If you’re able to pair your headphones but something doesn’t sound quite right-maybe the music sounds lower-quality than it should or it cuts in and out-it could be a problem with your wireless connection.

Check the supported Bluetooth versions on both devices and ensure they’re compatible with each other. Most devices use Bluetooth 5.0 or newer, and while a Bluetooth 5.0–capable phone should be able to connect to most devices you own, certain modern Bluetooth headphones may not connect to very old phones, tablets, or laptops. Like most technology, Bluetooth has gone through many revisions and improvements over the years. Make sure both devices are compatible.Try plugging them in and charging them fully before pairing, even if they say they have some battery left. If your headphones’ battery is low, it may have trouble pairing-and I’ve even found some Bluetooth headphones stay turned on when in the case, meaning they’ll drain down to 0 percent faster than you expect. On Android, tap the Settings cog next to a paired device and choose Unpair (or Forget, as it’s labeled on some phones). You might even clear out old Bluetooth devices from your phone’s memory-from the Bluetooth settings on iOS, tap the “i” next to a given device and tap Forget This Device. In a similar vein, make sure your phone hasn’t connected to your spouse’s earbuds across the room-if you’ve ever used them before, they’ll automatically connect when turned on and within range. “That disconnection will then automatically force the headphones back into pairing mode.”

“Turn off the Bluetooth settings of the originally paired device,” says Cramer. Some headphones can connect to multiple devices at once, while others can’t. If you’ve already connected these headphones to a device-like an iPad-they may not connect to your phone. Most brands require you to hold down the power button for a few seconds, but some earbuds-especially those with touch controls instead of buttons-have their own method. So if your headphones aren’t appearing with a new device, you may need to hunt down that manual for instructions on putting them in pairing mode. As a result, most users can easily pair headphones the first time, says Win Cramer, CEO of JLab Audio (makers of WIRED’s favorite budget wirefree buds)-but the second time leaves them scratching their head. Many headphones go into pairing mode automatically when you first use them. If you can’t get your headphones to connect to your phone at all, don’t despair-in my experience, this is usually the easiest to fix (provided the headphones aren’t dead entirely).

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