How to Effortlessly Pair Your Jabra Elite 85h: A Comprehensive Guide

The Jabra Elite 85h headphones are renowned for their exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit, and intelligent features. A crucial first step to enjoying these headphones is successfully pairing them with your desired device via Bluetooth. This article will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to put your Jabra Elite 85h in Bluetooth pairing mode, troubleshoot common issues, and explore advanced pairing options.

Table of Contents

Understanding Bluetooth Pairing Mode

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what “Bluetooth pairing mode” actually means. Bluetooth pairing is the process of establishing a secure wireless connection between two devices. One device broadcasts its presence, and the other device searches for and connects to it. When your Jabra Elite 85h is in pairing mode, it’s actively broadcasting its availability, allowing your smartphone, tablet, or computer to discover and connect to it.

The Elite 85h uses Bluetooth, a standard for short-range wireless communication. It’s a reliable and energy-efficient way to connect your headphones to your audio source. Pairing is usually a one-time process; once connected, your devices will remember each other and automatically reconnect in the future.

Step-by-Step Guide to Entering Pairing Mode

The primary method for putting your Jabra Elite 85h in pairing mode is straightforward. The key is to start with the headphones powered off.

Power Off the Headphones: Ensure your Jabra Elite 85h headphones are completely turned off. If they are already on, slide the power switch on the right earcup to the “off” position and wait for the headphones to power down completely. You’ll usually hear a voice prompt indicating that the headphones are shutting down.
Enter Pairing Mode: Slide the power switch to the Bluetooth icon and hold it there. You’ll need to keep the switch held in this position for approximately 3 seconds. Don’t just flick the switch; maintain the pressure for the full duration.
Observe the Indicator Lights: While holding the switch, observe the indicator lights on the right earcup. The LED will flash blue, indicating that the headphones are now in pairing mode and ready to connect to a device.
Release the Switch: Once the LED is flashing blue, you can release the power switch. The headphones will remain in pairing mode for a short period, typically a few minutes, allowing you time to complete the connection on your device.
Device Discovery: On your smartphone, tablet, or computer, navigate to the Bluetooth settings. Initiate a Bluetooth device search. The Jabra Elite 85h should appear in the list of available devices. The name may appear as “Jabra Elite 85h” or something similar, depending on your previous settings.
Connect to the Headphones: Select the Jabra Elite 85h from the list of discovered devices. Your device may prompt you to confirm the pairing by entering a PIN code. The default PIN code for most Bluetooth devices, including the Jabra Elite 85h, is “0000” (four zeros). However, it’s typically not required for these headphones.
Confirmation: Once the pairing is successful, you’ll usually hear a voice prompt from the headphones confirming the connection. The LED indicator light will also change, typically to a solid blue or a different color, indicating a successful connection.

Troubleshooting Pairing Issues

Sometimes, the pairing process doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve them.

Headphones Not Appearing in Bluetooth Device List

If your Jabra Elite 85h headphones don’t appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices, consider the following:

Ensure Pairing Mode is Active: Double-check that you followed the steps outlined above correctly. The headphones must be powered off first and then the switch held in the Bluetooth position until the LED flashes blue. Sometimes, people don’t hold the switch long enough.
Bluetooth Enabled on Your Device: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It may seem obvious, but it’s a common oversight.
Distance: Ensure the headphones are within a reasonable distance of your device. Bluetooth has a limited range, typically around 30 feet (10 meters), but interference can shorten this range.
Interference: Other electronic devices can interfere with Bluetooth signals. Try moving away from potential sources of interference, such as microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and other Bluetooth devices.
Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart of your smartphone, tablet, or computer can resolve Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Clear Bluetooth Cache: On Android devices, clearing the Bluetooth cache can help resolve pairing problems. You can usually find this option in the Bluetooth settings menu.
Forget the Device: If you’ve previously paired the Jabra Elite 85h with your device, try “forgetting” or “unpairing” the device from your Bluetooth settings and then try pairing again.

Connection Problems After Pairing

Even after successful pairing, you might encounter connection problems. Consider these solutions:

Check Battery Level: Ensure both your headphones and your device have sufficient battery power. Low battery levels can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
Restart Headphones: Try turning the headphones off and then back on again. This can often resolve temporary connection glitches.
Update Firmware: Keep your Jabra Elite 85h headphones updated with the latest firmware. You can usually update the firmware through the Jabra Sound+ app.
Check Audio Output: Make sure the Jabra Elite 85h is selected as the audio output device on your computer or smartphone. Sometimes, the device may default to another audio output.
Software Conflicts: In rare cases, certain software applications can interfere with Bluetooth connections. Try closing unnecessary applications to see if it resolves the issue.

Jabra Sound+ App

The Jabra Sound+ app is a valuable tool for managing your Jabra Elite 85h headphones.

Firmware Updates: The app allows you to easily update the firmware of your headphones, ensuring you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Customization: You can customize the sound profile, noise cancellation settings, and other features through the app.
Troubleshooting: The app may also provide troubleshooting tips and assistance if you encounter any issues with your headphones.

Understanding Multipoint Pairing

The Jabra Elite 85h supports multipoint pairing, which means it can be simultaneously connected to two devices. This can be incredibly convenient if you want to seamlessly switch between listening to music on your computer and answering calls on your smartphone.

To use multipoint pairing:

Pair with the First Device: Follow the steps outlined above to pair your Jabra Elite 85h with your first device.
Enter Pairing Mode Again: After successfully pairing with the first device, put the headphones back into pairing mode by turning them off and then holding the power switch in the Bluetooth position until the LED flashes blue.
Pair with the Second Device: Pair the headphones with your second device, following the same steps as before.
Automatic Switching: Once both devices are paired, the Jabra Elite 85h will automatically switch between them as needed. For example, if you’re listening to music on your computer and you receive a call on your smartphone, the headphones will automatically switch to the phone call.

Advanced Pairing Options

While the standard pairing method is usually sufficient, there are some advanced pairing options to consider.

NFC Pairing: The Jabra Elite 85h supports NFC (Near Field Communication) pairing with compatible devices. If your smartphone or tablet has NFC, you can simply tap it against the right earcup of the headphones to initiate the pairing process. Ensure NFC is enabled on your mobile device.
Using a Bluetooth Adapter: If your computer doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth adapter to connect your Jabra Elite 85h. Simply plug the adapter into a USB port on your computer and follow the instructions to install the necessary drivers. Once the adapter is installed, you can pair your headphones using the standard Bluetooth pairing method.

Maintaining a Stable Bluetooth Connection

Once you’ve successfully paired your Jabra Elite 85h, here are some tips for maintaining a stable Bluetooth connection:

Keep Devices Close: Maintain a reasonable distance between your headphones and your device. Bluetooth range is limited, and the signal can weaken if the devices are too far apart.
Avoid Obstructions: Avoid placing obstructions between your headphones and your device. Walls, furniture, and other objects can interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
Minimize Interference: Minimize interference from other electronic devices. Microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and other Bluetooth devices can interfere with the signal.
Keep Firmware Updated: Keep your headphones and your device updated with the latest firmware and software. Updates often include improvements to Bluetooth connectivity.
Regular Cleaning: Keep your headphones clean, especially the charging contacts. Dirt and debris can sometimes interfere with the connection.

Conclusion

Pairing your Jabra Elite 85h headphones is a straightforward process, and with the detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips provided in this article, you should be able to easily connect your headphones to your desired devices and enjoy the immersive audio experience they offer. Remember to start with the headphones powered off, hold the switch firmly in the Bluetooth position until the LED flashes blue, and consult the Jabra Sound+ app for further customization and support. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and seamless Bluetooth pairing experience with your Jabra Elite 85h headphones.

How do I put my Jabra Elite 85h headphones into pairing mode?

To initiate the pairing process on your Jabra Elite 85h, start by ensuring your headphones are powered off. Then, press and hold the multifunction button located on the right earcup for approximately 3 seconds. You’ll know you’ve entered pairing mode when the LED indicator flashes blue.

Once the LED is flashing blue, your Jabra Elite 85h headphones are discoverable by Bluetooth-enabled devices. You can now navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, tablet, or computer and select “Jabra Elite 85h” from the list of available devices to complete the pairing process.

What devices are compatible with the Jabra Elite 85h for Bluetooth pairing?

The Jabra Elite 85h headphones are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices. This includes smartphones running iOS or Android, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers that support Bluetooth connectivity. Essentially, any device with Bluetooth version 5.0 or earlier should be able to pair with the headphones.

In addition to standard Bluetooth devices, the Jabra Elite 85h can also be paired with devices that support Bluetooth profiles such as A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) for controlling playback, HFP (Hands-Free Profile) for making calls, and HSP (Headset Profile) for basic headset functions. This ensures broad compatibility across different devices and use cases.

My Jabra Elite 85h is not pairing with my device. What should I do?

If you are experiencing difficulties pairing your Jabra Elite 85h with your device, the first step is to ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your headphones and your device. Also, confirm that the headphones are in pairing mode (LED flashing blue). If that doesn’t work, try restarting both your headphones and your device to refresh the Bluetooth connections.

If the problem persists, try clearing the pairing history on both your headphones and your device. On the Jabra Elite 85h, you can typically do this by pressing and holding the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds. On your device, you’ll need to go into the Bluetooth settings and “forget” or “unpair” the Jabra Elite 85h before attempting to pair again from scratch. This ensures a clean connection without interference from previous pairings.

Can I pair my Jabra Elite 85h with multiple devices simultaneously?

Yes, the Jabra Elite 85h supports multipoint pairing, which means you can connect it to two devices at the same time. This feature allows you to seamlessly switch between audio sources, such as taking a call on your phone while listening to music from your laptop.

To utilize multipoint pairing, simply pair the Jabra Elite 85h with the first device as usual. Then, put the headphones into pairing mode again and connect them to the second device. Once both devices are paired, the headphones will maintain a connection with both. When audio is played from one device, the other will be temporarily muted until the first device stops playing.

How do I reset my Jabra Elite 85h to factory settings?

Resetting your Jabra Elite 85h to factory settings can resolve various connectivity or functional issues. To perform a reset, ensure the headphones are powered on. Then, simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up button and the multifunction button for approximately 5 seconds.

After holding the buttons for 5 seconds, you should see the LED indicator flash purple, indicating that the reset process has been initiated. Once the LED stops flashing, the headphones have been successfully reset to their factory default settings. You will then need to re-pair the headphones with your devices.

What does the color of the LED indicator on my Jabra Elite 85h signify during pairing?

The LED indicator on your Jabra Elite 85h provides valuable information about the pairing status. A solid green light indicates that the headphones are fully charged. A solid red light indicates that the battery is low and needs to be charged. And flashing blue indicates that the headphones are in pairing mode and ready to connect to a device.

Other LED indications can also provide helpful information. For example, a flashing purple light typically indicates that the headphones are being reset to factory settings. Understanding these LED color codes can help you troubleshoot pairing issues and maintain the optimal performance of your Jabra Elite 85h headphones.

Is there a Jabra app that can assist with pairing and managing my Elite 85h?

Yes, Jabra offers a dedicated mobile app called “Jabra Sound+” that significantly enhances the user experience with the Jabra Elite 85h headphones. The Jabra Sound+ app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it provides a range of features to personalize and optimize your headphone settings.

Within the Jabra Sound+ app, you can easily manage connected devices, customize audio profiles, adjust the active noise cancellation (ANC) settings, and access firmware updates for your Jabra Elite 85h. The app also includes a “Find My Jabra” feature to help locate your headphones if they are misplaced. Using the Jabra Sound+ app simplifies the pairing process and provides comprehensive control over your headphones’ functionality.