How to connect wireless headphones to iPhone via Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology has long turned the world upside down. Wireless mice and keyboards became freely available, and tools for transmitting information “over the air” were added. A little later, the era of Bluetooth headsets began, making everyday life easier and opening up new boundaries of existence without annoying wires. All that remains is to figure out how to connect wireless headphones to your iPhone.

Which headphones are suitable for iPhone and how to check compatibility

Among the most important parameters affecting the ability to connect headsets to Apple mobile devices is the supported version of Bluetooth. If the manufacturer uses common standards, then any headphones will connect to the iPhone – from Samsung, Huawei or Sony. Moreover, you won’t even have to deal with the settings for a long time – the entire connection will take a couple of minutes.

There are exceptions - the same branded AirPods, in order to use additional technologies, such as noise reduction in the Pro version, require an update to iOS 13 and do not allow connection to models like the iPhone 5s and those released even earlier.

Important! Many manufacturers indicate system requirements on their website. It is advisable to immediately check whether the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch is compatible with the selected Bluetooth headset or headphones.

How to configure the option yourself on iOS

Before purchasing a new device, it is recommended to check whether it is compatible with iPhone. It happens that a headset that previously worked with a 4S smartphone model will not be recognized by a 6 Plus cell phone. If the client has checked the data and everything is good with compatibility, the setup procedure should begin. The operation is performed according to the following instructions:

first you need to find bluetooth on your headset or speaker;
the function must be activated on this accessory;
if the client does not know how to do this, he should look at the information in the instructions;
Now you need to unlock your smartphone;
On the main screen, select the “Settings” item;
the user selects the “Bluetooth” section from the list;

There is a slider next to the item, move it to the “On” position;

as soon as the user activates the option, the phone will begin the scanning procedure;
It is recommended to place two devices side by side for the connection to take place;
the gadget and the headset should not be located further than 10 meters from each other;
if search data is not displayed on your smartphone, you should turn off Bluetooth on your headphones;
After this, the function is activated again and the search is performed again.

The customer must ensure that the accessory has been connected by looking at the “iPhone Status” item. If the option icon lights up blue or white, then the device is connected correctly. You can use the headset to communicate and listen to music.

How to choose a headset for Apple

JBL wireless headphones, stylish headsets from Honor, Sony audio equipment - the market is overflowing with offers from famous and even little-known brands, diligently winning over customers with the help of non-standard technologies, designs or characteristics. Therefore, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to choose the right “earbuds, earplugs, full-length headsets with ear pads” right away - you’ll have to look at the nearest shopping center and at least ask the price, or even try on several pairs.

In addition to choosing a suitable design, you cannot do without knowing the rules that should be followed:

Supports Bluetooth version 4.0 and higher. On older iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch models, wireless technologies are available, but sometimes problems arise with compatibility with very old equipment (for example, with Honor headphones, which do not work with the iPhone 4s and models released even earlier). Before purchasing a new headset, it is advisable to review information about the supported wireless technology standard.
Is it necessary to download additional software? It's rare, but sometimes manufacturers offer to reveal unusual functions through installed software, such as noise reduction, equalizer or gestures. In this case, it is important to know in advance what version of the iOS operating system will be needed to interact with the application.
Unusual restrictions on the manufacturer's website. Sometimes Samsung, Apple, Huawei (or headphones from Sony) include information about incompatibility in the section with the specifications of the selected headset. It is advisable to study such sections immediately.

Jabra Halo Fusion

Jabra Halo Fusion are stylish headphones with stereo sound, passive noise cancellation and a battery life of up to 6.5 hours. Supported Bluetooth version is 4.0. The equipment is standard. Interesting features include an unusual design and a high-quality microphone. And the headphones connect to the iPhone in a matter of seconds through the section with wireless devices.

Disadvantages - sometimes mediocre sound (saggy mids and weak highs), and sometimes a weak signal also interferes, forcing you to often look at the Bluetooth section.

Pioneer SE MJ553BT

Pioneer SE MJ553BT is a full-format stereo headset with soft ear pads, an impressive battery life of 15 hours without recharging and high-quality assembly. Available in several colors, they easily connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. An additional plus is its low weight, which is why, even despite the very bulky design, your head does not get tired from listening to music or talking on the phone.

The disadvantages are the same as those of competitors in the segment up to 5 thousand rubles: the sound is imperfect and full of unnecessary noise. Also, charging often takes 4 or more hours.

Apple AirPods

Apple AirPods are Apple's signature headphones that have captured half of the wireless audio device market. They are still regularly counterfeited and often sold at prices ranging from 2 thousand rubles to 5–6 on Aliexpress. The originals will cost more - starting from 12-14 thousand.

The advantages of AirPods are associated with the quality of the microphone, an interesting design that allows a pair of headphones to be recharged in a special case, and also very good sound for in-ear headphones. The equipment connects to iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Mac computers in a matter of seconds - you don’t even have to look at “Settings”. The only drawback is the price.

Possible difficulties

Even though your wireless device is easy to use, you may experience connection problems. It is important to note that there are almost no difficulties with the original AirPods headset, but knowing the solution to standard problems will be useful.

Not determined

Sometimes AirPods, Freebuds, Mi airdots or other branded headphones are not detected by iPhone.

In this case, follow the step-by-step instructions:

Check if Bluetooth is turned on on the iPhone.
Restart the wireless system - turn off and turn on the plugs again.
Make sure the headset is well charged.
Check compatibility between your phone and headset. In some cases (on new AirPods models), to connect a wireless device, the operating system must be at least iOS 7.
Make sure that there are no devices nearby that can intercept the signal - a laptop, MacBook, all-in-one PC, or another smartphone with synchronization enabled.
In rare cases, powerful Wi-Fi routers can disrupt connections - move to a safe distance (5-10 meters).

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Doesn't connect

The device may be present in the list of connections, but not connect. An error may appear on the display or the connection may take too long - more than 1-2 minutes. Then you need:

Remove all devices from the “My Devices” list that are no longer in use - click on the exclamation mark on the right and tap on “Forget this device”
Restart the wireless headphones and turn off/on Bluetooth on your smartphone.

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Connection problems after update

It is extremely rare that a synchronization problem occurs after installing a new version of iOS on an iPhone.

First of all, restart Bluetooth and try pairing again,
Ideally, restart your smartphone,
Remove any major sources of interference that may interrupt or affect the signal.

If the headphones are branded:

Open the case next to the phone. A prompt will appear on the display.
Try connecting a different wireless headset to your iPhone. If this does not help and there is still no connection, we recommend contacting technical support.

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Pairing occurs, but there is no sound or poor sound

In this case, we are talking about a low-quality headset or a sudden interruption of the signal.

If the problem is a bad signal, follow the instructions:

Cheap Chinese fakes refuse to work

The phone can see the headset, but recognize them as two different devices. Very often there are problems with sound quality, or the iPhone does not connect to a Chinese counterfeit at all.

First, you need to connect the headphones to each other (each model has its own instructions - read the manual), and only after that to the smartphone.
Reboot both devices.
Reset Bluetooth settings.

If none of the options help, then the product is not of high quality and is clearly not original.

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How to connect wireless headphones on iPhone

The order of actions directly depends on what equipment is in your hands. The same AirPods just need to be opened, and the iPhone starting with SE will immediately display a welcome message and offer to “Connect”.

But more often the question “how to connect Bluetooth headphones to an iPhone” forces you to experiment a little and figure out how to establish a connection using Bluetooth standards in iOS:

The first step is to turn on the selected headphones in the way described on the manufacturer’s website (with a button or through a slider on the case).
Next, go to iOS “Settings” and activate Bluetooth to search for compatible equipment around you.
If the headset or headphones are turned on, a new item will appear in the list of equipment available for connection.
The last step is to click on such an item and wait until the connection is established. As a result, music will start playing through the connected headphones automatically.

The described algorithm of actions is relevant for most mobile devices from Apple: you can also connect the headset to an iPhone 6, 7, 8.

Why iPhone 6 does not recognize wired headphones

If you have connected headphones to your smartphone, but it does not see them, try to solve this problem with simple methods. If the gadget does not detect wired earbuds, disconnect the wire from the port on the smartphone. Try restarting your iPhone 6. The problem may be with the headphones themselves.

Problems with wired headphones

To check this, try connecting others. Accordingly, if you were able to connect others, the reason has been found and the devices need to be replaced or repaired.

For wired headphones, most problems are related to dirty ports. Therefore, always check for any impurities in it. Check the wire itself. Perhaps in some place it was eaten by pets or damaged under other circumstances.

Headphone cord is damaged

This can also be detected by other headphones with the same port. The reasons may be in the port itself to which the earbuds are connected on your iPhone 6. It may be out of order - service employees will help determine this. If other methods do not help determine the true cause of the breakdown.

This is interesting: how to make a keyboard on Android like on an iPhone.

How to sync

If wireless headphones work asynchronously, the sound is interrupted or played with a delay, then you will have to correct the situation not in the Bluetooth settings, but manually. The procedure is quite standard:

Place the headphones in the case. On the back side (like, for example, AirPods) find and hold the button for 5-10 seconds.
In this simple way, you can almost immediately connect the first earphone to the second. But there are exceptions - some types of audio equipment require additional steps. Much depends directly on the manufacturer: in some cases it is impossible to do without completely turning off the audio equipment.
The last option is to go to the wireless connection settings on your iPhone and select the “Forget device” option located opposite the headphones with which you are having problems. The procedure is quite standard, and therefore will not raise questions even for beginners.

AirPods 1st, 2nd generation and AirPods Pro

Connecting Apple branded headphones to an iPhone is a much simpler task than with third-party manufacturers. The process itself occurs automatically, requires just a couple of taps on the screen and takes no more than a minute. However, it’s still worth paying attention to setting up a wireless accessory, since doing it correctly will allow you to fully use the declared functionality, whether it’s controlling playback, choosing a noise reduction mode, or synchronizing with other devices. You can learn more about all the nuances of this procedure in the article provided at the link below.

Read more: How to connect AirPods to iPhone

Activating Bluetooth earphone

The manufacturer describes how to turn on a headset, wireless speakers and other audio equipment in the instructions, which are often included in the box along with the purchased equipment. Often it is enough to hold down the button on the case until the search indicator appears, and then go to “Settings”, open the Bluetooth section and select headphones from the list to connect. In some cases, you must first place the headphones in your ears, and then select the sound source in the music player options.

You don’t have to fiddle with AirPods for a long time - if you open the case, take out the headphones and insert them into your ears, the activation will end with the appearance of a welcome message with the “Connect” button. As a result, there is almost no need to look into the settings on the iPhone once again - except to activate Bluetooth. Everything happens semi-automatically.

What to do if there is no sound in iPhone X headphones

Each version of the iPhone comes with headphones - EarPods.

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These are not wireless AirPods yet, they have a wire. But they sound good enough. Often, when connected, the smartphone does not respond to them. Wired headphones for iPhone
No settings help connect headphones. If the device has been serving you for more than a month, it is quite possible that the contacts in the smartphone are clogged, clogged with dust and dirt.

Headphone and charger port on iPhone X

This happens at a time when we place the phone in a pocket where there may be other items.

Handbags can also be a source of small litter. Due to a certain layer of dirt, the connector may not fully connect. And not close enough to the port contacts on the iPhone. To clean it, preference should be given to a wooden device: a sharpened match, toothpicks, etc.

Toothpick with cotton pad

Do not use metal tools. They can damage the fragile contacts of the port.

Use a flashlight to get a better look at dirty areas on the port that may be preventing your iPhone from detecting wired headphones. You need to wrap a little cotton wool around the end of a toothpick or match to better collect dirt.

Cleaning the port with a toothpick and cotton wool

The tip can also be moistened with alcohol. But not abundantly, so that it does not spread inside the port. Alcohol will help break down dirt better. Use the wand until you have cleaned the entire port. Clean the connector on the headphones. It may also need cleaning.

This may be useful: how to connect Airpods to Android.

Sound settings

The iOS operating system offers you to add low or high frequencies and tune in to music of certain genres in the “Equalizer” section, hidden in the “Music” category in “Settings”. There, the developers offer to experiment with the sound and correct the weaknesses of the selected headset or headphones.

If the music is not played through the original Apple media player, then you will have to look for “Equalizer” in a third-party player.

Additionally, sound parameters can be changed in the Bluetooth settings. If you click on the “i” button located next to the name of the headphones, additional parameters will appear inside. For example, in the case of AirPods Pro, it will be possible to activate noise reduction, and for standard Apple headphones, it will be possible to change the gestures used and the position of the microphone.

Connection problems after update

Sometimes the iPhone stops detecting headphones after a firmware update.

There are 2 solutions:

1. They independently return to the previous firmware version. For this:

Make a full backup of data to iCloud and iTunes;
In the iCloud settings, turn off the iPhone to remove protection from the software available on this device;
Download the old version of iOS on your PC;
Connect the iPhone to the computer using a cable;
In iTunes, having opened the device management page, hold down Shift;
By clicking on the corresponding button, the control window is updated;
In the explorer that opens, select the downloaded file with the previous operating system;
After complete installation, the phone is activated.

2. Install a new firmware version at the service center and then check the Bluetooth headphones for compatibility.

Disconnect Bluetooth headphones from iPhone

As in the case of activation, the necessary actions depend solely on the recommendations prepared by the manufacturer and describing how to use the headset and other wireless equipment in conjunction with the phone. To turn off AirPods, just put the headphones in the case and close it. The established connection will be terminated automatically, and the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch will continue to play music content through the speakers.

Stereo headsets will require additional actions - pressing buttons located on the body, clicking special switches. Regardless of the design, it is important to remember that you do not need to go to the Bluetooth “Settings” every time - there is an option only to completely break the established connections, and it is also necessary only in case of technical problems.

Control music playback and other Siri features

iOS includes a software client - a question-answer system and a personal cloud assistant Siri.

Sound settings

Most wireless headphones compatible with Apple phones, using push-button or touch controls, can:

play a music track;
pause playback;
go to the next or previous track;
increase or decrease the volume.

If not all of these functions are available, you can use a personal assistant.

Activation is performed by pressing and holding the central button for several seconds.

Using Siri, you can not only control the parameters of a musical composition, but also order the playback of tracks from your personal library.

And thanks to Siri, you can make calls and send messages from your phone, which is especially convenient for drivers.

Problems connecting wireless headphones to iPhone

Despite the variety of headsets and audio equipment, insoluble problems with Apple equipment rarely occur. And the main reason for this is the versatility of Bluetooth: the technology has long been mastered by manufacturers, and therefore reduces the number of possible problems and difficulties to zero. Yes, there are exceptions, but they are rare: mostly the connection occurs in a semi-automatic mode and does not take even a couple of minutes of free time. Occasionally, you just need to experiment with the asynchronous sound of a pair of headphones, but even then a banal reboot or additional instructions found on the manufacturer’s website can save you.

The smartphone does not search for a connected device

But there are situations when even after setting up the smartphone, you cannot connect to the option. It is worth determining the reason why the iPhone does not see headphones via Bluetooth.

Headphones not detected

First, the client should check whether the headset is charged. The battery may be low and pairing is not possible. You should also find out if Bluetooth is connected on the headphones. The option must be activated, otherwise the connection will not be established. You will also need to check the functionality of the accessory. The problem may be a broken headset.

Column not found

A properly functioning device should immediately find a new connection. If this does not happen, you need to check the distance between the smartphone and the speaker. The maximum connection radius is 10 meters. It is also recommended to check whether the option is activated on the accessory. If all the conditions are met, but the search does not produce results, you should check the functionality of the gadget and the speaker. The device may have malfunctioned.