Connecting your Sony headphones to your iPhone lets you enjoy music, podcasts, or calls wirelessly with clear sound. These headphones are affordable, reliable, and easy to pair with your iPhone using Bluetooth. To help you get started, here’s how to connect Sony headphones to iPhone in a few simple steps:
- Turn on Bluetooth in Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Press and hold the power button on your Sony headphones until the LED blinks blue rapidly to enter pairing mode.
- Tap “Model Name” under “Other Devices” in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings to connect.
Now, let’s dive into the full process, including tips for troubleshooting, factory resetting, and enhancing your experience with the Sony Headphones app. This guide is straightforward and covers everything you need to know.
What You Need Before Starting
Before pairing your Sony headphones with your iPhone, make sure you have:
- A charged iPhone running iOS 13 or later for the best Bluetooth performance.
- Sony headphones with enough battery (charge them if the LED blinks red).
- Access to your iPhone’s Settings app to manage Bluetooth.
The Sony headphones have three buttons on one ear cup: volume up, power/Bluetooth (middle), and volume down. The power button is key for turning the headphones on and entering pairing mode, while the LED light shows the status (solid or blinking blue).
How to Connect Sony Headphones to iPhone
Follow these steps to pair your Sony headphones with your iPhone:
-
Turn On Bluetooth on Your iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap Bluetooth and toggle the switch to the “On” position (it turns green). This makes your iPhone discoverable to nearby Bluetooth devices. For more Bluetooth tips, check out our iPhone Bluetooth guide. -
Put Your Headphones in Pairing Mode
Locate the power button (middle button) on your Sony headphones. Press and hold it for about 7 seconds until the LED light starts blinking blue rapidly (blue blue blue). You may hear a “pairing” voice notification from the headphones, confirming they’re in pairing mode. -
Find and Connect the Headphones
In your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, look under “Other Devices.” After a few seconds, “Model Name” should appear. Tap it to start pairing. Once connected, the headphones move to “My Devices” in the Bluetooth menu, showing “Connected.” You’ll hear audio through the headphones when playing music or a call. -
Test the Connection
Play a song, podcast, or video on your iPhone to ensure sound comes through the headphones. Use the volume up/down buttons on the headphones to adjust the audio level. If you want to customize your iPhone’s audio settings further, explore how to use Audio Mix for iPhone 16.
| Step | Action | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Turn on Bluetooth | Go to Settings > Bluetooth, toggle on | Green toggle in Settings |
| 2. Enter pairing mode | Hold power button for 7 seconds | LED blinks blue rapidly |
| 3. Connect headphones | Tap “Model Name” in Other Devices | “Connected” in My Devices |
| 4. Test audio | Play media, adjust volume | Sound through headphones |
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If your Sony headphones don’t connect to your iPhone, try these fixes:
- Restart Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off in Settings > Bluetooth, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Check if “Model Name” appears under Other Devices.
- Forget and Re-Pair: If the headphones were previously paired, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to “Model Name” under My Devices, and select “Forget This Device.” Put the headphones back in pairing mode and reconnect.
- Rescan for Devices: If “Model Name” doesn’t show up, ensure the headphones are in pairing mode (blinking blue LED). Turn Bluetooth off and on again to rescan.
- Check Battery: If the headphone LED blinks red or doesn’t light up, charge them using the included USB-C cable for at least 30 minutes.
If problems persist, you may need to factory reset the headphones (see below). For other iPhone connectivity issues, our Ultimate iPhone User Guide has helpful tips.
How to Turn Your Sony Headphones On or Off
To save battery or prepare for pairing, you need to know how to turn your Sony headphones on or off:
- Turn On: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. The LED lights up, and you hear a chime indicating the headphones are on.
- Turn Off: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. The LED turns off, and a shutdown chime plays.
Always turn off the headphones when not in use to extend battery life. For more battery-saving tips, see how to extend iPhone battery life.
How to Factory Reset Sony Headphones
If your headphones won’t pair, one side is quieter, or you’re switching to a new iPhone, a factory reset can help. Here’s how:
- Turn Off Headphones: Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds until the LED turns off.
- Perform Reset: Press and hold the power button and volume down button together for 15 seconds. The LED will blink blue four times (blue blue blue blue), indicating a successful reset.
- Re-Pair Headphones: After resetting, put the headphones back in pairing mode by holding the power button for 7 seconds until the LED blinks blue rapidly. Reconnect them to your iPhone as described above.
A factory reset clears all previous pairings, so you’ll need to forget the headphones in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings before reconnecting. If you’re setting up a new iPhone, learn how to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone.
Enhancing Your Experience with the Sony Headphones App
The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize your headphones for a better listening experience. Here’s how to set it up:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for “Sony Headphones Connect.”
- Download and install the free app.
- Open the app, follow the setup instructions, and allow it to detect your headphones (ensure they’re connected via Bluetooth).
- Use the app to adjust equalizer settings, check battery levels, or update firmware.
The app supports the model, offering features like sound customization and battery management. If you’re new to downloading apps, check out how to find downloads on iPhone or iPad.
Tips for Using Sony Headphones with iPhone
To get the most out of your headphones:
- Keep Firmware Updated: Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to check for firmware updates, which improve performance and fix bugs.
- Manage Volume Safely: Avoid max volume for long periods to protect your hearing. Adjust volume using the headphone buttons or iPhone controls.
- Use for Calls: The Sony headphone has a built-in microphone for clear calls. Test it during a FaceTime call—learn more in how to do FaceTime.
- Charge Regularly: The headphones last up to 50 hours per charge, but plug them in if the battery runs low during use.
FAQ: Sony Headphones and iPhone
1. Why won’t my Sony headphones connect to my iPhone?
If your headphones don’t connect, ensure they’re in pairing mode (blinking blue LED) and Bluetooth is on. Forget the device in Settings > Bluetooth if previously paired, then try again. A factory reset may help if issues persist.
2. How do I know if my Sony headphones are in pairing mode?
Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds. The LED will blink blue rapidly (blue blue blue), and you may hear a “pairing” voice notification, indicating pairing mode.
3. Can I use the Sony Headphones Connect app with model like "WH-CH520"?
Yes, the WH-CH520 is supported by the Sony Headphones Connect app. Download it from the App Store to customize sound, check battery, or update firmware.
4. How do I factory reset my Sony headphones?
Turn off the headphones, then press and hold the power and volume down buttons for 15 seconds until the LED blinks blue four times. Re-pair the headphones afterward.
5. What should I do if one side of my Sony headphones isn’t working?
Try a factory reset to fix audio issues. If the problem continues, charge the headphones fully and test on another device. Contact Sony support if needed.
Conclusion
Connecting your Sony headphones to your iPhone is quick and simple with Bluetooth. By following the steps above, you can pair, troubleshoot, and enhance your headphones’ performance using the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Whether you’re listening to music, taking calls, or enjoying podcasts, these headphones offer great value and sound quality. For more iPhone tips, explore our guides on customizing your iPhone home screen or connecting AirPods to iPhone.