Android · Android
Fix Bluetooth Headphones That Will Not Connect on Android
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Put the headphones in pairing mode, then on Android open Bluetooth settings, select Pair new device, and choose the headphones. If a saved pairing fails, forget it and pair again.
Charge and prepare the headphones
Charge the headphones and use the manufacturer's instructions to put them into pairing mode. Headphones that are still connected to another nearby device may not appear as available on the phone.
Open Bluetooth settings
Swipe down from the top of the Android screen, touch and hold Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is on. On some Android versions the same screen is Settings > Connected devices.
Pair the headphones
Tap Pair new device, refresh the available-device list if necessary, then tap the headphone name and follow the on-screen prompts. Confirm a pairing code only when it matches the code shown by the headphones.
Reconnect a saved device
If the headphones are already paired but disconnected, select them under Saved devices and wait for Connected. Check that the correct device type and Media audio option are enabled when Android offers those controls.
Forget and pair again
Open the saved headphones' settings and choose Forget only after you can put them back into pairing mode. Return to Pair new device and complete a new pairing instead of repeatedly tapping a failed saved connection.
Verify media playback
Play a short audio clip, use Android's media-output control to select the headphones, and confirm sound reaches both sides. Then place one test call only if the headphones also need to handle calls.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the headphones never appear, move them close to the phone, turn Bluetooth off and on, and restart both devices before trying again.
- If they connect but play no sound, select the headphones as the media output and check Media audio in the saved-device settings.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Android.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.