To connect aftershokz to phone, you need to put your Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) bone conduction headphones into pairing mode and then select them from your phone's Bluetooth menu.
Step 1: Charge and prepare your headphones
Before starting the pairing process, ensure your headphones are fully charged. This guarantees optimal battery life and performance during use. Familiarize yourself with the headphone controls (volume, play/pause, calls, voice assistant) before connecting. Once charged, make sure the headphones are powered off, as this sets the stage for entering pairing mode correctly.
Step 2: Enter pairing mode
To enter pairing mode, press and hold the Volume + button on your headphones for 5-7 seconds. You will know the headphones are in pairing mode when the LED light flashes red and blue, and the voice prompt "Audrey" says "Welcome to Shokz" or "pairing". This is the specific, verified method for most Shokz bone conduction headphones.
Step 3: Connect via your phone's Bluetooth settings
On your phone, navigate to your Settings menu and then select Bluetooth. You may have the option to make your phone discoverable to other devices, but keeping it discoverable for extended periods may drain your battery faster. Look for your Shokz headphones in the list of available devices; they may appear as "AfterShokz", "Shokz", or the specific model name. Your phone may prompt you to enter a passkey or confirm a pairing code during the connection process. Tap on your Shokz headphones' name to connect. Audrey will announce "Connected" once the pairing is successful.
Pairing instructions for Shokz earbuds
First-time pairing for OpenFit or OpenFit Air
For OpenFit Air or OpenFit earbuds, simply open the charging case for the first-time pairing, and they will automatically enter pairing mode with indicator lights flashing orange and green. This is a distinct method from the bone conduction models.
Subsequent pairings for OpenFit or OpenFit Air
For subsequent pairings, place both earbuds in the charging case, then press and hold the touch area of both earbuds until the indicator lights flash orange and green. This manual method ensures you can reconnect your earbuds to a new device or after a reset.
Troubleshooting common connection problems
Phone cannot find the headphones
If your phone cannot find your Shokz headphones, first check that the headphones are in pairing mode (LED flashing red and blue). Next, restart Bluetooth on your phone by turning it off and on again. If the issue persists, move closer to your phone and ensure there are no obstacles between the devices. Restarting your phone can also help resolve connectivity issues.
No sound after pairing
If your headphones are paired but no sound is coming through, verify that the volume on your headphones is turned up using the controls on the headphones. Also check the volume settings on your phone and ensure the media or audio output is set to the connected Shokz device. Update the firmware on your headphones to fix bugs and improve compatibility if no sound is coming through. Testing the headphones with another device can help determine whether the issue lies with the headphones or your phone.
OpenSwim model has no Bluetooth
The Shokz OpenSwim model does not support Bluetooth connectivity as it is designed as an MP3 player for swimming. This is critical to understand when connecting Bluetooth to phones, as this model requires a wired connection or direct file transfer instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Shokz headphones to multiple phones simultaneously?
No, Shokz headphones can only connect to one device at a time. To switch the connection to another phone, disconnect from the current device and pair with the new one.
How far can I be from my phone and still maintain a connection?
Bluetooth range can vary by model, but generally you can expect a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters) in an open space. Walls and other obstacles can reduce this range, so staying within a reasonable distance is recommended for a stable connection.
Can I use my Shokz headphones with non-Bluetooth devices?
Yes, you can use your Shokz headphones with non-Bluetooth devices by connecting them using an audio cable. Shokz headphones are equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack that allows for wired connectivity.
Can I use Aftershokz headphones while charging them?
Yes, you can use them while charging via the micro USB port, though the cable may limit your range of movement.
My Shokz headphones keep disconnecting from my phone. What should I do?
Ensure your headphones are fully charged, as low battery can cause instability. You can also reset the headphones to factory settings to clear saved pairing information. If the issue persists, try connecting to a different phone to isolate the problem, and contact Shokz customer support if necessary.
Related reading: How To Connect Avantree Bluetooth Headphones To Phone and How To Connect A Phone To An Altec Lansing Speaker?.
