How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Any Device

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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.

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.

Learn more about connecting headphones to Windows PCs.

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).

Learn more about connecting headphones to a Mac.

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.

Learn more about connecting headsets to iPhones.

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.

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.

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.

Learn more about connecting headphones to televisions.

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.

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.

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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