The basic connection process
To connect Bluetooth headphones to your PC, you put the headphones into pairing mode, then tell your PC to find and connect to them. The headphones broadcast a signal that your PC picks up, and once you confirm the match on both devices, they remember each other. The next time you turn on the headphones near your PC, they usually reconnect automatically.
The exact steps depend on whether your PC has built-in Bluetooth or needs a USB adapter, and whether you are using Windows or another operating system. Most modern laptops have Bluetooth built in. Desktop computers often do not, which is why you might need a small USB dongle — a device about the size of a thumb drive that adds Bluetooth capability.
Key Takeaways
- Put your headphones into pairing mode first (usually by holding a button for three to five seconds), then search for them on your PC.
- On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Bluetooth and other devices, and click Add device to start the search.
- Your headphones will appear in the list once they are in pairing mode — click them to connect.
- If your PC has no Bluetooth, a USB Bluetooth adapter costs between fifteen and thirty dollars and works with most headphones.
- Once connected, your headphones should reconnect automatically when you turn them on near your PC, but you may need to manually select them as the audio output device.
Check whether your PC has Bluetooth
Before you start, learn about your PC already has Bluetooth built in. On a laptop, this is usually the case, but on a desktop computer, it often is not. The fastest way to check is to look at your PC's settings.
On Windows, click the Start button, type "Bluetooth settings" into the search box, and press Enter. If a page opens with a toggle that says "Bluetooth," your PC has Bluetooth. If you see a message saying Bluetooth is not available or no Bluetooth adapter is found, your PC does not have it built in. In that case, you will need a USB Bluetooth adapter, which you can plug into any USB port on your PC.
On a Mac, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then click Bluetooth in the sidebar. If Bluetooth appears as an option, your Mac has it. If it does not appear, your Mac does not have Bluetooth, though this is rare on modern Macs.
Put your headphones into pairing mode
Pairing mode is a state where your headphones broadcast their presence so your PC can find them. Most headphones enter pairing mode when you hold down the power button or a dedicated pairing button for three to five seconds. The headphones usually give you a signal — a light that blinks in a specific pattern, a voice that says "pairing mode," or a beep — to tell you they are ready.
Check your headphones' manual or the manufacturer's website if you are not sure which button to press or how long to hold it. The pairing button is sometimes separate from the power button, and some headphones require a specific sequence. Once the headphones are in pairing mode, leave them on and move to your PC — you usually have about two to three minutes before they time out and exit pairing mode.
Search for and connect to your headphones on Windows
Open Settings by clicking the Start button and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Devices in the left sidebar. On the Devices page, click Bluetooth and other devices.
You should see a toggle at the top that says "Bluetooth." Make sure it is turned on — if it is gray and says "Off," click it to turn it on. Below that, you will see a button that says "Add device" or a plus sign. Click it. Your PC will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Wait ten to fifteen seconds. Your headphones should appear in the list with their model name or brand name. Click on them. Windows will attempt to connect, and you may see a prompt asking you to confirm the pairing. Click "Yes" or "Connect" if prompted. Once the connection is complete, you should see "Connected" next to your headphones' name.
Search for and connect to your headphones on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then click System Settings. In the sidebar, click Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you should see a toggle at the top.
Put your headphones into pairing mode if you have not already. Your headphones should appear in the list of available devices within ten to fifteen seconds. Click on them. Your Mac will attempt to connect, and you may see a dialog asking you to confirm. Click "Connect" if prompted. Once the connection is complete, you should see "Connected" next to your headphones' name.
Set your headphones as the audio output device
After your headphones are connected, you need to tell your PC to send sound to them instead of to your speakers. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen (in the system tray), and click "Open Volume mixer" or "Sound settings." You should see a list of audio devices under "Output." Click on your headphones to select them as the default output device.
On a Mac, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings, then click Sound. Under "Output," you should see your headphones listed. Click on them to select them. From now on, sound will play through your headphones instead of your speakers.
If you do not see your headphones in the output list even though they are connected, wait a few seconds and refresh the page, or restart your PC. Sometimes the device takes a moment to appear.
Troubleshoot if your headphones will not connect
If your headphones do not appear in the search list, first make sure they are actually in pairing mode. Many headphones exit pairing mode after two to three minutes, so you may need to restart the process. Hold the pairing button again and wait for the signal that indicates pairing mode is active.
If your PC's Bluetooth is turned off, turn it on. On Windows, go back to Bluetooth and other devices and make sure the toggle is on. On a Mac, go to System Settings and Bluetooth and make sure it is on. If your headphones still do not appear, try moving them closer to your PC — Bluetooth has a range of about thirty feet, but walls and other devices can interfere.
If your headphones appear but the connection fails, try "forgetting" the headphones and starting over. On Windows, right-click on your headphones in the Bluetooth list and select "Remove device." On a Mac, click the X next to your headphones' name. Then put your headphones back into pairing mode and search again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my headphones every time I use them?
No. Once you pair them once, your PC and headphones remember each other. The next time you turn on your headphones near your PC, they should reconnect automatically. You only need to pair them again if you forget the connection or pair them with a different device.
Can I connect the same headphones to multiple devices?
Yes. Most headphones can pair with several devices at once. However, they can usually only play audio from one device at a time. If you want to switch from your PC to your phone, you may need to manually select your headphones as the output device on your phone, or disconnect them from your PC first.
What if my PC does not have Bluetooth?
You can buy a USB Bluetooth adapter for fifteen to thirty dollars. Plug it into any USB port on your PC, and your PC will treat it as a built-in Bluetooth adapter. Most adapters work with any Bluetooth headphones and require no special software — Windows and Mac recognize them automatically.
Why do my headphones connect but produce no sound?
Your headphones are probably not set as the default audio output device. Right-click the speaker icon on Windows or go to Sound settings on a Mac, and make sure your headphones are selected in the output list. Also check that the volume on your PC is not muted and that the volume on your headphones themselves is turned up.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones while charging them?
Yes. Most Bluetooth headphones work while plugged in and charging. However, some older models may disconnect or have reduced range while charging, so check your headphones' manual if you notice problems.