Wireless headphones are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy music, audiobooks and communication without being tethered to a phone or computer with wires. In this article, we will guide you through the process of connecting wireless headphones and discuss any potential challenges that may arise.
Wireless headphones have solved the problem of tangled wires in your pocket, but now many people have another issue: how to pair them with their smartphone, PC, or TV for the first time. This article will guide you through the process of connecting wireless headphones quickly and reliably to various devices.
Types of wireless headphone connections
We have created a table outlining the main methods for connecting headphones to various devices.
Bluetooth connection : The simplest and most widely used standard for transmitting audio over the air is Bluetooth. Modern versions of Bluetooth support various audio codecs, such as SBC, AAC, and aptX, which provide high-quality sound with minimal delay.
Connecting via NFC : NFC technology allows for communication between devices at a short distance, including between wireless headphones and wearable devices. Using NFC, users can connect their headphones via Bluetooth with just a simple tap, without having to go through menus or settings.
Via a radio connection : Headphones equipped with a base station that operates on its own radio frequency. The radio connection has a longer range and better sound quality than Bluetooth. However, as a result, such models are typically more expensive.
Connecting via the IR port : An outdated standard based on an infrared (IR) port for transmitting an audio signal. These headphones use infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye, to transmit sound. The sound source’s transmitter converts the audio signal into infrared light pulses, which are then transmitted by IR LEDs. The receiver in the other headphone converts these pulses back into electrical signals, which are then converted into sound.
Connecting via Wi-Fi : Audio is transmitted over Wi-Fi without any compression, which is a definite advantage when it comes to listening to high-fidelity audio. Another feature is that the range is longer compared to Bluetooth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Wireless Headphones to Your Phone or Tablet
- Check that the headphones are fully charged. This rule applies if you need to connect them to your phone, laptop or PC.
- Find out how to put your headphones in pairing mode. Some headphones simply need to be removed from their case, while others require you to press a button on the case or on the earphone itself.
- Please go to the smartphone settings and connect your wireless headphones.
The connection process will be even faster with headphones that have the Google Fast Pair feature, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to search for nearby Bluetooth devices. In this scenario, the pairing process is often described as “magic.” All you need to do is bring your headphones close to your smartphone, and the connection will be confirmed in a pop-up window. However, not all headphones have this feature, so it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions to find out if your device supports it.
Connecting via Bluetooth
The most common and widely used standard for wireless audio transmission. Modern Bluetooth versions support various audio codecs, such as SBC, AAC, and aptX, which provide high-quality sound with minimal delay. Audio transmission over Bluetooth uses minimal energy and always follows the same basic principles, regardless of the type of headphones. The only difference may be in the pairing process.
How to connect headphones to Android devices
- To turn on Bluetooth, please open the settings menu on your smartphone or use the quick access toolbar by swiping down from the top of the screen.
- Activate the headphones according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer and then return to the phone’s settings menu.
- Depending on your smartphone’s operating system, please select “Add device”, “Search” or “Update” next to the “Available devices” section.
- The next step is to click on the name of the headphone when it appears in the list of devices available for connection to the phone.
- Confirm the connection by tapping “add” or “accept” (this step may not be necessary for some Android devices) – that’s all there is to it, and the audio should now play in your headphones.
You can connect any type of headphones to your Android phone, including Apple headphones, and the instructions for doing so will not vary. However, it is worth noting that the functionality of your Apple “ears” may be limited in this scenario. While everything should operate as expected and noise reduction will continue to function, you will not have access to features such as monitoring the charge level of your device on the screen, controlling Siri, or stopping playback by removing a single earphone.
To expand the functionality of your Android smartphone, you may need to install some third-party applications. For example, you can try AirBattery or Assistant Trigger.
To iOS devices
- Activate Bluetooth by going to the phone settings or using the control panel in the upper right corner of the screen. If your device is compatible with Bluetooth, the icon should be blue and the switch should be green.
- Please turn on the headphones and pair them with your smartphone.
- The name of the device will be listed in the “Other Devices” section if you have not used it before. Please click on it to continue.
- When the “Connected” label appears next to the device, the headphones are ready for use.
If you use an iPhone with AirPods, the process will be faster:
- Open the case with the headphones and bring it close to your phone with Bluetooth turned on.
- Hold down the button on the back of the case until you see the indicator light up white.
- When you see the image of the headphones and the “Connect” option on your phone’s screen, select it – a pair will be created.
Connecting via NFC
Some modern headphones have NFC tags that allow you to skip the pairing procedure with your smartphone via the Bluetooth menu. This helps you establish a connection without having to go through the menu or settings.
