How To Pair Shokz Headphones (To Windows, iOS, & Android)

Disclosure: We may earn a commission from affiliate links on this page, at no extra cost to you. However, all our opinions are our own.


This article will guide you through connecting Shokz (previously Aftershokz) headphones to various devices, including iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC. We will also discuss pairing with NFC, plus some troubleshooting tips for common issues.

The following devices are covered:

  1. Android
  2. Android With NFC
  3. iPhone
  4. Windows
  5. Mac

How To Put Shokz Headphones In Pairing Mode

To enter Shokz or Aftershokz Bluetooth pairing mode, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure the headphones are switched off.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  2. Hold the Volume+ button for 5-7 seconds.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  3. Wait until the LED flashes red and blue.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  4. You will hear the voice command say ‘Pairing’.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  5. Your Shokz or Aftershokz are now paired to your device.

How To Pair Shokz Headphones

Shokz and Aftershokz Bluetooth pairing will operate the same, so regardless of whether you own a newer or older model, you can follow the below steps for each device.

To Android

  1. Ensure your Shokz or Aftershokz pairing mode is enabled.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  2. Open the Settings menu.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  3. Locate and select your headphones on the device list.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  4. The LED should flash blue and prompt you with a voice confirmation of ‘Connected.’
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.

To Android With NFC

NFC (or near-field communication) is a unique technology that allows a compatible mobile device and NFC-equipped headset to connect by being close to each other. This removes any need to scroll through settings and Bluetooth menus.

However, currently, NFC is only available on the Aftershokz OpenComm Bone Conduction headset.

To use NFC to pair Aftershokz headphones, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure Aftershokz Bluetooth pairing mode is enabled.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  2. Hold your headphones (where the NFC logo is located) next to the device you want to connect.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  3. A blue LED will flash with a voice confirmation of ‘Connected’.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  4. If a prompt pops up onscreen, hit Confirm to complete the connection.

As mentioned, this is much quicker than the usual Aftershokz Bluetooth pairing process. However, you must ensure your Android device is currently NFC compatible.

Some iPhones will have NFC capability, but unfortunately, not for headphone pairing (their NFC is typically used for other functions such as Apple Pay).

To iPhone

  1. Ensure your Shokz or Aftershokz pairing mode is enabled.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  2. Open the Settings app and select Bluetooth.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  3. Select your headphones from the available device list.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  4. The Shokz LED will flash blue with a voice confirmation saying ‘Connected.’
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.

To Windows

  1. Open the Start Menu and search for Settings.
  2. Select Settings
  3. Select Devices
  4. If prompted, select Bluetooth and Other Devices.
  5. Click Add Bluetooth Or Other Device, followed by Bluetooth.
  6. Locate your Shokz and click on them to connect. The blue LED should flash and prompt you with a voice confirming you are ‘Connected.’

To pair Shokz headphones with your laptop or PC, ensure your Bluetooth drivers are current. You may need a Bluetooth adapter to complete the connection if you have an older laptop.

To Mac

  1. Select the ‘Apple’ logo in the top left of the screen.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  2. Click on System Preferences.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  3. Select Bluetooth.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  4. Click on the headphones to connect. The Shokz LED will flash blue with a voice confirmation saying ‘Connected.’
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.

To Multiple Devices

One of the unique functions of Shokz headphones is the ability to pair to two devices. You won’t be able to listen to both music simultaneously, but you can switch between the two very quickly!

To enable multipoint pairing of your Shokz or Aftershokz headphones, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure the Shokz or Aftershokz headphones pairing mode is enabled.
  2. Hold the Multifunction button and Volume+ button for 2-3 seconds. The Shokz voice prompt will say, ‘Multipoint Enabled.’
  3. Pair your first device using the instructions above. The voice will say, ‘Connected.’
  4. Switch off your headphones and re-enter pairing mode
  5. Pair the second device, and you will hear a voice confirmation of ‘Device Two Connected.’

How To Reset Shokz Headphones

There might be occasions when Shokz won’t pair with your device. Generally, a quick reset of the headphones will fix the issue.

To perform a reset, complete these steps:

  1. Remove your Shokz from your device Bluetooth list (if you’ve paired with multiple devices, remove them from both).
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  2. Enter pairing mode (press and hold the Volume+ button for 5-7 seconds).
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  3. When the voice command confirms you are in pairing mode, hold the Multifunction, Volume+, and Volume- buttons simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  4. The headphones will beep, and you will feel a light vibration.
    Image of pairing Shokz headphones.
  5. Turn your headphones off, and the reset is complete.

Before you head off, check out our guide to the 7 Best Bone Conduction Headphones (With Microphone)!

Disclosure: Enjoyed the read and want to support an independent publication? Head to our store and pick up an attractive art print, mousepad or sample pack to help us keep the lights on! We may also earn a commission from affiliate links on this page too. Thank you for your support.
Avatar photo
Kieran Whitehouse

Kieran is a producer based in Manchester. He has written, produced and recorded for BBC Radio, mixed tracks from Kendall Calling Festival and worked on broadcast sessions for national TV. Kieran is also a guitarist and has performed across the UK.

One comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *