The basic steps to pair Sony earbuds with an iPhone
Sony earbuds connect to your iPhone through Bluetooth, the same wireless standard you learned about in the pairing guide. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you have Sony WF-C700N, WH-CH720N, or most other Sony models: put the earbuds in pairing mode, open your iPhone's Bluetooth settings, and select them from the list.
The exact steps depend on which Sony earbuds you own, because Sony uses different buttons and gestures across their product line. What matters is finding the pairing button or gesture on your specific model, then following your iPhone's standard Bluetooth flow. Once paired once, your iPhone will recognize them automatically when you turn them on.
Key Takeaways
- Most Sony earbuds enter pairing mode by holding the button on the charging case or earbud for 5 to 7 seconds until you see a flashing light.
- Your iPhone finds them in Settings > Bluetooth, where you tap the Sony model name to complete the connection.
- The first pairing is the only time you need Bluetooth settings; after that, turning on the earbuds connects them automatically.
- If your earbuds do not appear in the Bluetooth list, reset them by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the light blinks a different pattern, then try again.
Finding the pairing button on your Sony earbuds
Sony puts the pairing control in different places depending on the model. On most true wireless earbuds like the WF-C700N or WF-1000XM5, the button is on the charging case itself — usually on the back or side. On over-ear or on-ear models like the WH-CH720N, the button is on the earbud or headphone itself, often marked with a power symbol or a dedicated pairing icon.
Check the small manual that came in the box or look at the underside of the charging case for a label. If you no longer have the manual, search "Sony [your exact model number] pairing" on the Sony support website — they have a pairing guide for every model with photos showing exactly where the button is. The model number is usually printed on the case or inside the charging compartment.
Putting Sony earbuds into pairing mode
Once you find the button, hold it down for 5 to 7 seconds. You will see a light on the case or earbud start to flash — usually blue and red alternating, or just blue. That flashing light means the earbuds are now in pairing mode and broadcasting their signal to any nearby device.
Some Sony models require a longer hold — up to 10 seconds — before they enter pairing mode, so if nothing happens after 7 seconds, keep holding. You should see the light change pattern when pairing mode activates. If the light turns solid instead of flashing, you may have turned them on instead of entering pairing mode; try holding the button again.
Opening Bluetooth settings on your iPhone
While the earbuds are flashing, unlock your iPhone and go to Settings. Tap Bluetooth — it is the second option in the main Settings menu on most iPhones. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on; the toggle at the top should be green.
Your iPhone will now scan for nearby Bluetooth devices. Within a few seconds, your Sony earbuds should appear in the list under "Other Devices" or "Available Devices." The name will be something like "Sony WF-C700N" or "Sony WH-CH720N" — exactly what is printed on your case or earbud.
Completing the connection on your iPhone
Tap the Sony model name in the Bluetooth list. Your iPhone will connect and the light on your earbuds will stop flashing and turn solid, usually blue. The earbuds will also say "Connected" out loud on most Sony models, or you will hear a tone.
Once connected, the Sony earbuds will appear under "My Devices" in your iPhone's Bluetooth settings with a blue checkmark next to the name. From now on, when you turn on the earbuds, your iPhone will connect to them automatically without you opening Bluetooth settings again — as long as Bluetooth is turned on on your phone.
What to do if the earbuds do not show up in the list
If you hold the pairing button but the earbuds do not appear in your iPhone's Bluetooth list after 30 seconds, they may not have entered pairing mode correctly. Reset them by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds — longer than the normal pairing hold. The light will flash a different pattern, usually faster or in a different color, which means the earbuds have been reset to factory settings.
After the reset, try the pairing steps again from the beginning. Make sure your iPhone's Bluetooth is on, the earbuds are in pairing mode (flashing light), and you are within 10 feet of your phone. If they still do not appear, try turning your iPhone's Bluetooth off and back on, then look for the earbuds again. If the earbuds have been previously paired with another device, that device may be connecting to them first — turn off Bluetooth on any other phones or tablets nearby.
Switching Sony earbuds between devices
Once your Sony earbuds are paired with your iPhone, they will connect to it automatically. If you want to use them with a different device — a Mac, iPad, or Android phone — you do not need to unpair them from your iPhone. Instead, turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone, then go to the Bluetooth settings on the other device and tap the Sony earbuds name to connect.
The earbuds will connect to whichever device you selected. When you turn Bluetooth back on on your iPhone, it will reconnect to the earbuds the next time you turn them on. Most Sony earbuds can only connect to one device at a time, so switching between devices means disconnecting from one before connecting to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Sony earbuds keep disconnecting from my iPhone?
Disconnections usually happen when your iPhone and earbuds are more than 30 feet apart, or when something is blocking the signal between them — thick walls, metal objects, or other wireless devices on the same frequency. Move closer to your phone and away from interference. If disconnections happen even when you are close, try resetting the earbuds and re-pairing them with your iPhone.
Can I pair Sony earbuds with multiple iPhones at the same time?
No. Sony earbuds connect to one device at a time. If you want to use them with a different iPhone, turn off Bluetooth on the first iPhone, then pair the earbuds with the second one. They will remember both iPhones and connect to whichever one you turn Bluetooth on for first.
What if I forgot which button is the pairing button?
Look up your exact Sony model number on the Sony support website — it has a pairing guide with photos for every model. The model number is on the charging case or inside the compartment. If you cannot find it online, try holding each button for 7 seconds and watch for a flashing light.
Do I need to pair my Sony earbuds every time I use them?
No. You only pair them once. After that, turning on the earbuds connects them to your iPhone automatically, as long as Bluetooth is on. Pairing is a one-time setup.
Why is my iPhone not finding my Sony earbuds in Bluetooth settings?
The earbuds may not be in pairing mode — look for a flashing light on the case or earbud. If there is no light, hold the pairing button for 5 to 7 seconds again. Also check that Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone, and that you are within 10 feet of the earbuds. If another device is already connected to them, disconnect it first.