Moving on from the standard Apple earbud headphones can be a daunting prospect with so many headphone and earbud products available. However, one brand is likely to strike a chord with most avid music listeners, and that’s Bose. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about how to connect Bose headphones and earbuds to your iPad.
There are two ways to connect your Bose headphones or earbuds to your iPad. Depending on what headphones and iPad you own, you can either connect them via Bluetooth or by using a cable and a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you prefer connecting your device via headphone jack then you will require an Apple USB-C (lightning) to 3.5mm jack adapter if your iPad isn’t equipped with a headphone jack.
As anyone who has recently purchased a new iPad or iPhone will know, Apple is continuing to phase out the 3.5mm audio headphone jack from many of their devices. That means if your Bose headphones use a cable and 3.5mm headphone jack to connect to an iPad, you may need to buy an Apple USB-C (Lightning) to 3.5mm jack adapter, depending on your iPad model.
Connect your Bose headphones or earbuds using Bluetooth on your iPad
This is by far the easiest way to connect your Bose headphones or earbuds to your iPad. What’s more, if you’ve got a brand new iPad, this is your only choice without having to buy a headphone adapter or download a third-party app.
Connecting any Bose speakers that are Bluetooth enabled is as easy as the steps detailed below:
- First, place your Bluetooth headphones into “Pairing Mode.”
- Grab your iPad and go to iOS Settings > General > Bluetooth.
- Tap the Bluetooth on/off symbol to turn on Bluetooth.
- Your Bose headphones name will appear in the available device’s list. Just tap it to pair and connect.
- Some Bose models may require a code that you will be prompted to enter. If this is the case, enter the passkey or code.
That’s it, your Bose headphones or earbuds are now connected to your iPad, and they will now connect automatically whenever your headphones or earbuds are turned on and in range. Your headphones will sound a tone to indicate they are connected, or a light will indicate connectivity.
Connect Bose headphones ; earbuds using a 3.5mm headphone jack
Another method to connect older Bose headphones; earbuds to an iPad is to use the traditional cable approach. Most headphones will use a 3.5mm headphone jack to connect to a device. If your headphones or earbuds do not have cables, then you should follow the instructions above for wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
Connecting your headphones or earbuds using a cable is as easy as plugging the cable from the headphones into the 3.5mm audio headphone jack on your iPad.
Connect Bose cabled headphones ; earbuds to iPad without headphone jack
If your iPad is new, then you won’t have a headphone jack on these models. If you are connecting Bose headphones with a cable, you’ll need to buy an Apple USB-C (lightning) to 3.5mm jack adapter, which uses your power connection port on your device to allow audio playback with a 3.5mm cabled device like your headphones.
Troubleshooting tips
A few possible problems may occur from time to time when Bose headphones; earbuds won’t pair with an iPad. Don’t worry; these are all easy to fix, and we’re going to tell you how.
Check battery charge on headphones or earbuds
Most wireless Bose headphones and earbuds have a battery life of 6 hours. The easiest way to check is by plugging them in using the USB-C adapter. When they are charging, the light will glow amber, and once fully charged will turn green.
Check Bluetooth is turned on
iPads using iOS 11 or older will be able to check the gray status bar for the Bluetooth icon, indicating that it is on. Apple removed the Bluetooth icon from the status bar in iOS 12 and later models of the iPad.
To check if Bluetooth is active on iPads using iOS 12 or later, tap on Settings > General > Bluetooth. The Bluetooth switch should be set to ‘On’.
Other paired devices
Bluetooth connectivity only works with one device paired to your iPad at a time. If another device is already paired, you’ll need to unpair that device and then pair your headphones or earbuds for them to connect via Bluetooth.
To disable a paired device, go to Settings > General > Bluetooth, then from the list of devices, tap on the ‘more info’ button near the device you want to unpair. Tap ‘Forget’, and your iPad will unpair from the device, allowing you to connect your Bose headphones or earbuds.
Final Thoughts
Bose headphones or earbuds will work with iPads. It’s as simple as connecting wireless Bose products via Bluetooth, and you’ll get the excellent audio quality that’s synonymous with the Bose brand of speakers and headphones. If you have an older iPad or use Bose headphones or earbuds that are not wireless, then connecting them with a 3.5mm audio headphone jack is the way to go.
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