Can you connect 2 Bluetooth headphones to Samsung tablet?
Connecting multiple Bluetooth headphones to a single Samsung tablet is possible thanks to Bluetooth’s ability to maintain connections with different devices. With Bluetooth Multipoint technology, you can pair two headsets to one Samsung tablet for shared listening or switching between headphones.
This guide will provide an overview of how Bluetooth pairs devices, the capabilities of Samsung tablets, and a step-by-step process for connecting and using two Bluetooth headsets with a Samsung tablet. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips in case you run into any issues when pairing multiple headsets.
While most Bluetooth headphones can only connect to one device at a time, connecting two headphones to your Samsung tablet allows for greater flexibility. This enables seamless switching between headphones or shared listening without having to repair each time.
Bluetooth Technology Basics
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that allows electronic devices to exchange data over short distances using UHF radio waves in the ISM bands, ranging from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz (https://www.britannica.com/story/how-does-bluetooth-work). Bluetooth enables connections between devices such as smartphones, tablets, headphones, speakers, cars, computers, and other devices that have Bluetooth capabilities.
Bluetooth uses a radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, which divides the frequency band into several sub-channels and hops between them randomly to avoid interference (https://www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-around-you/technology-our-lives/bluetooth). This allows Bluetooth devices to transmit data over the air securely even in environments with a lot of radio frequency noise and interference.
When two Bluetooth-enabled devices come within range of each other, they can establish communication through an initial pairing/bonding process. Once paired, the devices form a small wireless network known as a piconet that allows ongoing communication between the paired devices as needed.
Samsung Tablet Bluetooth Capabilities
Most Samsung tablets support connecting to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The number of connections supported varies by model but ranges from 3-7 devices [1]. Higher-end flagship tablets like the Galaxy Tab S7+ can maintain connections to up to 6 Bluetooth devices at once. More budget-friendly models like the Galaxy Tab A7 limit connections to 3 devices.
Samsung uses Bluetooth 5.0 in its latest tablets, allowing for extended range up to 800 ft as well as dual audio stream capabilities. This means you can connect two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously while maintaining high audio quality. Older Samsung tablets may use Bluetooth 4.2 or lower, limiting connectivity range and multi-streaming features.
In summary, connecting two Bluetooth headphones concurrently is well within the capabilities of most modern Samsung tablets. But maximum connection limits vary, so check your specific model’s specs to confirm multi-device support if pairing several headphones or speakers [2].
Connecting the First Headset
To connect the first Bluetooth headset to your Samsung tablet, the first step is to turn on Bluetooth on both devices. On your Samsung tablet, open the Settings app and go to Connections > Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched on. This will make your tablet visible to nearby Bluetooth devices and allow it to search for and pair with headsets.
Put your Bluetooth headset into pairing mode – refer to the headset’s manual for specific instructions. Typically this involves pressing and holding a multi-function button until an LED flashes or you hear an audio prompt.
Once in pairing mode, the headset should show up in your Samsung tablet’s list of Available Devices. Tap on the name of your headset to initiate pairing. You’ll see a prompt to confirm pairing – accept this on both your tablet and headset. Once successfully paired, your tablet will show “Connected” next to the headset.
Some models of Samsung tablets will allow you to connect multiple audio devices at once, while others will only maintain one connection. Refer to your device’s specifications to verify how many concurrent Bluetooth connections it supports.
Sources:
[How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Android Phone](https://www.hellotech.com/guide/for/how-to-connect-bluetooth-headphones-pc-mac-iphone-android-phone)
[Pair a Bluetooth device to your Galaxy phone or tablet](https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00078053/)
Connecting the Second Headset
Most Samsung tablets allow you to pair multiple Bluetooth headphones simultaneously. This allows you to connect a second headset while the first one remains connected.
To connect the second headset, go to Bluetooth settings on your Samsung tablet and select “Pair new device”. Put the second headset in pairing mode and select it from the list of available devices. The tablet will connect to both headsets.
One potential issue is that audio may default to the last connected headset. You can change audio output by going to Bluetooth settings and selecting your preferred headset. Some apps also allow selecting audio output within the app settings.
Another thing to note is that Bluetooth protocols limit the number of audio devices that can be connected simultaneously, usually around 2-3. So while you can connect multiple headsets, there is a limit.
Overall, connecting a second Bluetooth headphone to a Samsung tablet is straightforward. Just pair it through Bluetooth settings like the first one. Manage connected devices in Bluetooth settings and select your preferred audio output as needed.[1]
Audio Output with Two Headsets
When two Bluetooth headsets are connected to a Samsung tablet, the audio routing depends on the capabilities of the devices and settings configured. By default, audio will be routed to the most recently connected headset.
However, some headsets support multipoint Bluetooth connections which allows audio to be streamed to two headsets simultaneously. In this case, audio can be heard on both headsets at the same time.
If one of the headsets does not support multipoint, the tablet will connect to that headset exclusively when selected. The user can switch between having audio routed to either headset by changing the output selection in the tablet’s Bluetooth settings or notification panel.
So in summary, depending on headset support for multipoint Bluetooth, audio can either be routed to one headset at a time or split between two headsets concurrently on a Samsung tablet.
Managing Connected Devices
With two Bluetooth headsets connected, you may want to switch between which headset is actively playing audio or adjust the priority. On Samsung tablets running Android 9 or later, you can manage connected Bluetooth devices from the “Connected devices” page in Settings.
Tap on the Settings app, go to Connections > Bluetooth > Connected devices. Here you will see both headsets listed. Tap on the settings icon next to each headset to access options like “Media audio” to make that headset the active audio player, or “Unpair” to disconnect the headset.
You can also long press on a headset’s name to access a pop-up menu for changing priority. The headset at the top of the list has the highest priority and will connect automatically. You can drag devices up or down to adjust their priority order. This allows you to set your preferred headset to connect first when in range.
Overall, the Connected devices page in Bluetooth settings gives you control to manage multiple headsets. You can switch audio focus, change priority, disconnect, and more. With two headsets connected, it’s easy to adjust which one plays audio or auto-connects without having to go through the pairing process again.
(Sources: https://support.google.com/android/answer/12374042?hl=en, https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/features/how-to-connect-multiple-bluetooth-speakers-headphones-android-iphone-2488128)
Troubleshooting Issues
Like with any wireless technology, you may encounter occasional connection issues when trying to use two Bluetooth headsets with your Samsung tablet. Here are some troubleshooting tips to try if you are having problems getting your headsets to connect or work properly:
If one or both headsets fail to connect to your tablet, first try unpairing the devices and removing them from your tablet’s Bluetooth menu. Then power cycle the headsets and tablet and retry pairing. Make sure the headsets are in pairing mode when attempting to connect. Also check that your tablet’s Bluetooth is turned on and set to be discoverable (Wired, 2022).
Try resetting your tablet’s network settings if pairing issues persist. On a Samsung, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings. This will wipe all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth info so you’ll have to re-pair devices. But it can resolve bugs with connections (Techlicious, 2022).
For problems with only one side of a headset working, check for debris or damage on connectors and clean with compressed air. Make sure both ear cups are charged. Try a soft reset of the headset by pressing and holding the power button if one ear went out during use (Wired, 2022).
If you hear audio cutouts or skipping with two connected headsets, this points to potential Bluetooth interference issues. Try moving closer to the tablet or clearing space between devices to improve the connection. Turn off nearby electronics that emit wireless signals like Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth gadgets (Techlicious, 2022).
Other Connection Options
If you only have a single pair of Bluetooth headphones, there are some alternatives that allow you to connect multiple listeners:
- Use an audio splitter like the Avantree Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter, which can transmit to two headphones simultaneously from one audio source. This allows two people to listen at the same time. (Source: https://avantree.com/blog/how-to-connect-up-to-100-headphones-at-the-same-time.html)
- There are special multipoint Bluetooth headphones like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 that can connect to two devices at once, so you could connect to both your phone and tablet simultaneously. (Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-multipoint-bluetooth-headphones-and-earbuds/)
- Some headphones have a “shareport” which allows you to daisy-chain multiple headphones together with a cable, like the Mixcder E7 active noise cancelling headphones.
While connecting multiple Bluetooth headphones to one Samsung tablet simultaneously may not be possible, these alternatives provide ways for multiple people to listen to the same audio source.
Summary
To summarize, pairing and connecting two Bluetooth headsets to your Samsung tablet is possible and achievable with the following steps:
– Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Samsung tablet in the Settings menu.
– Put both headsets in pairing mode and pair each one individually with your tablet through the Bluetooth settings.
– Once paired, you can now connect both headsets simultaneously by simply turning them on when in range of the tablet.
– Some tablets allow splitting audio between the two headsets for individual left/right channel output.
– Manage connections through the Bluetooth menu, where you can switch between headsets or disconnect them.
– If having issues, reset network settings and restart devices to troubleshoot and attempt re-pairing the headsets.
– While multiple Bluetooth audio devices are supported, other options like wired splitters provide alternative ways to connect two headsets.
With proper pairing and setup, using two Bluetooth headsets with a Samsung tablet for shared audio, dual channel output, or alternating use is certainly achievable.