How to connect Bluetooth headphones to an Android phone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Pairing is needed once. After that the headphones reconnect when you switch them on near the phone. Many newer headphones also show a pop-up on the phone that pairs with one tap.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Put the headphones in pairing mode

   Usually you hold the power or Bluetooth button until a light blinks. For earbuds, the button is often on the case.

   Done

2. Open Settings and tap Connected devices

   On Samsung: Settings, Connections, Bluetooth.

   Done

3. Tap Pair new device

   The phone searches for devices nearby.

   Done

4. Tap the name of the headphones

   Confirm the pairing request if one appears. The headphones move to the list of connected devices.

   Done

5. Use Fast Pair if it appears

   With supported headphones, a card pops up at the bottom of the screen as soon as they are in pairing mode. Tap Connect.

   Done

Good to know

If the headphones do not appear, disconnect them from the phone or laptop they were used with before, then restart pairing mode.

To remove a pairing, tap the gear next to the device and tap Forget.

Sound coming from the phone instead? Tap the media output button in the volume panel or music notification and choose the headphones.

In short: Pairing mode, Settings, Connected devices, Pair new device.