Connecting Shokz headphones to your phone or computer

Shokz bone conduction headphones pair like any other Bluetooth device, but the first connection requires you to put them into pairing mode. Turn on the headphones, hold the power button for three seconds until you see a blue light flashing, then go to your device's Bluetooth settings and select the Shokz model from the list. Once paired, they reconnect automatically when you turn them on near that device.

The exact button location and light color vary by model — OpenMove, OpenRun, and OpenFit all have slightly different designs — but the principle is the same. If your headphones don't appear in the Bluetooth list, make sure they're in pairing mode (the flashing light should be visible), that Bluetooth is turned on on your phone or computer, and that you're within 10 feet of the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Put Shokz headphones into pairing mode by holding the power button for three seconds until the light flashes blue.
  • Go to your device's Bluetooth settings and select the Shokz model name from the available devices list.
  • After the first pairing, the headphones reconnect automatically whenever you turn them on near that device.
  • If pairing fails, check that Bluetooth is on, the headphones are in pairing mode, and you are within 10 feet of your device.

Pairing Shokz to an iPhone or iPad

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure it is turned on. Put your Shokz headphones into pairing mode by holding the power button for three seconds. Your headphones should appear in the "Other Devices" section of the Bluetooth menu within a few seconds. Tap the name to pair.

Once paired, the headphones appear under "My Devices" and connect automatically when you turn them on. If you see a pairing code on your screen, tap "Pair" to confirm. Some Shokz models do not require a code — the connection completes without extra steps.

Pairing Shokz to an Android phone

Open Settings on your Android phone and go to Connected Devices or Bluetooth (the exact name depends on your phone's manufacturer). Turn Bluetooth on if it is not already on. Put your Shokz headphones into pairing mode by holding the power button for three seconds until the light flashes blue.

Your headphones appear in the list of available devices. Tap the Shokz model name to pair. The connection completes in a few seconds, and your headphones reconnect automatically each time you turn them on near your phone.

Pairing Shokz to a Windows or Mac computer

On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices, and turn Bluetooth on. Put your Shokz headphones into pairing mode. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device," select Bluetooth, and choose your Shokz model from the list.

On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is on. Put your headphones into pairing mode. Your Shokz model appears in the device list — click it to pair. Both systems remember the connection and reconnect automatically when the headphones are turned on nearby.

What to do if your Shokz won't pair

If your headphones do not appear in the Bluetooth list, first check that they are actually in pairing mode. The light should be flashing blue, not solid or off. If the light is not flashing, hold the power button for a full three seconds and try again. Some models require a longer hold — check your specific model's manual if three seconds does not work.

Next, make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone or computer. Move closer to your device — Bluetooth works best within 10 feet. If your headphones have been paired to another device recently, they may try to reconnect to that device instead. Turn off Bluetooth on the other device or forget the headphones from that device's Bluetooth settings, then try pairing again.

If you have tried pairing multiple times without success, reset your Shokz headphones by holding the power button for 10 seconds until the light flashes red and blue. This clears all previous pairings. Then put them back into pairing mode and try again.

Switching Shokz between devices

Once your Shokz headphones are paired to a device, they remember that pairing. You can switch between devices by turning off Bluetooth on the current device and turning it on on the new device, then turning on your headphones. They reconnect to whichever device has Bluetooth on and is closest.

If you want to pair your Shokz to a completely new device, you do not need to unpair them from the old one — just put them into pairing mode and pair them to the new device. The headphones can be paired to multiple devices at once, though they can only play audio from one at a time.

Checking your Shokz model and firmware

Different Shokz models have slightly different pairing processes and button locations. You can find your model name on the back of the headphones or in the Shokz app, which you can read for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app also shows your battery level and lets you update the firmware if a new version is available.

Firmware updates sometimes fix pairing problems, so if you are having trouble connecting, check the app to see if an update is waiting. Connect your headphones to power, open the app, and follow the on-screen steps to update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Shokz keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually happen when your phone or computer is too far from the headphones, when Bluetooth is turned off, or when the battery is very low. Move closer to your device and charge your headphones. If disconnections happen even when you are close, try forgetting the headphones from your device's Bluetooth settings and pairing them again.

Can I pair Shokz to multiple devices at once?

Yes. Your Shokz can be paired to several devices, and they automatically connect to whichever device is closest and has Bluetooth on. However, they can only play audio from one device at a time. If two devices try to play audio simultaneously, the headphones play from the one that initiated playback first.

What does the light color mean on my Shokz?

A flashing blue light means pairing mode is active. A solid blue light means the headphones are connected. A red light usually indicates low battery. A flashing red and blue light appears during a factory reset. Check your specific model's manual for exact color meanings, as they vary slightly between models.

Do I have to pair my Shokz every time I use them?

No. After the first pairing, your headphones remember the connection. straightforward turn them on near your device and they reconnect automatically. You only need to go through the pairing process again if you are connecting to a new device or if you reset the headphones.