How to connect Bluetooth headphones to an iPhone
2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Put the headphones in pairing mode, open Settings, tap Bluetooth and tap the name of the headphones under Other Devices. AirPods connect by themselves when you open the case next to the iPhone.
You pair headphones once. After that they reconnect when you switch them on near the phone.
Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.
Step by step
Put the headphones in pairing mode
Usually you hold the power or Bluetooth button until a light blinks. For earbuds from other brands, the button is often on the case.
Open Settings and tap Bluetooth
Make sure the switch is on.
Tap the name under Other Devices
It can take a few seconds to appear. Once connected, it moves up to My Devices.
AirPods: open the case next to the iPhone
Hold the open case close to the unlocked iPhone and tap Connect on the card that appears.
Good to know
If the headphones do not show up, disconnect them from the device they were used with before, and restart pairing mode.
To remove or reset a pairing, tap the i next to the name and choose Forget This Device.
Sound playing from the wrong place? Open Control Centre, tap the AirPlay icon in the music panel and choose the output.
In short: Pairing mode, Settings, Bluetooth, tap the name.
- Apple Support: Pair a third-party Bluetooth accessory with your iPhone
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