Turn on your Shokz headphones, hold the volume-plus button, and select them in your device’s Bluetooth settings.
Learning how to pair Shokz headphones is simple once you know the correct button sequence. I have seen many pairing problems come from one small issue: the headphones are turned on, but not in pairing mode. This guide explains how to pair Shokz headphones with an iPhone, Android phone, computer, tablet, and other Bluetooth devices. It also covers multipoint pairing, common errors, reset steps, and model-specific tips.
How to pair Shokz headphones for the first time
Most Shokz headphones use the same basic Bluetooth pairing process. This includes popular models such as OpenRun, OpenRun Pro, OpenMove, OpenComm, and many other Bluetooth models.
Before you begin, place the headphones close to your device. Keep them within a few feet during setup. Also, make sure the headphones have enough battery power.
Follow these steps:
- Remove your Shokz headphones from the charging cable.
- Turn the headphones off if they are already on.
- Press and hold the volume-plus button for about five to seven seconds.
- Release the button when you hear “pairing” or see the LED light flash red and blue.
- Open the Bluetooth menu on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Turn Bluetooth on if it is disabled.
- Look for your Shokz model in the list of available devices.
- Tap or click the model name to connect.
- Wait for the status to change to “connected.”
The volume-plus button is usually on the control panel near one side of the headphones. On some models, it may sit next to the power button. The voice prompt and flashing LED are the best signs that pairing mode is active.
If your headphones connect without entering pairing mode, they may be reconnecting to a device they already know. Turn Bluetooth off on nearby devices, then repeat the steps.
How to pair Shokz headphones with an iPhone
Pairing Shokz headphones with an iPhone takes less than a minute in most cases. The iPhone must have Bluetooth enabled, and the headphones must be in pairing mode.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Turn on the Bluetooth switch.
- Put your Shokz headphones into pairing mode.
- Find the headphones under “Other Devices.”
- Tap the name of your Shokz model.
- Wait until it appears under “My Devices” with the word “Connected.”
After pairing, play a short audio clip to test the connection. You can adjust the volume with the buttons on the headphones or through the iPhone.
If the Shokz headphones do not appear, wait about 10 seconds. Then turn Bluetooth off and on again. This refreshes the device list without removing your other Bluetooth connections.
For calls, check that the Shokz model is selected as the audio output. During a call, tap the audio button on the iPhone and choose your headphones if needed.
How to pair Shokz headphones with an Android phone
The steps for Android phones are similar, although menu names can vary by brand. Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, and other Android phones may use slightly different wording.
- Open Settings.
- Choose Connected devices, Connections, or Bluetooth.
- Tap Pair new device if that option appears.
- Turn on your Shokz headphones.
- Hold the volume-plus button until the headphones announce pairing mode.
- Select the Shokz model from the available devices list.
- Approve the pairing request if your phone displays one.
Some Android phones show a gear icon next to the connected headphones. Tap it to manage calls, media audio, or access to contacts. Make sure “Media audio” is enabled if music plays through the phone speaker instead of the headphones.
Android battery settings can also affect Bluetooth performance. If the connection drops often, check whether your phone is restricting the Shokz app or Bluetooth service in the background.
When explaining how to pair Shokz headphones to Android users, I always point out one common mistake: tapping the model name before the headphones enter pairing mode. The phone cannot find a device that is only powered on but not discoverable.
How to pair Shokz headphones with a Windows PC
Shokz headphones work with Windows laptops and desktop computers that support Bluetooth. Some older computers may need a Bluetooth adapter.
- Turn on pairing mode on your Shokz headphones.
- Open Settings on your Windows computer.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn Bluetooth on.
- Click Add device.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Choose your Shokz headphones from the list.
- Click Done after the connection is complete.
Windows may show two sound choices after pairing. Select the Shokz headphones as the output device for music and video. You can do this from the speaker icon near the clock or from the Sound section in Settings.
For calls, video meetings, and voice recording, choose the Shokz microphone as the input device. Some computers connect the headphones for sound but continue using the built-in laptop microphone.
If your computer lists the headphones as “Connected” but no sound comes through, open the sound settings and select the Shokz model manually. This is one of the most common Windows Bluetooth issues.
How to pair Shokz headphones with a Mac
Pairing Shokz headphones with a Mac is quick and reliable when the headphones are not connected to another device.
- Put the Shokz headphones into pairing mode.
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Click Bluetooth.
- Find your Shokz headphones under Nearby Devices.
- Click Connect next to the model name.
On older versions of macOS, Bluetooth settings may appear under System Preferences instead of System Settings. The connection process remains nearly the same.
After pairing, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar. Select Sound and choose your Shokz headphones. This confirms that the Mac is sending audio to the correct device.
If you use the headphones for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another calling app, open the app’s audio settings. Select Shokz for both the speaker and microphone when you want to use the headset for calls.
How to pair Shokz headphones with two devices
Some Shokz models support multipoint pairing. This feature lets the headphones stay connected to two Bluetooth devices, such as a phone and a laptop. You can listen to music from one device and answer a call from the other.
The exact steps can vary by model, but the general process is:
- Pair the headphones with the first device.
- Turn the headphones off.
- Enter pairing mode again.
- Connect them to the second device.
- Enable multipoint pairing through the Shokz app or the model’s button controls.
- Turn the headphones off and on again.
Some models use a voice prompt to confirm multipoint mode. Others manage the feature through the Shokz app. Check the instructions for your exact model because not every Shokz product supports multipoint.
Multipoint is useful, but it can sometimes cause confusion. The headphones may connect to both devices while audio plays from only one. Pause media on the first device before starting audio on the second.
In my experience, multipoint works best when both devices have current software and are within normal Bluetooth range. If switching becomes unreliable, disconnect one device, update the headphones, and pair them again.
How to pair Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Pro
OpenRun and OpenRun Pro headphones use a simple button-based pairing process. The volume-plus button also acts as the power and pairing control on many versions.
To pair either model:
- Turn the headphones off.
- Press and hold the volume-plus button.
- Continue holding it for about five to seven seconds.
- Listen for “pairing.”
- Open Bluetooth settings on your device.
- Select OpenRun or OpenRun Pro.
The LED normally flashes red and blue while pairing mode is active. If the headphones say “connected” but do not appear on your new phone, they may still be linked to a previous device.
Turn Bluetooth off on the old phone or computer. Then place the headphones back into pairing mode. This prevents them from automatically reconnecting before your new device can find them.
OpenRun models are often used during exercise, so sweat and moisture may affect charging or button response. Dry the headphones fully before charging them, and keep the charging contacts clean.
How to pair Shokz OpenMove headphones
OpenMove headphones follow the same general pairing steps as other Shokz bone conduction models.
- Turn the OpenMove headphones off.
- Hold the volume-plus button for several seconds.
- Wait for the pairing voice prompt.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your device.
- Select OpenMove.
- Confirm the connection.
If OpenMove does not appear, remove it from the Bluetooth list on your phone. This is called forgetting the device. Then restart both devices and try pairing again.
The OpenMove may also reconnect to a previously used device. Disable Bluetooth on nearby phones, tablets, or computers until the new connection is complete.
How to pair Shokz OpenFit earbuds
OpenFit earbuds are true wireless earbuds, so their setup differs slightly from bone conduction models. The earbuds use a charging case and may pair through the Shokz app.
Start by placing both earbuds in the charging case. Leave the case open if the model instructions require it. Press and hold the case button until the indicator light flashes, then open Bluetooth settings and select OpenFit.
You may also use the Shokz app to complete setup. The app can help with firmware updates, control customization, battery status, and some connection settings.
If only one earbud works, place both earbuds in the case and close the lid for a few seconds. Then open the case and try again. A low battery, dirty charging contact, or incomplete reset can prevent one earbud from connecting.
OpenFit pairing is different from pairing Shokz headphones such as OpenRun. Do not hold the volume-plus button if your model does not have that control.
How to fix Shokz headphones that will not pair
Pairing problems usually come from an old Bluetooth record, an active connection to another device, or an incorrect button sequence. Work through these solutions in order.
Check the battery
Charge the headphones for at least a few minutes before pairing. A very low battery can prevent pairing mode from starting.
Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices
Your headphones may automatically connect to a nearby phone, tablet, or laptop. Turn Bluetooth off on those devices, then try again.
Forget the old Bluetooth connection
On your phone or computer, remove the Shokz headphones from the saved Bluetooth list. Then restart pairing mode and connect again.
Restart both devices
Turn the headphones off. Restart the phone, tablet, or computer. A fresh start often clears a temporary Bluetooth error.
Move closer
Bluetooth works best when the headphones and source device are close together. Keep them within a few feet during the first pairing attempt.
Check the correct model name
Several Shokz models may appear in a busy Bluetooth list. Select the exact model you own rather than another nearby headset.
Update the software
Use the Shokz app when it supports your model. Firmware updates may improve stability, compatibility, and connection behavior.
Reset the headphones
A reset can remove saved connections and restore normal pairing behavior. The button sequence varies by model, so use the instructions for your exact headphones rather than guessing.
How to reset Shokz headphones before pairing
Resetting is useful when the headphones connect to the wrong device, disappear from Bluetooth settings, or repeatedly fail to pair. It should be one of the final steps after checking the battery and forgetting the old connection.
Many Shokz bone conduction models use a combination of buttons for a reset. The process may involve holding the volume-plus, volume-minus, and multifunction buttons together for several seconds. Other models use the charging case or the Shokz app.
Because reset controls differ, check the guide for your specific model. A wrong button sequence may simply change the volume or activate another function.
After a successful reset:
- Forget the headphones from every device that previously used them.
- Turn Bluetooth off on nearby devices.
- Restart the headphones.
- Enter pairing mode.
- Connect them to one device first.
- Add a second device only after the first connection works.
Resetting does not repair physical damage or a failed battery. If the headphones do not power on, charge, or show any LED activity, contact Shokz support or the retailer where you bought them.
How to keep Shokz Bluetooth pairing stable
A good first connection should remain stable with normal use. Simple habits can reduce dropouts and repeated pairing requests.
Keep the headphones and source device within the recommended Bluetooth range. Walls, metal objects, crowded wireless areas, and other Bluetooth devices can affect the signal.
Clean the charging contacts and keep the headphones dry. Sweat and debris can stop the headphones from charging fully, which may look like a Bluetooth problem.
Use only one main pairing process at a time. Pairing the headphones with many devices is convenient, but saved connections can make automatic switching less predictable.
It also helps to keep your phone and headphones updated. Bluetooth performance depends on both devices, not only the headset. If problems began after a phone update, restart the phone and remove the old Shokz Bluetooth record before pairing again.
The safest routine is simple: charge the headphones, forget the old connection, enter pairing mode, and connect from a short distance.
Common mistakes to avoid when pairing Shokz headphones
Many pairing problems are easy to prevent. Watch for these common errors:
• Holding the wrong button: Pairing usually starts with the volume-plus or power button, depending on the model.
• Holding the button too briefly: A quick press may only turn the headphones on. Hold it until you hear the pairing prompt.
• Leaving Bluetooth on elsewhere: Another device may reconnect before your new device can pair.
• Skipping the “forget device” step: A damaged or outdated Bluetooth record can block a clean connection.
• Pairing from the wrong menu: Open the main Bluetooth settings page rather than a separate audio app.
• Ignoring the battery: A headset with almost no power may not enter pairing mode.
• Expecting every model to work the same way: OpenFit earbuds and bone conduction models use different controls.
I made this mistake myself when testing a headset that kept reconnecting to a laptop. The fix was not a reset. I simply turned off the laptop’s Bluetooth, placed the headphones into pairing mode, and connected them to the phone first.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Pair Shokz Headphones
How do I put Shokz headphones into pairing mode?
Turn the headphones off, then press and hold the volume-plus button for about five to seven seconds. Release it when you hear “pairing” or see the LED flash red and blue.
Why are my Shokz headphones not showing in Bluetooth?
They may be connected to another nearby device or may not be in pairing mode. Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices, restart the headphones, and hold the pairing button until the voice prompt plays.
Can I pair Shokz headphones with an iPhone and Android phone?
Yes, most Shokz Bluetooth models can pair with both iPhone and Android devices. Some models also support multipoint pairing, which allows two devices to remain connected at the same time.
How do I pair Shokz headphones with my computer?
Place the headphones in pairing mode, open the computer’s Bluetooth settings, and choose the Shokz model from the available device list. Afterward, select the headphones as the computer’s sound output.
Why do my Shokz headphones connect but have no sound?
Open your device’s sound settings and choose the Shokz headphones as the audio output. On a computer, also check that the Shokz microphone and speaker are selected in the calling app.
How do I reset Shokz headphones?
The reset process depends on the model. Many models use a combination of physical buttons, while OpenFit models may use the charging case or Shokz app, so follow the instructions for your exact product.
Can I pair Shokz headphones with more than one device?
Some Shokz models support multipoint pairing, while others connect with one device at a time. Check your model’s specifications or app settings before trying to use two devices.
Conclusion
Learning how to pair Shokz headphones comes down to three steps: enter pairing mode, open Bluetooth settings, and select the correct Shokz model. If the headphones do not appear, turn off nearby Bluetooth devices, forget the old connection, charge the headset, and try again.
The exact controls differ between OpenRun, OpenMove, OpenComm, OpenFit, and other models, so always match the process to your device. Once pairing works, test music and calls, then set up multipoint if your headphones support it. Use these steps the next time you connect your Shokz headphones, and share your experience or model-specific tip in the comments.
