To connect Bluetooth headphones to your Apple Watch, put them in pairing mode, then open Settings > Bluetooth on the watch and tap their name. To route sound that is already playing through them, press the side button, tap AirPlay, and select the headphones.
Pair Bluetooth headphones with Apple Watch
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Put your headphones into discovery or pairing mode using the instructions supplied with them. The steps vary by accessory.
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On Apple Watch, open Settings > Bluetooth.
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When your headphones appear, tap their name. If the watch asks for a passkey or PIN, enter it.
Choose headphones as the audio destination
Pairing and choosing where sound plays are separate steps. While audio is playing, press the Apple Watch side button to open Control Center, tap AirPlay, and select your headphones. You can also open the AirPlay option from the More Actions control on playback screens in Audiobooks, Music, Now Playing, and Podcasts.
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- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
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Connect AirPods
AirPods already set up with your iPhone are also connected to your Apple Watch and can play audio from either device. In many cases, you can simply press play. If they are not available, open Settings > Bluetooth on the watch and tap the AirPods.
If your headphones will not connect
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Check that Airplane Mode is off in Apple Watch Settings.
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Make sure the headphones are powered on and sufficiently charged.
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If the headphones appear in Bluetooth settings but will not connect, tap their information control, choose Forget Device, then put them in pairing mode and pair again.
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Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Blue- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.(USB Type-C Cable included)
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If they still will not connect or work as expected, contact the headphone manufacturer.
Volume and headphone safety
You can view and adjust headphone volume on Apple Watch. To limit headphone audio to a selected decibel level, open Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety and use Reduce Loud Sounds. Apple says the watch can notify you after enough loud headphone listening to risk affecting your hearing and automatically turn the volume down.
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Apple notes that playback through the watch speaker drains battery faster: 10 minutes of Apple Watch speaker playback reduces battery life by 1 hour. This note applies to the speaker, not Bluetooth headphones. Apple Support explains audio destinations on Apple Watch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Do I need AirPods to use Bluetooth headphones with Apple Watch?
No. You can pair Bluetooth headphones from the watch’s Settings > Bluetooth menu. Follow the headphone maker’s instructions to put them in pairing mode.
Best Value
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
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- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Why are my headphones paired but sound is coming from somewhere else?
Pairing does not necessarily make the headphones the current audio destination. While audio is playing, open Control Center with the side button, tap AirPlay, and select the headphones.
Do I need to enter a PIN to pair headphones?
Only if Apple Watch prompts you for a passkey or PIN. Use the value specified by the headphone manufacturer.
What should I do if my headphones still will not connect?
Check Airplane Mode and headphone charge, then forget the accessory on the watch and pair it again. If the problem continues, contact the headphone manufacturer.
Sources: Apple Support: Connect Apple Watch to Bluetooth headphones or speakers; Apple Support: Use AirPods and other Bluetooth accessories with Apple Watch; Apple Support: Choose an audio destination on Apple Watch.
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