
how to turn on shokz headphones
SEO Title: How to Turn On Shokz Headphones – 7 Foolproof Steps (Even If You’re Not Techy)
Meta Description: New to Shokz? Learn how to turn on your bone conduction headphones with this beginner-friendly guide. Includes pairing steps, tips, and troubleshooting help.
First Things First: So You Just Got Your Shokz…
Unboxing your brand-new Shokz OpenRun or OpenMove? Congrats! You’re about to experience music in a whole new way—without even putting anything in your ears. how to turn on shokz headphones
But before the bass drops, there’s a tiny hurdle: how do you turn these things on?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Shokz headphones may look sleek and futuristic, but their controls can feel unintuitive if you’re used to traditional earbuds. I’ve been there, pressing random buttons like I was trying to unlock a cheat code.
So, let’s break it down in clear, simple steps—no tech jargon, no fluff.
What Makes Shokz Different (And Why It Matters)
Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) are bone conduction headphones, which means they send sound through your cheekbones instead of your ear canals. They’re perfect for: how to turn on shokz headphones
- Outdoor workouts
- Staying aware of traffic or people
- Folks who hate ear fatigue
But with their futuristic tech comes a slightly different button layout—and that’s where many users get tripped up when trying to turn them on. how to turn on shokz headphones
Step 1: Charge Them First (Trust Me, You’ll Thank Yourself)
Let’s start with the basics—is your device charged?
How to charge Shokz headphones:
- Use the magnetic charging cable included in the box.
- Plug it into a USB port (laptop, power bank, wall adapter).
- Check the LED indicator:
- Red = Charging
- Blue = Fully charged
Tip: If there’s no light at all, don’t panic. Let them sit plugged in for 15–30 minutes—sometimes they need a bit to “wake up” if they’ve been idle too long. how to turn on shokz headphones
Step 2: Find the Power Button (Spoiler: It’s Not Labeled “Power”)
This is the number one point of confusion for new users.
Here’s where it’s hiding:
- On most Shokz models (OpenRun, OpenMove, OpenComm), the Volume+ button doubles as the Power button. how to turn on shokz headphones
- It’s on the right arm of the headset.
- You’ll see two physical buttons: + and –

Important: Do not press the multifunction button (the round one near your ear). That’s for playback and calls, not power.
Step 3: Power On in 3 Seconds Flat
Here’s how to actually turn them on:
- Press and hold the Volume+ button for about 2 seconds.
- You’ll hear a voice say: “Welcome to Shokz” (or a tone, depending on the model).
- The LED light should blink blue. how to turn on shokz headphones
You’re on.
Pro Tip: Some models also vibrate slightly when powering up—especially OpenComm or OpenRun Pro. how to turn on shokz headphones
Step 4: Pairing Mode (First Time? You’re Already There)
If this is your first time turning them on, they’ll go straight into pairing mode automatically.
Signs your headphones are in pairing mode:
- LED light is flashing red and blue alternately
- You hear the voice prompt: “Pairing”
If they don’t go into pairing mode:
- Power them off.
- Press and hold Volume+ for 5–7 seconds.
- Wait until you hear “Pairing” and see the red/blue light blinking. how to turn on shokz headphones
Now, let’s connect them.
Step 5: Connect to Your Device (Phone, Laptop, Whatever)
On your phone or device:
- Go to Bluetooth settings
- Turn Bluetooth on
- Tap “OpenRun by Shokz” or your specific model name
- Wait for “Connected” voice prompt or solid blue light
Quick Note: Shokz headphones can remember up to 2 paired devices, but only connect to one at a time unless you’re using multipoint (available on OpenComm and OpenRun Pro). how to turn on shokz headphones
Step 6: Turning Off the Easy Way
When you’re done listening:
- Press and hold the Volume+ button for about 2 seconds
- You’ll hear: “Power Off”
- The LED light will turn off
That’s it. No need to fumble with settings or wonder if they’re still draining battery in your bag. how to turn on shokz headphones how to turn on shokz headphones
Troubleshooting: If Your Shokz Won’t Turn On
If pressing the button doesn’t work:
1. Dead Battery?
Plug in the charger for at least 30 minutes.
2. Dirty Magnetic Port?
Clean the charging pins with a dry cotton swab. how to turn on shokz headphones
3. Still stuck? Try a reset:
To reset your Shokz (most models):
- Enter pairing mode (hold Volume+ for 5–7 seconds).
- While in pairing mode, press and hold Volume+ and Volume– at the same time for 5 seconds.
- You’ll hear “Reset” and the headphones will power off. how to turn on shokz headphones
This will clear previous devices and fix most startup glitches.
Bonus Tips for Shokz Beginners
Wear Them Right
The transducers should sit in front of your ears, not on or inside them.
The band wraps behind your head.
Expect Some Sound Leakage
Yes, others might hear your music at full volume in quiet rooms.
These are meant for outdoor environments, not silent libraries. how to turn on shokz headphones
Download the Shokz App
Available on iOS and Android
Update firmware, EQ settings, and manage multipoint how to turn on shokz headphones
Comparison: Powering On Different Shokz Models
Model | Power Method | Voice Prompt | Pairing Auto? |
---|---|---|---|
OpenRun | Hold Volume+ 2s | “Welcome to Shokz” | Yes |
OpenMove | Hold Volume+ 2s | “Welcome to Shokz” | Yes |
OpenComm | Hold Volume+ 2s | “Welcome to Shokz” | Yes |
OpenSwim | Press physical button | Beep (no voice) | No Bluetooth |
OpenRun Pro | Hold Volume+ 2s | “Welcome to Shokz” | Yes |
Note: OpenSwim doesn’t use Bluetooth—it’s an MP3 player for swimming. Totally different setup. how to turn on shokz headphones
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I turn them on with just my voice?
No. You’ll need to press the button manually—no voice activation. how to turn on shokz headphones
How do I know if they’re charging?
Look for the red LED near the charging port. It’ll turn blue when fully charged.
Will they turn off automatically?
Yes. Most models will auto-power off after 10 minutes of inactivity to save battery. how to turn on shokz headphones
Final Recap: Turning on Shokz in 7 Quick Steps
Here’s your one-minute cheat sheet:
- Charge fully
- Locate Volume+ button
- Press and hold 2 seconds
- Listen for “Welcome to Shokz”
- Look for red/blue flashing light
- Pair via Bluetooth
- Hold Volume+ again to power off
You’re now officially Shokz-savvy.
Final Thoughts: Bone Conduction Ain’t Just Buzzwords
Turning on your Shokz headphones might feel confusing at first—especially when you don’t see a giant “Power” button like old-school gear. But once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as pressing play. how to turn on shokz headphones
Shokz brings a whole new way to enjoy music, calls, and podcasts—while still staying connected to the world around you. Whether you’re running, biking, or just chilling at your desk with both ears open to life, you’re doing it the Shokz way now. how to turn on shokz headphones