To pair wireless Skullcandy headphones, you need to follow a specific button-press sequence that varies by model, because Skullcandy does not use one universal pairing method for all its wireless headphones. For the most common models, you will press and hold the power button for 6 seconds (Crusher ANC 2), or press the main button and volume down button together for 3 seconds (Riff Wireless), or simply remove both earbuds from the case after confirming the LEDs show red (Mod).
Before you pair wireless Skullcandy headphones
Charge your headphones fully before starting, as a low battery can interrupt the pairing process. Locate your specific model name, it is usually printed on the inside of the headband or on the earbud case, because pairing steps differ significantly between models like the Crusher ANC 2, Riff Wireless, and Mod.
How to turn on Bluetooth on your phone or computer
Skullcandy headphones can be paired with a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
On an iPhone
Open Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. When your Skullcandy accessory appears under the devices list, tap its name. If the accessory does not appear, check the accessory’s manual or online instructions for how to make it discoverable.
On an Android phone
Swipe down from the top of the screen, touch and hold Bluetooth, then tap Pair new device. If that option is missing, check Available devices or tap More > Refresh. Tap the Bluetooth device name and follow the on-screen instructions.
Pairing steps for popular Skullcandy models
Crusher ANC 2
- Press and hold the power button for 1 second to power on.
- To enter pairing mode from off, press and hold the power button for 6 seconds.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your device and select Crusher ANC 2.
- Confirm pairing on your device.
Riff Wireless
- First, remove the headphones from your device’s Bluetooth paired list.
- Press and hold the main button and volume down button for 3 seconds. The LEDs will flash and you will hear “Pairing.”
- Turn on Bluetooth on your device, select Riff Wireless, and accept any Pair or OK prompts.
Mod
- Remove the stickers covering the charging points on each earbud.
- Place both earbuds in the case and make sure both LEDs show red before removing them from the case.
- Remove both earbuds from the case.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your device and select Mod.
Connecting Skull-iQ headphones and earbuds
Skull-iQ products require a two-step process. First, connect the product in your device’s Bluetooth settings. Then open the Skull-iQ app, allow the required permissions, and tap Connect when the product appears.
How to use multipoint pairing with multiple devices
To enable multipoint, open the Skullcandy app, tap your connected product, go to Product Configuration > Multipoint Pairing, and toggle it on. This feature is currently available on Crusher ANC 2, Riff Wireless 2, Rail, Rail ANC, and Mod. Multipoint lets the product connect to multiple devices, though some models may have limitations on the number of devices connected simultaneously.
What to do when your Skullcandy headphones won't pair
If your Skullcandy headphones are not connecting, try turning Bluetooth off and on, restarting both devices, and resetting the headphones by holding the power button longer.
Hesh 3 Wireless
- Turn off Bluetooth on your device.
- Press and hold + and - together to clear pairing history.
- If needed, press and hold the center button until you hear “Pairing,” then select Hesh in Bluetooth settings.
Riff Wireless
Pairing true wireless earbuds
For most true wireless earbuds, forget or unpair the earbuds in Bluetooth settings, turn Bluetooth off, remove both earbuds from the case, then press and hold both earbud buttons for several seconds until a reset tone or flashing LEDs indicate pairing mode again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Skullcandy headphones while they are charging?
Yes, you can usually use your Skullcandy headphones while they are charging, but the charging process may take longer if you are actively using them. Using the headphones while charging may also affect overall battery life and performance.
How do I know when my Skullcandy headphones are fully charged?
Different models use different indicators. Generally, LED indicators on the headphones stop flashing or change color when fully charged. Some models may emit a sound or provide a notification on your connected device when the battery is full.
Can I pair my Skullcandy headphones with multiple devices?
Most wireless Skullcandy headphones support pairing with multiple devices, but the number of simultaneous connections varies by model. For multipoint support, check if your model is listed as compatible (Crusher ANC 2, Riff Wireless 2, Rail, Rail ANC, or Mod) and enable it in the Skullcandy app.
For the wider topic, see pairing true wireless earbuds.
