Pair Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds on iPhone & iPad: 6 Easy Steps

A user-friendly guide to sync and connect any Bluetooth headset to your iPhone or iPad

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: July 8, 2025 Fact Checked

Do you have wireless headphones or earbuds you want to pair with your iOS device? Wireless headphones make it easy to listen to music on the go since you don't have to worry about wires getting tangled. These headphones have Bluetooth capabilities, so you'll just need to go into your device's settings to set up and use them. This wikiHow will show you how to connect wireless headphones or earbuds with an iPhone or iPad using Bluetooth.

Things You Should Know

Turn on your Bluetooth headphones and put them in discover mode. This may be done by pressing the Bluetooth button.
Go to "Settings" → "Bluetooth" → toggle on "Bluetooth". Tap your headphones underneath "Other Devices".
If you don't see your headphones, make sure it's within 33 feet and your iOS is updated.

Steps

Download Article

1
Turn on the Bluetooth headphones. Wireless headphones or earbuds, such as AirPods, will have Bluetooth capabilities. Some may come with a Bluetooth dongle, which may connect to your device. In most cases, you'll just need your Bluetooth headphones and your iPhone or iPad.
- Make sure your Bluetooth device is fully charged and turned on before attempting to pair. Depending on the accessory, you may have to press a button or activate a switch to power it on.
2
Put the headphones into pairing mode. The headphones must be in pairing mode so that your iPhone or iPad can detect it. Some accessories automatically go into pairing mode when turned on, while others require you to press a button or select an option from a menu.
- Similar to a Bluetooth speaker, an LED light should indicate whether or not your headphones are ready to be paired.
Advertisement
This looks like a grey cog icon.^{[1]
X
Research source}
You can find this underneath Wi-Fi.
The switch will turn from grey to green. If this is already toggled on, skip this step.^{[2]
X
Research source}
6
Tap your headphones. You can find a list of nearby devices underneath Other Devices.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you don't see your headphones, make sure you're within 33 feet (10 meters) of your iPhone or iPad.^{[4]
  X
  Research source} You may need to turn the headphones off and on again.
- Your wireless headphones should connect. You can now listen to music on your iOS device.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What is meant by selecting the headphones?

Community Answer

Open your "Settings" and scroll down to "Bluetooth." First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on. If the headphones have a "discoverable" mode, make sure that is turned on as well. Under the Bluetooth on/off switch is a list of devices; the headphones should show up in this list and will have a message that says "Not Connected." Tap on the "Not Connected" message in the white bar with the name of the headphones in it, and it should start to sync. A message will appear to notify you if the sync was successful or not. (Sometimes it takes a while.) Make sure to keep the headphones near the phone while doing this.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
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
Yes No

Not Helpful 46 Helpful 34
Question

I can hear out of one earbud but not the other one. What is wrong?

Genesis Frazier

Community Answer

Either, your earbuds are broken, or maybe they aren't connected to Bluetooth. It's also possible that you are too far from your phone.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
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
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 5
Question

Do these steps go the same with syncing wireless ear buds?

Playercircuit

Community Answer

Yes, the steps should be just the same with any sort of Bluetooth device.‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍‍ ‍‍‍ ‍ ‍‍‍‍‍‍

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
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
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you're prompted to enter a security code when you're pairing the headphones, you should be able to find the code in the headphones' manual.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0