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Likely fix

Fix: Bluetooth headphones not showing up

Bluetooth headphones usually do not appear when they are not in pairing mode, are already connected to another device, have low battery, or need to be reset.

Quick answer

Put the headphones into pairing mode, disconnect them from other devices, charge them, then turn Bluetooth off and on again.

Important warning

Many headphones leave pairing mode after a short time. If they do not appear, put them into pairing mode again.

Try this

  1. 1 Charge the headphones or earbuds for at least 10 minutes.
  2. 2 Turn Bluetooth off and on on your phone, tablet, or computer.
  3. 3 Put the headphones into pairing mode using the manufacturer’s button or case method.
  4. 4 Move the headphones close to the device you are pairing with.
  5. 5 Disconnect or turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices that may already be connected.
  6. 6 Restart both devices.
  7. 7 Reset the headphones if they still do not appear.

Common causes

Headphones are not in pairing mode.

Headphones are already connected to another phone or laptop.

Battery is too low.

Bluetooth is stuck on the phone or computer.

Headphones need a factory reset.

What to check next

  • Check whether the headphones connect to another device automatically.
  • Check the LED light or voice prompt for pairing mode.
  • Check whether the headphones appear after restarting Bluetooth.
  • Check whether the battery is charged.

FAQ

Why are my Bluetooth headphones not showing up?

They may not be in pairing mode, may already be connected to another device, may have low battery, or may need a reset.

How do I put headphones into pairing mode?

It depends on the model. Many use a long press on the power or Bluetooth button, while earbuds often use a button on the case.

Can headphones disappear because they are connected somewhere else?

Yes. Some headphones will not appear as available if they automatically connected to another phone, tablet, or computer.

Related fixes

Fix: Bluetooth headphones won’t connect

Headphones that appear but will not connect usually have a corrupted saved pairing, are connected to another device, or need Bluetooth restarted.

Fix: Bluetooth speaker not showing up

A Bluetooth speaker usually does not show up when it is not in pairing mode, is already connected to another device, has low battery, or Bluetooth discovery is stuck.

Fix: Only one Bluetooth earbud works

One earbud usually stops working when the earbuds are out of sync, one side has low battery, the case contacts are dirty, or the earbuds need to be reset.

Fix: Bluetooth audio stutters or cuts out

Bluetooth audio usually stutters because of distance, interference, low battery, a crowded 2.4 GHz area, app issues, or the device switching audio profiles.

Fix: Bluetooth connected but no sound

Bluetooth can connect successfully but play no sound when the wrong audio output is selected, volume is muted, the app is using another device, or the Bluetooth audio profile is stuck.

Fix: Bluetooth speaker won’t connect

A speaker that appears but will not connect usually has a broken saved pairing, is already connected somewhere else, or has reached its device memory limit.