To pair Skullcandy earbuds to your phone, you must first put the earbuds into pairing mode, then select them from your phone's Bluetooth menu. The exact button or touch command to enter pairing mode depends on your specific Skullcandy model, so identifying your earbuds is the first step to a successful connection.
Before you start: identify your Skullcandy earbud model
Pairing commands differ by model. Find your model name on the charging case or original packaging so you can use the correct steps below. This ensures you press the right button or sensor for the time required to trigger pairing mode.
How to pair skullcandy earbuds to an iPhone
On an iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and toggle Bluetooth on. Your earbuds must already be in pairing mode. When the earbuds' name appears under the Other Devices list, tap it and accept the "Pair" prompt to complete the connection. Apple’s instructions apply to iPhone, but the page does not name a minimum iOS version.
How to pair skullcandy earbuds to an Android phone
On an Android phone, swipe down from the top of the screen, touch and hold the Bluetooth icon, then tap Pair new device. If your earbuds do not appear immediately, tap Available devices or Refresh. Tap the earbuds' name and follow the on-screen instructions to finish pairing. Google’s instructions apply to Android devices, but the page does not name a minimum Android version.
Smokin' Buds: pairing mode and first-time setup
For first-time pairing of Smokin' Buds, remove the earbuds from the case after peeling off the charging points stickers. Both LEDs will show red. To re-pair, press and hold the touch sensor on either bud for 3 seconds until you hear "Disconnected" and then "Ready to Pair." The LEDs pulse red and blue to confirm pairing mode is active.
Sesh ANC and MOD: how to enter pairing mode
For Sesh ANC, while the earbuds are powered on, press either earbud button once, then press and hold the same button for 1 second. You will hear a voice prompt saying "Ready to Pair." For MOD, press either earbud one time and then press and hold for 1 second. Both earbuds enter pairing mode and give the same "Ready to Pair" voice prompt.
Method 360 ANC and Dime Evo: pairing mode steps
For Method 360 ANC, press and hold either earbud for 3 seconds. The voice prompt says "Ready to pair" and both earbuds pulse blue. For Dime Evo, press and hold the skull logo on either earbud for 3 seconds to pair to a second device.
Indy ANC: reset and re-pairing process
The Indy ANC requires a longer reset-and-repair flow. After completing the reset steps, the earbuds automatically sync and re-enter pairing mode. They will appear as "Indy ANC" in the Bluetooth list on your phone; select this name to connect.
What to do if your earbuds won't connect
If your earbuds do not connect, first ensure they are in pairing mode by following the model-specific steps above. Skullcandy says most products enter pairing mode by powering the earbuds off and back on. For many products you can also use the earbud button or touch sensor to force pairing mode. Restart both your phone and the earbuds. In your phone's Bluetooth settings, forget the device and then repeat the pairing process. Also check that the earbuds have sufficient battery charge; low battery can prevent pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pair my Skullcandy earbuds with multiple devices at once?
Most Skullcandy earbuds can only be connected to one device at a time. To switch to a different device, disconnect from the current one and pair with the new device using the standard pairing steps.
How do I unpair my Skullcandy earbuds from my phone?
Confirm the action when prompted. The earbuds will then no longer connect automatically.
Why does my phone say "pairing unsuccessful" for my Skullcandy earbuds?
This usually happens when the earbuds are not in pairing mode or are already connected to another device. Make sure the earbuds are powered off, then re-enter pairing mode using the correct button sequence for your model. Also ensure no other phone or tablet is connected to them.
Do I need the Skullcandy app to pair my earbuds?
No, the app is not required for initial pairing. You can pair directly through your phone's Bluetooth settings. The app offers additional features like EQ adjustments and firmware updates after the earbuds are connected.
How do I turn on true wireless earbuds for the first time?
Remove the earbuds from the charging case. Most Skullcandy true wireless models power on automatically when taken out of the case. If they do not, press and hold the button or touch sensor on one earbud until the LED lights up.
What is the difference between pairing true wireless earbuds and wired earbuds?
Pairing true wireless earbuds requires a Bluetooth connection through your phone's settings, while wired earbuds connect instantly via a headphone jack or USB cable. True wireless models also need to be placed in pairing mode manually before they appear on your phone.
