Press and hold the Volume Plus button for about two seconds until your Shokz headphones say, “Welcome to Shokz.”
Learning how to turn on Shokz headphones is simple once you know which control starts the device. Most Shokz bone conduction models use the Volume Plus button as the power button, while OpenFit earbuds turn on through their charging case. This guide explains both methods, pairing steps, charging checks, and fixes for common power problems.
How to turn on Shokz headphones
Most Shokz bone conduction headphones, including OpenRun, OpenRun Pro, OpenMove, and Aeropex, turn on with the Volume Plus button. This button is often marked with a plus sign and sits on the side of the headphones.
Follow these steps:
- Remove the headphones from the charging cable.
- Find the Volume Plus button.
- Press and hold it for about two seconds.
- Release the button when you hear “Welcome to Shokz.”
- Look for a blue LED light near the control buttons.
That is the basic answer to how to turn on Shokz headphones. The voice prompt and blue light confirm that the headphones are active.
If the headphones do not respond, hold the button for a little longer. Do not press the button repeatedly, because short presses only raise the volume after the headphones are on.
Where is the power button on Shokz headphones?
On many Shokz bone conduction models, the Volume Plus button also acts as the power button. It is usually located on the right side of the headset near the charging port and LED indicator.
The Multifunction button is different. It controls music, calls, and voice assistants. Pressing it will not normally turn the headphones on.
Here is a quick guide to the main controls:
• Volume Plus: Turns the headphones on and raises volume.
• Volume Minus: Lowers volume and may help with reset steps.
• Multifunction button: Plays or pauses music, answers calls, and skips tracks on some models.
• LED indicator: Shows charging, pairing, and power status.
Knowing the difference between these buttons makes how to turn on Shokz headphones much easier. I have seen many users press the large Multifunction button first because it is easy to spot. That button is useful, but the Volume Plus button usually starts the headset.
How to turn on Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Pro
The Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Pro use a physical Volume Plus button for power. Their startup process is nearly the same.
- Make sure the charging cable is disconnected.
- Press and hold Volume Plus for two seconds.
- Listen for the startup voice prompt.
- Wait for the blue LED to flash.
- Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings if you want to connect.
If the headphones were connected to your phone before, they may reconnect on their own. If they do not reconnect, turn Bluetooth off and on again, then select the Shokz device from the list.
For first-time pairing, keep holding Volume Plus for about five to seven seconds while the headphones are off. Release it when the LED flashes red and blue or when you hear “Pairing.”
This longer press is different from simply turning the headphones on. A two-second press powers them on, while a longer press starts Bluetooth pairing mode.
How to turn on Shokz OpenMove
The Shokz OpenMove also uses the Volume Plus button as its power control. The button is found on the right side of the headset.
To turn on Shokz OpenMove:
- Hold the Volume Plus button for about two seconds.
- Wait for the “Welcome to Shokz” prompt.
- Check for the blue LED.
- Select OpenMove in your phone’s Bluetooth menu if needed.
If OpenMove is already paired with another device nearby, it may connect to that device first. Turn Bluetooth off on the other device if you want to connect to a new phone, tablet, or computer.
OpenMove has a physical control layout, so the buttons may feel stiff at first. Use a firm, steady press rather than tapping quickly. This small adjustment prevents many failed startup attempts.
How to turn on Shokz OpenFit earbuds
Shokz OpenFit earbuds work differently from bone conduction headphones. They usually power on when you open the charging case and remove the earbuds.
To turn on Shokz OpenFit:
- Charge the case if the earbuds do not respond.
- Open the charging case.
- Remove both earbuds.
- Place them in your ears.
- Wait for the connection tone.
- Check your phone’s Bluetooth settings if they do not connect automatically.
The earbuds may turn off when you place them back in the case and close the lid. This automatic behavior helps save battery power.
If the earbuds remain off, return them to the case for a few seconds. Make sure each earbud touches the charging pins. Then remove them again.
The most important difference is this: bone conduction Shokz headphones use a button, while OpenFit earbuds rely mainly on the charging case and touch controls. This distinction answers how to turn on Shokz headphones across the two main product styles.
How to turn on Shokz headphones after charging
Shokz headphones should power on normally after charging, but they may not respond while the charging cable is connected. Disconnect the cable before trying to turn them on.
Use this process:
- Remove the magnetic charging cable.
- Wait five seconds.
- Hold Volume Plus for two seconds.
- Listen for the startup prompt.
- Check the LED indicator.
A red light often means the battery is charging or low. A blue light usually indicates that the headphones are powered on or connected, depending on the model and activity.
Shokz uses magnetic charging systems on many bone conduction models. These connectors are convenient, but dirt, sweat, or moisture can prevent a good charge. Wipe the charging contacts with a clean, dry cloth before charging again.
Do not use the headphones while they are wet. Sweat resistance does not mean the charging contacts should be wet, and moisture can affect charging and startup.
How to pair Shokz headphones after turning them on
Turning on the headphones and pairing them are two separate steps. If your headphones are already paired, they may connect automatically. New devices usually require pairing mode.
To pair most Shokz bone conduction headphones:
- Turn the headphones off.
- Press and hold Volume Plus for five to seven seconds.
- Continue holding until the LED flashes red and blue.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone.
- Choose the Shokz model from the available devices.
- Wait for the connected message.
Keep the headphones close to your phone during setup. A distance of a few feet is best for the first connection.
If you see several Shokz entries, choose the one that matches your model. Avoid selecting a device that includes “LE” unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically tell you to use it.
After pairing, test music and calls. Some phones connect for calls but not media audio, so check that both options are enabled in the Bluetooth device settings.
What the Shokz lights and voice prompts mean
The LED and voice prompts provide useful clues. They work like a small dashboard for the headphones.
Common signals include:
• “Welcome to Shokz”: The headphones have turned on.
• “Pairing”: The headphones are ready to connect to a new device.
• “Connected”: A phone or another Bluetooth device is connected.
• Blue light: The headphones are powered on or completing a wireless connection.
• Red light: The battery may be low, or the headphones may be charging.
• Red and blue flashing: Pairing mode is active on many models.
Exact light patterns can vary by model and firmware. The voice prompt is often the clearest sign that the device has started.
If the voice prompt is silent, check the volume and try connecting the headphones to a phone. A missing prompt does not always mean the headphones are off.
Shokz headphones will not turn on: troubleshooting steps
If holding Volume Plus does nothing, work through the following checks.
Charge the headphones
Connect the headphones to a compatible charging cable and power source. Leave them charging for at least 15 minutes before trying again.
A completely drained battery may not show an immediate response. Use a known working USB power adapter or computer port if the first charger does not work.
Check the charging contacts
Inspect the magnetic charging contacts for sweat, dust, or debris. Clean them gently with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth.
Do not scrape the contacts with a pin or metal tool. That can damage the charging surface.
Disconnect the charging cable
Many Shokz models will not power on while connected to a charger. Remove the cable before pressing the power control.
Try a longer press
Hold Volume Plus for three to five seconds. Keep the press steady and avoid releasing the button too quickly.
Confirm the correct button
Make sure you are pressing Volume Plus, not the Multifunction button. This is one of the most common reasons users believe their Shokz headphones are not working.
Perform a reset
Reset instructions vary by model. On several bone conduction models, the process involves turning the headphones off, then holding the Multifunction, Volume Plus, and Volume Minus buttons together for several seconds.
Check the instructions for your exact model before resetting. A reset can remove saved Bluetooth connections, so you may need to pair the headphones again afterward.
Update the firmware
The Shokz app may offer firmware updates for supported models. An update can improve connection behavior, but the headphones should have enough battery power before you begin.
If the headphones still do not respond after charging, cleaning, and resetting, contact Shokz support. A damaged battery, charging port, or internal button may need professional service.
How to turn off Shokz headphones
Turning off Shokz headphones helps preserve battery life. For most bone conduction models, press and hold Volume Plus for about three seconds.
You may hear “Power off,” followed by a red LED flash. If you hear a volume change instead, keep holding the button until the shutdown prompt plays.
OpenFit earbuds usually turn off when they are placed back into the charging case. Close the case after both earbuds are seated correctly.
Turn off your headphones when you finish a workout, commute, or phone call. Bluetooth devices can continue using battery power even when you are not actively playing audio.
Battery and care tips for reliable startup
Good care makes how to turn on Shokz headphones more predictable. Most startup problems come from a low battery, dirty charging contacts, or an incorrect button press.
Use these habits:
• Charge the headphones before long trips or workouts.
• Dry the headset after heavy exercise.
• Keep the charging contacts clean.
• Store the headphones in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid leaving them in a hot car.
• Use the supplied cable or a compatible replacement.
• Disconnect the charger before powering on the headset.
Shokz headphones are designed for active use, but water resistance has limits. Swimming, deep water, or exposure to cleaning chemicals can cause damage unless the specific model is designed for that use.
Battery capacity also decreases over time. If the headphones turn off soon after charging, the battery may be worn rather than the power button being faulty.
Common mistakes when turning on Shokz headphones
Small errors can make a working headset seem broken. Avoid these common mistakes:
• Pressing the Multifunction button instead of Volume Plus.
• Holding the button for too little time.
• Trying to power on while the charging cable is connected.
• Assuming OpenFit earbuds use the same button system as OpenRun.
• Forgetting that the headset may be connected to another device.
• Ignoring a low battery warning.
• Using a wet or dirty charging connector.
In my setup tests, the most useful habit was waiting for the voice prompt before opening Bluetooth settings. It confirms that the headphones are actually on, which saves time and prevents repeated pairing attempts.
Another practical lesson is to test the headset with a second device. If it powers on and connects to another phone, the problem may be with the original phone’s Bluetooth settings rather than the Shokz headphones.
Frequently asked questions about how to turn on Shokz headphones
Which button turns on Shokz headphones?
The Volume Plus button usually turns on Shokz bone conduction headphones. Press and hold it for about two seconds until you hear the startup voice prompt.
Why will my Shokz headphones not turn on?
The battery may be empty, the charging contacts may be dirty, or you may be pressing the wrong button. Charge the headphones, disconnect the cable, clean the contacts, and hold Volume Plus again.
How do I turn on Shokz OpenFit earbuds?
Open the charging case and remove the earbuds. They normally power on automatically when they leave the case.
How do I put Shokz headphones in pairing mode?
Turn the headphones off, then hold Volume Plus for about five to seven seconds. Release it when the LED flashes red and blue or the voice prompt says “Pairing.”
Can I turn on Shokz headphones while they are charging?
Most Shokz bone conduction models do not power on while the charging cable is connected. Disconnect the cable first, then hold Volume Plus for two seconds.
How do I know if my Shokz headphones are on?
You may hear “Welcome to Shokz,” and the LED may flash blue. You can also check your phone’s Bluetooth menu for a connected Shokz device.
How do I reset Shokz headphones?
Reset steps depend on the model, but many bone conduction models use a combination of the Multifunction, Volume Plus, and Volume Minus buttons. Check the instructions for your exact model because a reset can erase Bluetooth pairing data.
Conclusion
Turning on Shokz headphones is usually quick: disconnect the charger, then press and hold Volume Plus for about two seconds. OpenFit earbuds use a charging case instead, so opening the case and removing the earbuds normally starts them.
If your headphones do not respond, charge them, clean the contacts, confirm the correct button, and try pairing mode or a model-specific reset. Use these steps the next time you set up your Shokz headphones, and explore the official support resources for your model if the issue continues.
