Pairing Aftershokz to Your Phone or Computer
Aftershokz headphones connect through Bluetooth, the same wireless standard used by most audio devices. The pairing process takes about two minutes the first time, then your device remembers the connection automatically afterward. You'll need to put the headphones into pairing mode, then select them from your phone or computer's Bluetooth settings.
Start by turning on your Aftershokz headphones. Most models have a power button on the left side — hold it for about three seconds until you hear a voice prompt or see a light indicator. The headphones enter pairing mode automatically when they're powered on for the first time, or you can force pairing mode by holding the power button for seven to ten seconds on a device that's already been paired before.
On your phone or computer, open the Bluetooth settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it on. On Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth. Your Aftershokz headphones should appear in the list of available devices — the model name usually starts with "AFT" or shows the specific model like "OpenMove" or "Aeropex". Tap or click the name to connect.
Key Takeaways
- Aftershokz headphones pair through Bluetooth by holding the power button until the headphones enter pairing mode, then selecting them from your device's Bluetooth settings.
- The first pairing takes about two minutes, but your device will reconnect automatically every time you turn the headphones on afterward.
- If pairing fails, restart both the headphones and your device, then try again — most connection problems clear up with a restart.
- You can pair one set of Aftershokz headphones to multiple devices, but they will only connect to one device at a time.
- The Aftershokz app on iOS or Android lets you update firmware and adjust settings, but is not required to use the headphones.
Reconnecting to Devices You've Already Paired
Once you've paired your Aftershokz to a device, that device remembers the connection. The next time you turn on the headphones, they will search for the last device they were connected to and reconnect automatically within a few seconds. You don't need to go back into Bluetooth settings unless something goes wrong.
If your headphones don't reconnect automatically, make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your device's settings. Then turn the headphones off and on again — this usually forces a reconnection. If you're trying to connect to a different device than the one the headphones last used, you may need to wait a few seconds for the old connection to time out, or turn off Bluetooth on the previous device first.
Pairing Multiple Devices to the Same Headphones
You can pair one set of Aftershokz headphones to as many devices as you want — your phone, tablet, computer, and smartwatch can all be paired to the same headphones. However, the headphones will only play audio from one device at a time. When you want to switch which device is playing sound, you pause audio on the current device and start playing on the new one.
To add a new device to your existing Aftershokz headphones, put the headphones into pairing mode again by holding the power button for seven to ten seconds. Then go to the new device's Bluetooth settings and select the Aftershokz headphones from the list. The headphones will now be paired to both devices, and will automatically connect to whichever one you use most recently.
Fixing Connection Problems
"Forgetting" the headphones from your device and re-pairing them fixes most Bluetooth problems. On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the Aftershokz headphones in the list, tap the information icon next to the name, and select "Forget This Device". On Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth, hold down on the Aftershokz headphones, and select "Unpair" or "Forget". Then restart the headphones and pair them again from scratch.
If the headphones won't enter pairing mode, the battery may be too low. Charge them for at least 15 minutes using the included USB cable, then try again. If you're having trouble with a specific device, try pairing the headphones to a different phone or computer first — this tells you whether the problem is with the headphones or with that particular device's Bluetooth hardware.
Aftershokz headphones should stay within about 30 feet of your device for a stable connection. If you're getting frequent dropouts, move closer to your phone or computer. Walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices like microwaves can interfere with Bluetooth, so try moving to a different room if the connection is unreliable.
Using the Aftershokz App
Aftershokz makes a free app for iOS and Android that lets you update the headphones' firmware, adjust equalizer settings, and customize button controls. The app is optional — your headphones work fine without it — but installing it is worth doing once to make sure your headphones have the latest firmware version.
read the Aftershokz app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it, make sure your headphones are turned on and paired to your phone, and the app will automatically detect them. If a firmware update is available, the app will prompt you to install it. Don't turn off the headphones or disconnect them during a firmware update, as this can cause problems.
Connecting to Smartwatches and Other Devices
Aftershokz headphones work with any device that has Bluetooth, including smartwatches, tablets, and some fitness trackers. The pairing process is the same — put the headphones into pairing mode and select them from the device's Bluetooth settings. Keep in mind that smartwatches usually have limited Bluetooth range and may disconnect if you leave your phone behind.
Some smartwatches can store music locally and play it directly through the headphones without needing your phone nearby. Check your watch's documentation to see if this is supported. If you're pairing the headphones to both a phone and a smartwatch, the headphones will connect to whichever device you use most recently, so you may need to manually switch between them.
Checking Battery and Connection Status
Most Aftershokz models have a voice prompt that tells you the battery level when you turn them on. Some also have a light indicator on the side that shows battery status — usually green for full, amber for medium, and red for low. When the battery gets very low, you'll hear a warning beep or voice prompt telling you to charge.
To check the connection status, look at your device's Bluetooth settings. The Aftershokz headphones should show as "Connected" next to the device name. If they show as "Paired" but not "Connected", the headphones are in range but not actively playing audio — they'll reconnect automatically when you start playing sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won't my Aftershokz headphones show up in Bluetooth settings?
Make sure the headphones are powered on and in pairing mode — hold the power button for seven to ten seconds until you hear a voice prompt or see a blinking light. If they still don't appear, restart both the headphones and your device, then try again. If the headphones are very old, they may need a firmware update through the Aftershokz app before they'll pair with newer phones.
Can I use Aftershokz headphones with two devices at the same time?
No, Aftershokz headphones only play audio from one device at a time. You can pair them to multiple devices, but you'll need to pause audio on one device before starting it on another. Some newer Aftershokz models support "multipoint" connection, which lets them stay connected to two devices simultaneously — check your model's documentation to see if this applies.
What should I do if my headphones keep disconnecting?
Move closer to your device — Bluetooth works best within 30 feet with a clear line of sight. If disconnections continue, forget the headphones from your device's Bluetooth settings and re-pair them from scratch. Low battery can also cause connection problems, so charge the headphones fully and try again.
Do I need the Aftershokz app to use the headphones?
No, the headphones work without the app. The app is useful for firmware updates and customizing settings, but basic pairing and audio playback work through standard Bluetooth alone. You can install the app later if you want to adjust equalizer settings or update firmware.
Why is my Aftershokz connected but producing no sound?
Check that the volume is turned up on both the headphones and your device. On most Aftershokz models, you adjust volume by tapping the back of the left ear piece. Make sure the audio is actually playing on your device — some apps pause automatically when you switch devices. If sound still doesn't work, disconnect and reconnect the headphones through Bluetooth settings.