Everything about connecting a Bluetooth headset to a smartphone: synchronization, setup, problem solving

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Kristina Gorbunova

Higher education in the specialty “Information Systems”. In the field for more than 7 years, he develops websites on WordPress and Tilda.

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Most smartphone owners use a Bluetooth headset. It is convenient, takes up little space, has no wires and is therefore practically not subject to physical wear and tear. We will tell you how to connect wireless headphones of different brands to Android and iOS smartphones. Let's look at common problems that arise when setting up and using a headset.

Types of headsets

To choose a Bluetooth headset, you need to take into account a number of parameters, but the first criterion is the type of device.

1. A mono headset is a model that is small in size and is inserted into one ear. It is lightweight and has simple controls (usually on the body). If the device is purchased solely for negotiations, then a mono headset will be the best option.
2. Gaming mono headset. It differs in that the earphone here is not in-ear, but on-ear or full-size. For ease of seating, a stop is provided on the reverse side. Most often, these models are equipped with noise-canceling microphones. Good for long-term use and connection to PCs or laptops, for example, for Skype to communicate with colleagues or games to communicate with teammates.
3. Stereo headset. These are ordinary models with microphones that are suitable for any purpose - music, movies, communication. Convenient for use with any equipment.

What to do if you can't establish a connection

In some cases, Android or a device on another platform will not connect the headset, and the problem may not be that it has stopped working. Why does the accessory not work correctly? To check this, we suggest doing the following:

• Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on. Perhaps your model turns on not with a short, but with a long press, or it has a separate power button, and you tried to activate it through the main key.
• Check the pairing - as already mentioned, when connecting a previously configured Bluetooth headset to another Android phone, you need to put it in pairing mode so that the latter can see it. The same applies to new hand free devices - pairing is not always automatically activated when first launched, sometimes you need to activate this mode manually, and we have already clarified how this is done earlier.
• Perhaps you did not wait for the pairing process to complete, or something was interrupted and needs to be repeated.
• Find out if the battery is discharged - yes, such a small accessory also has its own battery or battery, which after prolonged use of the equipment breaks down and requires replacement. By the way, when a Bluetooth headset has been lying in a store for a long time, it may even be discharged. Therefore, if the device does not work, this is not a reason to immediately think that it is a failure.

Now you know how to connect a Bluetooth headset to an Android phone and configure it correctly. As you can see, this process is very simple, quick and easy. If you encounter problems with the operation of the accessory, pay attention to the possible causes and solutions to the problems, after which you will certainly be able to continue comfortable use of wireless communication.

Features to choose from

Among the important characteristics of headsets with Bluetooth connection, we highlight the following.

1. Bluetooth version. Today there are still many wireless headsets with Bluetooth0, but the most modern version is 5.0 and 5.1. They support more codecs for high-quality audio transmission and consume less battery.
2. Communication range. A good headset has a range of at least 10 meters. The maximum range is 20-30 meters.
3. Form factor. Modern wireless headphones come in all sorts of form factors. For a smartphone, it is better to choose earplugs or earbuds, while for a PC and other stationary equipment, full-size models or an on-ear headset are more convenient.
4. Wired connection. Some wireless models also allow you to use them with a wire. This is more convenient, since you don’t have to worry about the device running out of charge at the most inopportune moment, since in this case a cable connection will come to the rescue.
5. NFC. Some models may have this module, which makes connection easier. You just need to touch the headphones to your smartphone to synchronize.
6. Battery. Wireless headphones are battery-powered, so you should think about battery life when purchasing. A telephone headset with a microphone in a compact form factor demonstrates from 4 to 10 hours of battery life. Models for laptops (full-size and overhead) can work for more than a day.

Also useful options include the ability to simultaneously connect to several devices (Multipoint), active noise reduction (software and hardware to eliminate noise), moisture protection (a mandatory requirement for sports models).

How wireless headphones work

The headset receives an audio signal from the source “over the air”. Three technologies are used for data transfer:

• Bluetooth. Technology for creating wireless personal networks. With its help, you can connect headphones to any device that has Bluetooth. Thanks to individual encoding, it prevents audio data from being intercepted by other equipment.
• IR port. The devices transmit data using high-frequency pulsating signals. This is an outdated technology that is most often found on Chinese smartphones and TVs. In addition to connecting wireless headphones, the IR port is also used to control home appliances from the phone.
• Radio connection. This technology ensures stable data transmission from the audio source. Radio headphones are usually used only indoors. Despite the high quality of communication and extended range, they are very heavy.

To start using wireless headphones, they need to be charged. The built-in controller will not allow the headset to reach a deep discharge during operation.

Inexpensive mono headsets

The rating opens with a selection of models for those who are looking for a headset for a smartphone to make phone calls.

Hoco E31

This compact headset weighs only 7 grams, which makes its use very convenient and almost unnoticeable. It is adapted to work with iOS and Android, and can display the remaining battery capacity in the connected phone. The autonomy here is designed for 3 hours of active use, and in standby mode it works for at least 90 hours. Charging takes 2 hours, connection is via Bluetooth 4.2. The model conveys voice perfectly, and this is what users like.

Advantages:

• high-quality microphone;
• light;
• good sound.

Flaws:

• poor autonomy.

Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset Youth

This mono headset is made in an in-ear form factor and has a slight support in the ear, which provides a better fit. This is a very light model weighing 6.5 grams, which can connect to 5 devices at once. It will be convenient for the user to answer an incoming call on a smartphone through it, even if at that moment it is connected to a PC. The connection is made via Bluetooth 4.2. The model has convenient control buttons on the body.

Important! The headset has noise reduction and echo cancellation, making it ideal for negotiations.

Advantages:

• excellent ergonomics;
• good voice transmission;
• presence of noise reduction;
• simultaneous connection to several devices.

Flaws:

• Non-localized versions in Chinese are often found on sale;
• Build quality is mediocre.

Jabra Talk 2

The rating of inexpensive Bluetooth headsets is headed by a model from Jabra, famous for its devices for ensuring high-quality conversations. This model received the proprietary HD Voice function, which is responsible for clear voice transmission. The headset works for 9 hours and has intuitive controls. Thanks to thoughtful ergonomics, this model fits perfectly in the ears and does not cause discomfort. The headset has an impedance of 32 Ohms and a sensitivity of 103 dB. Bluetooth 4.0 is used for connection, the headset weighs 8.5 grams.

Advantages:

• excellent voice transmission thanks to 4 microphones;
• high autonomy;
• excellent fit;
• good sound.

Flaws:

• The ear hook may press.

Which Bluetooth headset is better to choose?

If you need headphones that can connect not only to a smartphone, but also to a computer, then you should opt for a stereo model; this is the most convenient option for listening to music. To communicate via Viber, Skype and other applications, as well as talk on the phone, you can buy a monophonic headset. It is recommended to choose it for drivers for whom it is critical to catch surrounding sounds with a free ear.

When choosing a suitable option, it is worth considering the purpose of using the product:

• For motorists, Jabra Talk 45, Plantronics Explorer 500 or Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset will be relevant.
• Those who often negotiate on the phone will find the Samsung MG900 good.
• The Sony WI-C300 will be convenient for listening to music.
• Doing sports, for example, running, can be done comfortably with the Hoco ES20.
• If headphones are used for communication on Skype or Viber, it would not be a mistake to buy Sennheiser CX 6.00BT.
• In games, sound is transmitted well in Elari NanoPods.

Choosing the best Bluetooth headset depends on many factors, and one of the most important is budget, so first you should decide on the amount you are willing to spend on such a purchase.

Mono headsets with active noise reduction

For those who often have to communicate in noisy environments, it is better to choose a headset with active noise cancellation. The best are presented in the ranking below.

Plantronics Voyager Legend

The headset not only offers noise cancellation, but also has a lot of other interesting options. For example, it has a voice assistant, the function of answering a call by placing an earphone in the ear, and pausing/playing music depending on the position of the device.

The headset itself is quite massive, it weighs 18 grams and is quite noticeable, but the ear hook guarantees a secure fit in the ear. It is soft and does not press at all. Users note that the device perfectly transmits voice, and is also pleased with its autonomy of 7 hours. Charging here is carried out using a magnetic cable, which is convenient, but it is better not to lose it, since finding a replacement is problematic.

Advantages:

• excellent voice transmission;
• effective noise reduction;
• convenient control (including voice);
• long autonomy;
• ergonomics.

Flaws:

• massive and very noticeable;
• It's hard to find a cable to replace the standard one if it breaks or gets lost.

Jabra Talk 45

This is possibly the best phone headset available for purchase today. The model received two microphones with noise reduction and proprietary HD Voice technology. The battery here is rated for 6 hours of continuous operation, which is a pretty good value for a model with active noise cancellation.

Important! The device allows you to stream from a GPS navigator, connects simultaneously to 8 devices and maintains communication at a distance of up to 30 meters.

The weight of the headset is 7.2 grams. Thanks to the large 11 mm driver and the extended frequency range of 200 – 8000 Hz, the earphone perfectly transmits sound.

Advantages:

• perfectly muffles noise;
• good fit in the ear;
• decent autonomy;
• high-quality microphone;
• clear and rich sound.

Flaws:

• high price.

Which Bluetooth headset is better to buy?

Among the manufacturers whose products are described in the rating, there are both very popular and lesser-known companies. Basically, they all operate in the mid-price range and premium segment; in the case of wireless headphones, there cannot be any very cheap options in principle. We invite you to get to know each of the leaders:

• Jabra is a brand that offers high-quality and unique audio solutions. The brand is represented on the market with telephone accessories designed to meet the individual needs of customers for excellent speech transmission and full listening to music tracks. She specializes in creating wireless headphones, which include both classic and sports models.
• Samsung is a company that produces wireless headsets with good battery life. On average, they can withstand up to 7 hours of active use and charge in 2-3 hours. You can drive, run, or talk in them on the street thanks to effective noise reduction, comfortable shape and high-quality materials that do not irritate the skin. Its Bluetooth headsets for phones are also considered the best because they sit securely in the ears, and this prevents them from falling and breaking down.
• Xiaomi – this company’s product range includes both regular and wireless headphones. They are equipped with a sensitive microphone that improves sound quality and eliminates interference, conveniently shaped earbuds and a secure fit. All this allows them to stay confidently in your ears even when moving. They can also be synchronized with several gadgets at once.
• Plantronics - this brand offers original audio solutions, among which Bluetooth headsets deserve special attention. These products provide good sound quality and comfort even when worn for long periods of time. It has sports models that effectively resist noise while running or cycling. They can be used even in rain due to their resistance to moisture.
• Sony - this company has always been famous for its audio products, the range of which includes wireless headphones. Unlike most companies in the rating, it has completely different models in stock: in-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. It guarantees them up to 20 hours of continuous operation in active mode.
• Hoco is a brand under which phone accessories are produced, among which more than 15 types of wireless headphones are available. Each of them is equipped with a microphone with good sensitivity, decent noise reduction and a thoughtful design. Among them there are the best Bluetooth headsets both with and without a cable between the two parts.
• Sennheiser is a German manufacturer of musical equipment for both amateur and professional use. It began its work in 1945 under the leadership of Fritz Sennheiser. It has wireless headsets for talking on the phone and for listening to music, including while playing sports.
• Elari is a company specializing in the development of consumer electronics and headphones with wireless music playback and communication with an interlocutor. The models available in its range are waterproof, so they can be used even in bad, rainy weather. They have a stable connection with smartphones and provide good sound.

Inexpensive stereo headsets

The top of the best headsets continues with a pair of excellent stereo devices for those who do not want to overpay.

Baseus W04

These are in-ear TWS headphones with independent operation (that is, each can function in mono mode) and a battery life of up to 5 hours when listening to music and 6 hours when talking. The case charges the headset wirelessly, and it itself is connected to power via USB-C. The device synchronizes with a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0, has convenient control and provides a range of up to 10 meters. The model received IP54 protection.

Advantages:

• good autonomy for the TWS model;
• ease of control;
• high-quality voice transmission;
• can work in mono mode.

Flaws:

• For some users, the headphones cannot be charged (you have to take them out and put them back in several times);
• Both headphones do not always connect to the phone independently.

Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 2

These inexpensive TWS headphones with in-ear design will delight buyers with noise cancellation. They are comfortable to use even in the noisiest environments, and they also have good sound transmission. The device has a high-quality microphone, IPX4 moisture protection and connects via Bluetooth 5.0. Autonomy here is designed for 4 hours of operation, which is one of the most modest values, and the case provides another 12 hours. The headset also supports a voice assistant and can connect to several devices simultaneously.

Advantages:

• Multipoint;
• moisture protection;
• active noise cancellation;
• high-quality sound and voice transmission.

Flaws:

• the overall build quality gives off a budget price;
• autonomy is low.

Possible problems and solutions

Connecting a wireless headset is a relatively simple procedure. But some users have difficulty synchronizing or setting up headphones via Bluetooth. We have discussed the most common questions that smartphone owners have.

No connection

The user can do everything according to the instructions from the manufacturer, but the gadget still does not appear in the list of available devices. Or it appears, but you can’t connect your smartphone to it. There are four most common ways to solve this problem:

1. Try pressing the connection button again. If this doesn't help, turn off the headphones for one minute and then turn them on again. Try deactivating and restarting Bluetooth on your smartphone. It is also recommended to manually configure the search for nearby devices. When connecting for the first time, it is advisable to place the headset closer to the smartphone.
2. Check if the headset is connected to another device nearby. If the headphones are already connected to a tablet, TV or smartphone, you will not be able to connect them a second time to another device. You need to reset your headset. To do this, you need to turn it off for 2-3 minutes.
3. Turn off other wireless devices that may cause interference. When connecting wireless headphones to your phone, it is important that there are no working radios, other Bluetooth gadgets, or Wi-Fi routers nearby. Even the Thunderbolt 3 interface can interfere with pairing of the headset and smartphone.
4. Disconnect from the headset and restart your smartphone. This will help if synchronizing your headphones and phone takes a very long time and is unsuccessful.

Can't find the device

After activating the headset, the smartphone does not always find it the first time. Causes of this problem:

• The headset and phone are too far apart. At a distance of more than 5 meters, the headphones cannot connect to the smartphone. It is recommended to place the gadget next to the smartphone.
• The phone or earbuds are almost completely discharged. The headphones must be placed in the box and charged for at least 1 hour. A full discharge is dangerous for a phone, so manufacturers have provided at the software level to turn off the radio modules when the smartphone switches to energy-saving mode.

Only one earphone connected

When you connect a wireless headset to your phone, you must activate the earbuds at the same time. With budget models this is a particularly important point. If there is sound only in the right or left earbud, you should reset. It is also recommended to check the functionality of the headset with other devices.

If a problem occurs with your phone after installing software from unverified sources, you need to update the firmware or reset the settings to factory settings. You should also remove programs that caused problems with the headset connection.

The best stereo headsets

The rating is completed by the three best Bluetooth headsets for communication and listening to music.

HONOR Magic Earbuds

This model has active noise reduction at its disposal, which not only allows you to enjoy music in a noisy environment, but also promotes clear voice transmission. Additionally, for high-quality communication, three microphones are installed here. A headset with touch controls, easy connection to smartphones and thoughtful ergonomics. Autonomy with noise suppression turned on does not exceed 3 hours. The device has IP54 moisture protection.

Advantages:

• clear voice transmission;
• active noise cancellation;
• good ergonomics;
• splash protection;
• several colors;
• convenient control.

Flaws:

• modest autonomy.

HUAWEI FreeBuds 3

This is an in-ear TWS headset with three color options and active noise reduction. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 for connection.

Important! The device has three microphones at once, supports bone conduction technology, and its design is such that no noise interferes with the conversation, even if it is a strong wind or the user is near the road.

Active noise cancellation is regulated through the application - you can adjust its effectiveness for a specific situation or turn it off completely. Thanks to the new proprietary processor, the headset confidently communicates with the smartphone, is almost not subject to interference, and there are no delays in signal transmission. Autonomy – 4 hours and 20 hours from the case.

Advantages:

• eliminating noise during a conversation;
• adjustable noise reduction;
• high-quality sound;
• no delays in sound transmission;
• comfortable fit;
• several design colors.

Flaws:

• The case is easily scratched.