the headphone manufacturer for more assistance.

If Your Computer Doesn't Have Bluetooth

Most modern computers have Bluetooth capabilities. If yours doesn't, you'll have to add Bluetooth to your computer using a Bluetooth dongle, which is a thumb-sized device that plugs into a USB port. Once you've installed it, proceed as described above.

How to Check for Bluetooth on a Windows PC

Use the Windows Device Manager to check for Bluetooth functionality. Here's how:

1. Select Start.

2. Enter Device Manager in the search box.

3. Select Device Manager > Open.

   

4. Expand Network Adapters.

   

5. If the expanded list shows a device with Bluetooth in its name, you have a Bluetooth adapter on your computer.

   

How to Check for Bluetooth on a Mac

On a Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth. If it has Bluetooth, the preferences include options to enable Bluetooth and make your device discoverable.