How to Track Lost Bluetooth Headphones (Even If They’re Off!)

2020 has been a crazy year. Even so, the little things can be infuriating. Like stubbing your toe. Or catching your clothes on a door handle. Or, not being able to find your lost Bluetooth device because it’s turned off. Losing your headphones is the ultimate frustration with small Bluetooth devices, especially if they’re True Wireless.

That last one feels like an impossible problem to solve. And—sorry—sometimes it is. It’s like having The Borrowers in your home. Things just disappear!

However, there are some logical ways to approach this situation. In the event that you are contemplating how to find a Bluetooth device when its off, you don’t have to immediately buy another pair (although, if you want to, TaoTronics are here for you). Instead, when you are wondering how to find lost Bluetooth headphones that are turned off, there are a few simple steps you can follow.

We explore how to find lost headphones below. Read on for our best tips and tricks.

How to Find a Lost Bluetooth Headset: 7 Things to Remember

Our first tips are straightforward. These might seem basic, and you may have thought of some. But, trust us. It is worth going through them all to make sure that you find your lost Bluetooth device that is turned off.

Think of it like a treasure hunt, only you already own the prize.

1.    Check places where headphones could get destroyed first

First things first. How to find a Bluetooth device when its off? To begin with, make a list of places your headphones could be where they might get damaged. Down the back of the sofa isn’t too bad—falling into the footwell of the car could be worse, for instance, as someone might tread on them. Similarly, if they are safe in a draw somewhere then it isn’t urgent to find them. If you left them in the garden after a jog, or in the bathroom, or another place they could get wet, it is best to search these places first.

Top tip: firstly, make a list of the places you could have been, and, if you aren’t in a big rush, work through the worst-case scenarios first. If you’re in a rush, see our helpful hint number 2.

2.    Check the places they have the highest probability of being

Do you regularly leave your headphones somewhere? On your nightstand, perhaps, or the dining table? No matter if you checked already, under the circumstances, it’s worth going back and looking thoroughly. When we are searching for something in a panic, we can just give an area a quick glance. Your headphones might be hidden somewhere, especially if they are a dull color. Matt black looks incredible when you wear it, but isn’t so great at standing out when you are searching.

Indeed, this really one of the easiest ways of how to find lost bluetooth headphones that are turned off. Grab your list and head out on your headphone treasure hunt. We’ll give you a moment to check now.

3.    Retrace your steps and look for where it might have fallen

We’re going to be your Mom here. Did you look everywhere you went today? Really? Everywhere?

It’s always worth retracing your steps to make sure you haven’t placed your headphones down somewhere out of the ordinary. Therefore, if you have made a list of potential places and not found your device yet, it’s important that these are your next steps.

4.    Clear your mind and start meditating

When you are stressed, you can’t always think clearly. Generally speaking a stressful situation includes searching for lost headphones, and wondering how to find a turned off Bluetooth headset. If you have paid a lot of money for your headphones, this adds even more pressure.

If you feel yourself becoming more and more stressed, the best thing to do is take a beat to calm your mind. Once you are calmer, you might be able to think more clearly and find your lost device more quickly. With this in mind, the NHS UK website has some great stress busting habits you can try at home. Chiefly, thinking positively is a big one. You will find your headphones! It just might take some time.

5.    Ask people around you

While you’re racking your brain, it’s always a good idea just to ask whoever is around if they know where your headphones are. Again, another option that might slip your mind if you are feeling stressed or blame yourself for losing your headphones. Someone around you, whether in your home, workplace, or even on the subway, might have seen your headphones and not realized that you want them at that moment. Similarly, they might have moved them, thinking they are helping you by putting them in a safe place. Though, if you have borrowed someone else’s headphones, this might end up being a confession!

And don’t worry—if they ask how it’s possible to find a Bluetooth device when its off, show them this page.

6.    Unclutter your work and home areas

One easy solution for how to find a Bluetooth device when its off is to unclutter your home and/or office. Then, once everything is organized, you can keep your headphones in one place. As long as your living space is tidy, you don’t have to constantly search for them, and they are always within easy grabbing distance. Plus, you can color co-ordinate your whole area in The Home Edit style.

7.    Play loud music (if your headphones are still connected to your phone)

While this won’t help you with how to find lost Bluetooth headphones that are turned off, this trick is a great way to find lost Bluetooth headphones that are still connected to your phone. Providing that your house or office is quiet, blasting music from your phone at full volume and the sound should come out of your headphones. Simply follow it until you reach them!

Why Are Bluetooth Devices So Easy to Lose?

Losing your headphones is a common occurrence. So is searching for “how to find a Bluetooth device when its off,” which says it all, really. Why does this happen so much in the modern world? Especially in societies that are becoming 5G ready?

There have been significant improvements in Bluetooth technology over the past couple of decades. As a result the latest version, Bluetooth 5.0, has improved transmission speed and can transmit over longer distances (up to 800ft/240m unobstructed). In fact you can read more about Bluetooth 5.0 at our blog.

An increase in power coupled with the shrinkage of modern technology means that Bluetooth devices are getting smaller and smaller. For example, ultra-small headsets now exist, mostly in shades of black and silver. With True Wireless headphone technology, it is also now possible to lose one earbud at a time.

Smaller = Easier to Lose

When items are smaller, they are easier to lose. You can put them down, not thinking, and then miss them as you frantically search. This is made even more difficult when you are trying to find a lost Bluetooth device that has turned off.

While you might struggle with how to find lost headphones that are out of battery, there is hope if they are turned on and connected to your phone. This is because in this situation, your headphones may be able to be tracked. Conversely, you can refer back to tip 7 above, and play loud music through them until you find them.

Can Bluetooth Headphones Be Tracked?

The answer to this is: In certain circumstances. For instance, this is a lot easier if you only own AirPods (see below). In general, you need to be aware that to track your Bluetooth headphones via its Bluetooth feature, the following conditions must be met.

1. The Bluetooth headphone battery must be charged.
2. The wireless Bluetooth earbuds must be switched on.
3. They must be paired to your phone and not disconnected.
4. You must be in the area where you lost the wireless headphones.
5. The earbuds must not be in the case.

Top Recommended Apps that Can Track Wireless Headphones

Did you know that certain types of headphones have companion apps to help you find them? Specifically, two brands (Apple and Bose) have special apps, and there is also the Bluetooth scanner app if you can meet the conditions we mentioned above.

1. The “Find My” app for AirPods users. Works when your headphones are connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Only works for AirPods, not your case.
2. Simply open the “Find My” App on your iPhone and the app will show you the location of your connected devices.
3. Bluetooth Scanner app. Will help you search for nearby Bluetooth devices, so you can narrow down your search area range.
4. You will need to download an app from the app store. Alternatively, keep scanning manually on your phone to see if your Bluetooth headphones show on your list of nearby headsets to connect to.

Note: Bose Connect app for Bose headphones users is useful but cannot track the whereabouts of all headphone models. It also only works when your headphones are connected to your phone via Bluetooth, though it will always help keep your software up to date.

• Simply download the app on AppStore or Google Play, connect your device (find out how to at the Bose website, if your device won’t connect) and set up your preferences. The unique headphone name can offer some kind of guidance if your headphones are nearby.

The Advanced Design of TaoTronics Bluetooth Earbuds

Insert image 3 here, alt text: TaoTronics SoundLiberty True Wireless Headphones

At TaoTronics, we have made efforts to help you keep your headphones in your possession. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean with an app. However, as much as we would love for that to happen, we work with what we have at the moment to create the best designs for you: Logic, skilled engineers, and great designers.

Considering how to find a Bluetooth device when its off is a hot topic, we have looked at some of the causes behind accidentally losing headphones. Our primary realization was that a an ergonomic design, where the headphones actually fit in your ear properly, is super helpful. It also helps that we include Bluetooth 5.0 as standard across our headphone range. Provided that your earbuds are on and connected, the greater range of Bluetooth 5.0 gives you more chance of finding your headphones wherever they are in your house or office.

These are the top headphones we can recommend that will stay in your ears without sacrificing size, quality, or an amazing audio soundstage. In short, you’ll be pleased to hear that each features Bluetooth 5.0.

SoundLiberty 88 Smart Noise Reduction True Wireless Headphones

Key Features:

• Bluetooth 5.0
• Smart noise reduction technology
• Intuitive playback
• Ergonomic and comfortable—they stay in your ears!

The smart noise reduction technology in SoundLiberty 88 is notably incredible. It allows the wireless earbuds to cut ambient noise over 50dB and still keep 98% of your voice (frequencies from 200Hz to 3000Hz). In other words, you can speak more easily to your friends—or hear the music from your headphones as you blast it while trying to find them.

Also, you can set them so your music will cut out if you remove an earbud. The fact that if your earbud accidentally drops out, you will know at the time rather than losing it and having to search for it later is a huge help.

Learn more about TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88 at our website and pick up your pair today!

SoundLiberty 92 IPX8 Waterproof True Wireless Headphones

Key Features:

• Bluetooth 5.0
• Half-build design
• 13mm PU + Protein Membrane Drivers (AKA great sound!)
• Smart Touch Control

Be aware of your surroundings with these comfortable headphones, which sport a half-build design. Additionally, complete comfort means that you shouldn’t feel the need to take them out, even after hours of wear. That is to say, keeping them in means you are less likely to take them out at any time and leave them on a random surface, reducing how often you need to look for them!

Likewise, hi-fi quality sound adds to this. And, as we mentioned above, the higher the sound quality, the better for finding your lost headphones if they are still connected to your phone via Bluetooth. Why not give them a try?

Check out SoundLiberty 92 at the TaoTronics website, where you can also purchase!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! In conclusion, there are ways to find your headphones if they are turned off, but these are the good, old-fashioned kind. Firstly, make a list of places they could be; secondly, retrace your steps; stay calm and clear your mind until you can remember. If your headphones are connected to your phone, then you can play loud music to find them. You can also trace them, depending on the type of headphone that you have. Your best bet? Stay organized and keep your headphones in the same place where possible. This will make them easier to find each day.