The basic connection process
Most Skullcandy headsets connect through Bluetooth, which means turning on the headset, putting your phone or computer into pairing mode, and selecting the headset from the list of available devices. The exact steps depend on whether you own an iPhone, Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac — but the headset itself works the same way for all of them. If your Skullcandy model has a cable instead of Bluetooth, you straightforward plug it into the headphone jack or USB port on your device.
Before you start, check what type of Skullcandy headset you have. Look at the box it came in, or search the model number (usually printed on the headset itself or inside the ear cup) on the Skullcandy website. This tells you whether your model is Bluetooth-only, has a cable option, or supports both. Some older Skullcandy models use a proprietary wireless connection instead of standard Bluetooth, which requires a small USB receiver that plugs into your computer.
Key Takeaways
- Bluetooth headsets need to be in pairing mode (usually by holding the power button for several seconds) before your device can find them.
- Once paired, your Skullcandy headset will automatically reconnect to the same device each time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled.
- If your headset does not appear in your device's Bluetooth list, restart both the headset and your phone or computer, then try again.
- Wired Skullcandy headsets work when ready when plugged in and do not require pairing or charging.
Pairing a Bluetooth Skullcandy headset with an iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on — you will see a blue toggle switch if it is active. Then turn on your Skullcandy headset. Most models have a power button on one ear cup; hold it down for about three to five seconds until you see a light flash (usually blue or white). This puts the headset into pairing mode, which lasts for a few minutes.
Look at the Bluetooth list on your iPhone screen. Your Skullcandy headset should appear by its model name — for example, "Skullcandy Crusher" or "Skullcandy Dime." Tap the name to pair. Your iPhone will show "Connected" underneath the headset name once pairing is complete. From now on, whenever you turn on the headset with Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone, it will connect automatically.
Pairing a Bluetooth Skullcandy headset with Android
Open Settings on your Android phone and look for Bluetooth or Connected Devices (the exact name varies by phone brand). Turn Bluetooth on. Then power on your Skullcandy headset and hold the power button for three to five seconds until the light flashes. The headset is now in pairing mode.
Your Android phone will show a list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Tap your Skullcandy headset's name to pair. Once connected, you will see "Connected" or a checkmark next to the headset name. The next time you turn on the headset, your Android phone will reconnect automatically if Bluetooth is on.
Pairing a Bluetooth Skullcandy headset with Windows or Mac
On a Windows computer, open Settings, go to Devices, then select Bluetooth and Other Devices. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Power on your Skullcandy headset and hold the power button for three to five seconds until it enters pairing mode. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select Bluetooth from the menu. Your headset should appear in the list — click it to pair.
On a Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions), click Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is on. Turn on your Skullcandy headset and hold the power button until it enters pairing mode. Your headset will appear in the Bluetooth list — click "Connect" next to it. Once paired, your Mac will remember the headset and reconnect automatically when both are turned on.
Connecting a wired Skullcandy headset
Wired Skullcandy headsets have a cable with a 3.5mm jack (the standard headphone connector) or a USB connector. Plug the cable into the matching port on your device — the headphone jack on most phones and older computers, or a USB port on newer devices. The headset works when ready; there is no pairing or setup required.
If your device does not have a headphone jack (common on newer iPhones and some Android phones), you will need an adapter. Apple phones use a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter, which comes with some models or can be purchased separately. Android phones may use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter depending on the model. Once the adapter is plugged in, connect the Skullcandy cable to it.
Troubleshooting when your headset will not connect
If your Skullcandy headset does not appear in your device's Bluetooth list, restart both the headset and your phone or computer. Turn off the headset completely, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. Then turn Bluetooth off on your device, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Try pairing again. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent the devices from finding each other.
If the headset still does not appear, check that it is actually in pairing mode. Some Skullcandy models require a longer button hold — try holding the power button for up to ten seconds. You should see the light flash in a specific pattern (often blue and white alternating) when pairing mode is active. If the light is solid or not flashing, the headset is not in pairing mode yet.
If your headset was previously paired to a different device, it may try to reconnect to that device instead of entering pairing mode. Turn off Bluetooth on the old device, then try pairing with the new one. Some Skullcandy models also have a dedicated pairing button separate from the power button — check the manual or the Skullcandy website for your specific model.
What to do after pairing is complete
Once your Skullcandy headset is paired, it will automatically reconnect to the same device each time you turn it on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on that device. You do not need to pair it again. If you want to use the headset with a different device, straightforward turn off Bluetooth on the first device, then turn on Bluetooth on the second device and turn on the headset. It will connect to whichever device has Bluetooth enabled.
For Bluetooth headsets, keep the battery charged. Most Skullcandy models show battery level on your device's Bluetooth settings screen or through a companion app (if one exists for your model). Wired headsets do not need charging and will work as long as they are plugged in. If your wired headset has a microphone and you are having trouble with calls, check that your device is set to use the headset for audio input — this is usually a setting in your phone's call or audio preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Skullcandy headset keep disconnecting?
Bluetooth disconnections usually happen when the headset is too far from your device (more than 30 feet in most cases) or when something is blocking the signal, like a wall or metal object. Move closer to your device and try again. If disconnections happen even when you are nearby, restart both the headset and your phone or computer. If the problem continues, unpair the headset from your device and pair it again from scratch.
Can I pair my Skullcandy headset to multiple devices at once?
Most Skullcandy headsets can be paired to multiple devices, but they can only play audio from one device at a time. Once paired to your phone and your computer, for example, the headset will connect to whichever device you turn on first. To switch between devices, turn off Bluetooth on the current device or turn off the headset, then turn it back on near the device you want to use.
What if my headset is paired but I hear no sound?
Check that your device's volume is turned up and that the headset itself is not muted. Some Skullcandy models have a mute button on the ear cup or cable. Make sure your device is actually playing audio through the headset — go to your device's audio settings and confirm the Skullcandy headset is selected as the output device, not the speaker.
Do I need to read an app to use my Skullcandy headset?
No. Bluetooth pairing and basic audio work without any app. Some Skullcandy models have an optional companion app that lets you adjust sound settings or check battery level, but the headset functions perfectly without it. Check the Skullcandy website for your specific model to see if an app is available.
Why does my wired Skullcandy headset not work on my new phone?
Many newer phones do not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (for Android) or a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter (for iPhone). Plug the adapter into your phone's charging port, then plug the Skullcandy cable into the adapter. The headset should work when ready.