To pair a Jabra headset with a USB dongle, most models are pre-paired out of the box, so you simply plug the dongle in and turn on the headset. If you need to re-pair a headset that has lost its connection, the process is done through the Jabra Direct software on your computer.
Step 1: Plug in the Jabra Link dongle (it's usually pre-paired)
Jabra devices that include a Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter are typically pre-paired and ready for use. Insert the dongle into a USB port on your computer, turn on your headset, and it should connect automatically. For most users, this is all that is needed for a general headset setup.
Step 2: Set Jabra Link as your default audio device
After successful pairing, ensure the Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter is selected as the default audio device for both speaker and microphone in your computer's sound settings. This step ensures audio routes correctly for calls, music, and other applications. You can access these settings through your operating system's sound control panel.
Step 3: How to re-pair using Jabra Direct software
If your headset and dongle have lost their connection, or you need to perform an initial setup, the primary method is using Jabra Direct software. You must have the latest version of Jabra Direct installed on your computer.
- Insert the Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter into a USB port on your computer.
- Ensure the Jabra Bluetooth headset is turned on and within range.
- Put the Jabra Bluetooth headset into pairing mode. To do this, press and hold the power button or dedicated Bluetooth button until an LED light on the headset flashes blue.
- Open Jabra Direct and click "Pairing".
- In "Available Bluetooth devices", click "Search".
- Select the device to pair with the Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter, then click "Connect".
For Jabra Engage headsets with a Jabra Link 400 DECT adapter, a cabled pairing option is available through Jabra Direct by plugging the Link 400 into the computer, navigating to Jabra Direct > Pairing > Cabled pairing, and following the on-screen instructions.
The Jabra Engage 55 can be connected directly to a computer using its supplied USB cable, which makes it available as an audio playback device; this involves holding the Volume up button on the headset while plugging the cable into the headset until the LED stops flashing green.
Once the connection is established, the headset will work with the dongle automatically in the future.
Why use the Jabra dongle instead of your computer's Bluetooth?
Jabra Enterprise Bluetooth devices are specifically engineered to connect with a computer using the included Jabra Bluetooth adapter to ensure full functionality. Pairing a Jabra Enterprise Bluetooth device directly with a computer's built-in Bluetooth may result in limited functionality, such as call control buttons not working with softphone clients like Microsoft Teams. The Jabra Link adapter is designed to provide a reliable, feature-complete connection.
Troubleshooting connection issues
If you experience connection problems, check these common issues:
- Ensure the headset is charged and turned on.
- Verify the Jabra Link adapter is set as the default audio device in your computer's sound settings.
- Do not pair the headset with your computer's native Bluetooth simultaneously, as Jabra recommends against this because it can interfere with the Jabra Link adapter and lead to poor audio quality.
- Make sure the headset is within range of the dongle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pair my Jabra headset with multiple USB dongles?
Jabra headsets are typically designed to pair with a single Jabra Link adapter at a time. Some models may support multiple pairings, but this varies by model; refer to your specific headset's documentation.
How do I know if my Jabra headset is successfully paired with the USB dongle?
After pairing, the LED on the headset will typically stop flashing and show a solid or slow-blinking light. You can also check your computer's sound settings to see the Jabra Link adapter listed as an active audio device.
What should I do if my Jabra headset is not connecting to the USB dongle?
First, try restarting your computer and repeating the pairing process using Jabra Direct. If the issue persists, check for firmware updates for both the headset and the dongle through Jabra Direct, as updates can resolve compatibility issues.
Can I use a Jabra USB dongle with a different brand of headset?
Jabra USB dongles are designed specifically for Jabra headsets and may not be compatible with other brands. For optimal performance, use the dongle that came with your Jabra headset or a compatible Jabra Link adapter.
