The basic steps depend on whether your headphones use Bluetooth or a cable
Sony headphones connect in two main ways: through Bluetooth (wireless) or through a cable plugged into a jack. Bluetooth headphones need to be "paired" with your device the first time — this means telling your device and headphones to recognize each other. After that first pairing, they usually connect automatically when you turn them on. Wired headphones just need to be plugged in.
The exact steps change slightly depending on what device you're connecting to — a phone, computer, or tablet all have slightly different menus. But the core idea is the same: find the Bluetooth settings, make sure your headphones are in pairing mode, and select them from the list that appears.
Key Takeaways
- Bluetooth headphones must be paired once before they work; after that, they reconnect automatically when turned on.
- Put your Sony headphones into pairing mode by holding the power button for several seconds until you see a flashing light.
- On your phone or computer, go to Bluetooth settings and look for your headphones' name in the available devices list.
- Wired Sony headphones need only to be plugged into the headphone jack; no pairing or settings are required.
- If your headphones don't appear in the Bluetooth list, restart both the headphones and your device, then try again.
Pairing Sony Bluetooth headphones for the first time
Before you can use Bluetooth headphones, they need to be in pairing mode. This is a temporary state where the headphones broadcast their name so nearby devices can find them. On most Sony Bluetooth headphones, you enter pairing mode by pressing and holding the power button for about 5 to 10 seconds. You'll usually see a light on the headphones that flashes blue and red, or you'll hear a voice prompt saying "pairing mode" or "ready to pair."
Once the headphones are in pairing mode, go to your device's Bluetooth settings. On an iPhone, this is Settings > Bluetooth. On Android phones, it's Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth or Settings > Bluetooth and Device Connection > Bluetooth. On Windows computers, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and Other Devices. On Mac computers, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth. Your Sony headphones should appear in the list of available devices. Tap or click on them to pair.
After you select your headphones, your device will confirm the pairing. You may see a message saying "Connected" or hear a tone from the headphones. From this point forward, when you turn on your Sony headphones, they will automatically connect to that device if Bluetooth is on.
Connecting already-paired Sony headphones
Once your Sony headphones are paired, connecting them is much simpler. Turn on your headphones by pressing the power button. Turn on Bluetooth on your device if it isn't already on. Within a few seconds, your headphones should connect automatically — you'll usually see a notification on your screen or hear a tone from the headphones confirming the connection.
If your headphones don't connect automatically, they may have been paired with a different device last. In that case, go back to your Bluetooth settings and select your Sony headphones again. They will then reconnect to that device next time you turn them on.
Connecting wired Sony headphones
Wired Sony headphones are simpler — they require no pairing or settings. Locate the 3.5mm headphone jack on your device. This is a small round port, usually on the bottom or side of phones and laptops. Plug the headphone connector into the jack until you hear or feel a click. The headphones should work when ready.
If your device doesn't have a headphone jack, you may need a USB-C adapter or Lightning adapter (for iPhones). These small adapters convert the charging port into a headphone jack. Sony and other manufacturers sell these adapters, or you can find third-party versions online.
Troubleshooting when Sony headphones won't connect
If your Bluetooth headphones don't appear in the available devices list, first check that they're actually in pairing mode. The light should be flashing. If it's not, hold the power button again for 5 to 10 seconds. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your device — it's straightforward to forget this step.
If the headphones still don't appear, restart both devices. Turn off your headphones completely, then turn them back on and put them in pairing mode again. On your phone or computer, turn Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Then try pairing again. This clears out temporary connection problems that sometimes prevent devices from finding each other.
If your headphones were previously paired with a different device, they may try to connect to that device instead. Go into your headphones' settings (usually through a Sony app or by holding a button) and forget or reset the pairing with the old device. Then pair them with your new device.
Connecting to multiple devices
Most Sony Bluetooth headphones can be paired with several devices at once, but they can only play audio from one device at a time. If you've paired your headphones with both your phone and your computer, they'll try to connect to whichever one they were last used with. To switch, straightforward disconnect them from the first device and connect them to the second through Bluetooth settings.
Some Sony headphones have a button or app that lets you switch between paired devices quickly without going into settings. Check your headphones' manual or the Sony support website for your specific model to see if this feature is available.
Using Sony headphones with voice assistants
Once your Sony headphones are connected, you can use them with voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa. The microphone in your headphones will pick up your voice, and the assistant will respond through the headphones' speakers. This works automatically once the headphones are paired — no additional setup is needed.
If the microphone isn't working, check that your device has permission to use the headphones' microphone. On iPhones, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure the app you're using is listed. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Permissions > Microphone and check the same thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Sony headphones keep disconnecting?
Bluetooth headphones disconnect when they go out of range (usually more than 30 feet from your device), when Bluetooth is turned off, or when the battery is very low. Move closer to your device and make sure Bluetooth is on. If the battery is low, charge your headphones. If disconnections happen frequently even when close to your device, try unpairing and re-pairing them.
Can I use my Sony headphones with multiple devices at the same time?
Most Sony Bluetooth headphones can be paired with multiple devices, but they only play audio from one at a time. You can switch between devices through Bluetooth settings, but you'll need to disconnect from one device before connecting to another.
Do I need to pair my Sony headphones every time I use them?
No. After the first pairing, your headphones will automatically connect to that device whenever you turn them on and Bluetooth is enabled. You only need to pair them again if you reset the headphones, pair them with a new device, or forget the pairing in your device's settings.
What if my device doesn't have Bluetooth?
If you have wired Sony headphones, you can plug them directly into the headphone jack. If you have Bluetooth headphones and your device has no Bluetooth, you'll need a Bluetooth adapter — a small device that plugs into your device and broadcasts Bluetooth. These are available online for $15 to $40.
How do I know if my Sony headphones are in pairing mode?
Most Sony headphones show pairing mode with a flashing light — usually blue and red alternating, or blue flashing. Some models also play a voice prompt saying "pairing mode" or "ready to pair." Check your headphones' manual for the exact indicator for your model.