How to Pair a Cell Phone to a Bluetooth Headset
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions.
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Bluetooth headsets are common accessories for modern people-on-the-go. Using a Bluetooth headset with your phone allows you to make and receive calls without needing to touch or hold a phone in your hand, which makes them super convenient for commuting, shopping, and even a morning run. As long as your phone is Bluetooth-capable, pairing it with a Bluetooth headset is a cinch.
Preparing the Headset
Charge your headset. Starting with a full charge on both devices ensures that process won’t be interrupted by a low battery.
- For almost all headsets, this is done by starting with the headset power off, then pressing and holding the multi-function button (the button you press to answer a call) for a few seconds. First, a light will blink showing you that the unit is on (keep holding the button) and a few seconds later, the LED on the headset will blink in alternating colors (often red-blue, but this can be anything). The blinking lights indicate that the headset is in pairing mode.
- If your headset has a sliding on/off switch, slide it to the “on” position before pressing and holding the multi-function button.
Put your headset close to your phone. The devices will need to be close to one another in order to pair. The distance varies, keep the devices within 5 feet (1.5 m) of one another for the best results. [1] X Research source
Connecting the Headset
- If you’re using an iPhone, tap the Settings icon and look for a menu item called Bluetooth. If you see it there, your device is Bluetooth-capable. If it says “off” next to Bluetooth, tap it to turn it on. [3] X Research source
- Android users can tap the Settings icon in the app menu and look for Bluetooth there. If the word Bluetooth is the menu, your phone is Bluetooth-capable. Open the Bluetooth menu with a tap and flip the switch to the “on” position. [4] X Research source
- Users with Windows Phones will open the app list and select Settings to find the Bluetooth menu. If you see a Bluetooth menu, your phone is Bluetooth-capable. Open the menu to switch Bluetooth on. [5] X Research source
- If you’re using a Bluetooth-capable phone that isn’t a smartphone, navigate to your device’s settings menu to find the Bluetooth menu. Turn on Bluetooth in that menu.
- Regular feature phones (non-smartphones) and older Android models may require you to scan for devices manually. If the Bluetooth menu contains an item that says “Scan for devices” or something similar, tap it to scan.
- If you don’t see any devices despite having turned on Bluetooth, your headset may not be in pairing mode. Restart your headset and re-enable pairing mode. Double-check your Bluetooth headset manual to make sure your particular headset doesn’t have a special process for pairing.
Select your headset for pairing. In the list of connectable Bluetooth devices, tap on the name of your headset. This may be the name of the headset manufacturer (i.e., Jabra, Plantronics) or may simply say something like “Headset.”
- On the majority of headsets, this code is either «0000,” “1234,” “9999” or “0001.” If none of those work, try the last 4 digits of your headset’s serial number (found underneath the battery, labeled as “s/n” or “serial number”). [6] X Research source
- If your phone connects to the headset without a code, it simply means that no code is required.
Click “Pair.” Once the headset and phone are paired, you’ll see confirmation on the phone. It should say something along the lines of «Connection Established” (the actual message depends on your device).
Make hands-free phone calls. The headset and phone are now paired. The functionality on the headset will depend on the software and operation of the cell phone, but by placing the device on your ear in a comfortable position, you will now be able to make and receive phone calls without touching your phone.
Community Q&A
Check both devices, and make sure that Bluetooth is turned on. Next, use your phone to scan for the headset. If the problem persists, check to see if they are compatible. This may involve checking the packaging, manual, and the internet.
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On the majority of headsets, this code is either «0000,” “1234,” “9999” or “0001.” If none of those work, try the last 4 digits of your headset’s serial number (found underneath the battery, labeled as “s/n” or “serial number”).
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Tips
Be familiar with mobile device use laws in your city, state or country. Bluetooth headsets may be prohibited in certain locations or under certain conditions. Visit http://www.distraction.gov for a frequently-updated list of locations where Bluetooth headsets are prohibited in the United States.
While Bluetooth headsets help drivers avoid most distractions, it is still possible for a conversation to divert your attention away from the road. The safest way to drive is with no distractions at all. [7] X Research source
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How to Use a Bluetooth Headset with Your Phone
Whether you want to stay safe on the road or you’ve just got a really heavy phone, a Bluetooth headset can be a convenient addition to your cellphone. Here’s how to set one up.
Setting up a Bluetooth headset can seem intimidating, but it’s actually pretty easy as long as you follow the steps. Below, we’ll outline how to set one up with both an Android phone and an iPhone, though the steps for any phone are pretty similar.
On Android
- Turn on your phone and hit the Menu button. Hit Settings and go to Wireless & Networks > Bluetooth Settings.
- Check the «Bluetooth» box to turn on Bluetooth, then hit «Scan for Devices».
- Turn on your Bluetooth headset and put it in «discoverable» mode. Some headsets will go into discoverable mode for the first 60 seconds you turn them on, while others might require you to press and hold two buttons on the headset. You might have to check its instruction manual for more details.
- Once your headset shows up on the list of devices, tap it to pair the devices. It may ask you to enter a PIN number. This is often 0000, though if that doesn’t work, check your headset’s instruction manual for more info.
- Once the devices are paired, all your phone calls should automatically connect to your headset as long as its turned on.
On the iPhone
- Turn on your phone and tap on the Settings app. Head to General > Bluetooth and slide the Bluetooth slider to «On».
- Turn on your Bluetooth headset and put it in «discoverable» mode. Some headsets will go into discoverable mode for the first 60 seconds you turn them on, while others might require you to press and hold two buttons on the headset. You might have to check its instruction manual for more details.
- Once your headset shows up on the iPhone’s Bluetooth menu, tap on it to pair the devices. It may ask you to enter a PIN number. This is often 0000, though if that doesn’t work, check your headset’s instruction manual for more info.
- Once the devices are paired, all your phone calls should automatically connect to your headset as long as its turned on.
Now you can drive safely without worrying about holding that phone up to your ear. If you aren’t using one of the above phones, the instructions should still be similar. Just find the Bluetooth menu in your phone’s Settings and scan for devices. If your device is discoverable, it should be pretty easy to pair the two. Just be sure you keep that manual around so you know the headset’s specific instructions.
You can contact Whitson Gordon, the author of this post, at whitson@lifehacker.com . You can also find him on Twitter , Facebook , and lurking around our #tips page.