Nothing’s more disappointing than this:
Low-battery headphones cutting off your music.
Fortunately, though, you can still use your audio device while it’s charging.
And if you want to know how…
I’ll gladly tell you the proper and safe way to do so.
Continue reading to find out:
- Which headphones can be used while charging.
- Whether or not charging while using these audio devices is bad.
- 7 quick steps to use Bluetooth headphones while connected to power.
- And this is just the beginning…
How to use Bluetooth headphones while charging – 7 steps
#1: Prepare your headphones’ charging cable
Different brands will have varying connector types.
But for most headphones, you’ll need 1 of these cables to charge your device:
- Lightning.
- USB Type-C.
- USB to micro-USB.
Now, if you want to wear your headphones while they’re charging comfortably…
I recommend buying a longer USB cable for your device.
That’s because many brands like Beats or Sony only provide you with a 1-foot charging cord.
And they’re simply not long enough for this setup.
“Then how long does my charging cable need to be?”
There are no hard rules for the length of your cord.
But I highly suggest you get one that’s at least 3 feet long.
This way, you can comfortably move your head. Even if you’re wearing your headphones that are charging.
“Do I need to buy a cable from my headphones’ brand?”
Not necessarily. You can also buy high-quality cables from other companies.
That’s because the charging cord of your headphones won’t affect their sound quality.
#2: Decide where you want to plug your headphones
You can plug your headphones’ cable into the built-in USB port of gadgets like:
- Laptops.
- Smart TVs.
- Computers.
Alternatively, you can use an adapter with a USB slot to charge your headphones.
“Which one’s the better choice?”
Usually, I’d suggest charging your devices using wall adapters.
That’s because outlets can provide more stable electricity than other gadgets can.
However, for this process…
I recommend connecting your headphones to other devices like PCs or laptops instead.
That’s because these gadgets are closer to your head level.
So, there’ll be more room for your headphones’ charging cable to move around. Even when you’re wearing your audio device.
Once you’ve decided where you want to plug your headphones to…
#3: Charge your headphones
Grab your charging cable.
Then, plug it into your headphones’ charging slot.
After that, connect the other end of the cord to an adapter or a USB port.
And wait for your device’s indication light to turn ON.
#4: Let your headphones charge for 5 minutes
If your headphones’ battery is completely drained…
You should let it charge for 5 minutes before you use it.
That’s because using your headphones immediately in this state might prevent it from turning ON.
After this duration, you can go ahead and…
#5: Put your headphones in pairing mode
The exact steps will depend on the brand of your device.
But to give you some general guide, here’s how you can…
Put the most popular headphone brands in pairing mode:
Sony
- Ensure that your headphones are OFF.
- Press and hold the power button of your device.
- Let go when the light indicator on your headphones blinks rapidly.
Beats (Studio and Solo)
- Turn OFF your headphones.
- Long-press the power button of your device.
- Let go when all 5 lights under the power button turn ON.
Bose:
- Locate the power slider of your device.
- Drag this slider towards the Bluetooth icon and hold it there.
- Put your headphones closer to your ears.
- Let go when you hear “Ready to pair.”
Note: If none of these steps apply to your headphones, check their user manual. Then, find out how you can put your device in pairing mode.
#6: Pair your headphones
Now, grab the device you want to pair with your headphones.
Then, connect your gadgets by following the steps below:
iOS
- Go to the Settings app of your phone.
- Select the Bluetooth option.
- Toggle Bluetooth ON at the top of your screen.
- Wait for names to appear under the MY DEVICES section.
- Click your headphones’ name once you see it.
Android
- Swipe down from the top of your device’s screen.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth icon on your phone.
- Let go when a new pop-up window appears.
- Click Pair new device.
- Tap your headphones’ name once you see it.
- Follow further instructions.
Note: For Android devices, the exact steps may vary depending on your phone’s brand.
PC
- On the bottom-left corner of your PC, tap the Windows icon.
- Tap the gear symbol to head to Settings.
- Click Devices from the choices.
- Select Bluetooth & other Devices on the left part of the window.
- Toggle Bluetooth ON.
- Tap the “+” icon at the top of the window.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Click your headphones’ name.
Pairing headphones to your PC takes more steps than the previous devices.
So, if you want a visual guide for this process, I recommend watching this video:
After following the instructions above, simply wait for your gadgets to pair together.
And once they do…
#7: Wear your Bluetooth headphones
Select a song or video that you want to play.
And start enjoying your Bluetooth headphones while it’s charging.
Editor’s pick: 5 Real Reasons Why Bluetooth Headphones Are Bad For Gaming
Can all Bluetooth headphones be used while charging?
Not all Bluetooth headphones can be used while charging. That’s because some brands’ models automatically turn OFF when you charge them. Plus, you also can’t use in-ear headphones while they’re connected to power.
For example…
You can’t use Apple’s popular Bluetooth in-ear headphones, AirPods, while they’re storing power.
That’s because they need to be in their cases to charge.
And when they’re inside, AirPods automatically turn OFF.
Moreover, some companies like Sony and Bose also don’t allow this feature.
So their headphones will stop playing when you connect them to power.
You might also want to know: 5 Real Reasons Why Headphones Make Ears Hot (Updated)
Is it bad to charge your headphones while using it?
It’s not bad to charge your headphones while using them. That’s because your device can handle playing audio while storing power at the same time. However, know that doing this can be risky. That’s because when you use your headphones while it’s connected to power…
You might electrocute yourself
See, since wires are involved in this setup…
The possibility of electrocuting yourself while using your charging headphones isn’t zero.
Now, don’t worry. Your headphones won’t explode or anything.
But if your device’s charging cable has a tear or other physical damage…
You’ll get electrocuted if your skin touches the exposed wires from the cord.
Now, know that this scenario rarely ever happens.
But it’s still best to be cautious so you prevent any accidents.
“How can I safely use my headphones while charging?”
It’s very easy to do.
Just thoroughly check the USB cable of your headphones before you charge your device.
And ensure that it has no:
- Tears.
- Deformation.
- Discoloration.
Once you do, rest assured that you’ll be safe wearing your headphones while it’s charging.