Owen PalmerBy Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Pairing Beats headphones with a phone, tablet, laptop or other Bluetooth device takes about a minute once you know what the headphones are waiting for. This guide explains how to pair with Beats headphones by putting them into pairing mode, selecting them on your device, and confirming the connection works. It also covers what to do when the headphones refuse to show up in the device list.

Before You Start

Most pairing problems come from skipping a simple preparation step. Charge the headphones for at least 15 minutes before you begin, since a nearly empty battery can cause the pairing indicator to behave unpredictably. Keep the headphones within about three feet of the device, and turn Bluetooth on at the device level.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 9 Best Beats Headphones Wireless Rose Golds Compared.

  • Headphones with at least some battery charge
  • The device you want to pair with, with Bluetooth enabled
  • Any previous pairing with the same device removed, if you have connected before

How to Put Beats Headphones into Pairing Mode

Beats models use slightly different controls, but the general approach is the same: hold a dedicated button until a light flashes or a voice prompt says the headphones are ready to pair. On many over-ear models, you press and hold the power button for several seconds. On some earbud models, you open the case and hold the button on the case until the indicator light pulses.

Check the manual or the Beats app for your exact model if the light pattern is unclear. A steady light usually means the headphones are on and connected to something, while a flashing light usually means they are searching for a device.

How to Select Beats Headphones on Your Device

On iPhone and iPad

  1. Open Settings and tap Bluetooth.
  2. Wait for your Beats model name to appear under Other Devices.
  3. Tap the name. When the status shows Connected, pairing is complete.

On Android

  1. Open Settings, then Connected devices or Bluetooth, depending on your version.
  2. Tap Pair new device and select your Beats headphones from the list.
  3. Accept the pairing request if prompted.

On Windows and Mac

On Windows, open Settings, go to Bluetooth and other devices, and choose Add device. On a Mac, open System Settings, choose Bluetooth, and click Connect next to the Beats name. In both cases, the headphones should appear within a few seconds of entering pairing mode.

How to Confirm the Connection Works

After pairing, play a short audio clip and confirm sound comes from the headphones rather than the device speakers. Also check that the device lists the headphones as connected, not just paired. Manufacturers specify that paired devices may reconnect automatically when they are in range, so a one-time pairing usually does not need to be repeated each day.

Symptom Likely cause Quick fix
Headphones don’t appear in the list Not in pairing mode Hold the button until the light flashes
Connected but no sound Audio routed to another output Change the output device in sound settings
Keeps disconnecting Low battery or distance Charge and move closer to the device

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Trying to pair while the headphones are already connected to another device, which can block the new connection.
  • Forgetting to turn on Bluetooth on the source device before searching.
  • Leaving old pairings in the device list, which can cause the wrong entry to be selected.
  • Assuming the headphones are broken when the real issue is a low battery.

A small USB-C or Lightning cable kept with your headphones makes it easy to top up the battery before pairing. Owners often report that a dedicated carrying case helps protect the earcups and prevents accidental button presses in a bag. For a secondary device, a Bluetooth audio adapter for older devices without built-in Bluetooth can help you connect Beats headphones to a stereo or TV.

  • A short charging cable, so you can top up the battery before pairing. View on Amazon
  • A protective carrying case for over-ear or earbud models. View on Amazon
  • A Bluetooth audio adapter for devices without built-in Bluetooth. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why won’t my Beats headphones show up when I search for devices?

The headphones are usually not in pairing mode, or they are still connected to another device. Disconnect them from the other device, then hold the power or pairing button until the light flashes.

Do I need to pair Beats headphones again every time I use them?

Usually not. Once paired, most devices reconnect automatically when the headphones are powered on and in range.

Can Beats headphones pair with two devices at once?

Some newer Beats models support multipoint connections, but many older models connect to one device at a time. Check your model’s manual to confirm.

Conclusion

To pair with Beats headphones, charge them, enter pairing mode, and select them in your device’s Bluetooth menu. Once connected, confirm the audio output and remove old pairings that could cause confusion. If the connection fails, check the battery and distance before trying again.

Ready to choose one?

Owen Palmer

About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.