Use Surface Headphones
Applies To
Surface Headphones 2 Surface Headphones Surface Headphones 2+Surface Headphones 2
Music sounds amazing on Surface Headphones 2, but there's lots more to explore. Here's how to listen, make calls, and more.
Finding your way around Surface Headphones
Use this diagram to find your way around your Surface Headphones.
-
Left dial
-
Right dial
-
Power button
-
Mute button
-
LED light
-
USB-C port
-
3.5 mm port
Video: Dials and touch controls
To see if video captioning is available in your language, select the Closed captions icon after the video starts.
Play music
Play music on your Surface Headphones by using your favorite music app on your Windows 10/11 PC, iOS device, or Android device.
Here are the touch gestures you can use to play music. For the best results, make sure to tap the center of the touch area on either ear. Touch gestures only work with supported music apps.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Play or pause music |
Tap the touch area on either ear. |
|
Play the next track |
Tap the touch area on either ear twice. |
|
Play the previous track |
Tap the touch area on either ear three times. |
Tip: Want to play or pause music automatically? Just take off your headphones and your music will be paused. It will start playing again when you put the headphones back on.
Make calls
Make and receive calls on your Surface Headphones when you're connected to your iPhone or Android phone.
Here's how to use touch gestures for phone calls.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Answer a call |
Tap the touch area on either ear twice. |
|
End a call |
Tap the touch area on either ear twice during a call. |
|
Mute a call |
Press the mute button on the right ear. |
|
Decline a call |
Tap and hold the touch area on either ear when you get a call. |
Turn the volume up or down
When you're listening to music or on a call, adjust the volume by turning the dial on the right ear.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Increase the volume |
Turn the dial on the right forward. |
|
Decrease the volume |
Turn the dial on the right backward. |
You can check the volume anytime you're on your PC or mobile device.
-
On your iOS or Android device: Open the Surface app, then tap Account > Surface Headphones. The volume level is displayed under Volume level after you’re connected to your Surface Headphones. Tap Volume level, then drag the slider to adjust the volume.
-
On your Windows 10/11 PC: Select the Start button, then select Surface in the app list. On the home screen, select Surface Headphones. The volume level will be displayed after you’re connected, and you can adjust the volume in the app.
Adjust noise cancellation
Surface Headphones have active noise cancellation, so you can block out external sound to help you focus or relax. For example, you might want to increase noise cancellation when you're listening to music on a plane or bus, and reduce it when you want to have a quick conversation without taking off your headphones.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Increase noise cancellation |
Turn the dial on the left forward to hear less sound around you. |
|
Decrease noise cancellation |
Turn the dial on the left backward. When you turn off noise cancellation, outside sound will be amplified. |
You can check the noise cancellation level anytime you're on your Windows 10/11 PC or mobile device.
On a Windows 10/11 PC
-
Open the Surface app, then select Surface Headphones.
-
For Noise cancellation, select the noise cancellation level you want.
On an iOS or Android device
-
Open the Surface app, make sure it’s connected to your Surface Headphones, and then tap Account > Surface Headphones.
-
Tap Noise cancellation, then tap a new noise cancellation level.
You'll see several levels of noise cancellation in the different apps. Here's a quick summary of the different levels:
-
High. You should hear little or no surrounding sound. This is the maximum noise cancellation level when it's turned on all the way.
-
Medium. You'll likely hear loud noise or surrounding voices, but might not hear lower surrounding sounds, such as traffic or sound from a crowd.
-
Low. You'll likely hear some surrounding sound while listening to music.
-
Passthrough. Active noise cancellation is turned off. You’ll hear some surrounding sound.
-
Ambient. Noise cancellation is turned off and surrounding sound will be amplified. You'll likely hear more surrounding sound while listening to music. In the Surface app on your Windows 10/11 PC, this setting is named Enhanced.
Use your digital assistant to go hands free
When you have your headphones connected to your Windows 10 PC or mobile device, you can use your digital assistant to control the volume, make calls, and more with your voice.
-
To activate your digital assistant, tap and hold the touch area on either ear until you hear a beep.
What does the light mean?
The LED light on your Surface Headphones can tell you when to charge the battery and more.
|
When the light is |
It means |
|
Flashing white when your headphones are plugged in |
Headphones are charging. |
|
Solid white when your headphones are plugged in |
Headphones are fully charged. |
|
Solid white when your headphones aren't plugged in |
Headphones are powered on and not on your head. The light will turn off when the headphones are in use and on your head. |
|
Flashing white after you press and hold the power button for 5 seconds |
Headphones are in pairing mode and you can pair them with your Windows 10/11 PC or mobile device over Bluetooth. |
|
Solid amber during a call |
Microphone is muted. Other people can't hear you when you talk. |
|
Flashing amber |
The battery in your headphones is running low. This will start when there's less than 10% of your battery time left. For more info, see Charge Surface Headphones. |
Use a wired audio connection
Surface Headphones come with a 3.5 mm audio cable, which you can use to listen to music over a wired audio connection. This lets you listen to music even when the battery in your Surface Headphones isn't charged.
To use the audio cable, plug one end into the 3.5 mm jack on your headphones, then plug the other end into a 3.5 mm audio jack on your phone or PC.
Notes:
-
Noise cancellation and volume control will continue to work as long as the battery has a charge.
-
When you connect the 3.5 mm audio cable, Bluetooth will turn off and the 3.5 mm audio connection will be used to play music.
-
When using the audio cable during a call, the microphone in the audio cable is used.
-
Some features, such as touch gestures and the mute button, won't work when using a wired audio connection.
Related topics
Surface Headphones 2+
Music sounds amazing on Surface Headphones 2+, but there's lots more to explore. Here's how to listen to music, make phone calls, and more.
Finding your way around Surface Headphones
Use this diagram to find your way around your Surface Headphones.
-
Left dial for active noise cancellation
-
Right dial for volume
-
Touch area
-
Power button
-
Microsoft Teams button
Play music
Play music on your Surface Headphones by using your favorite music app on your Windows 10/11 PC, iOS device, or Android device.
Here are the touch gestures you can use to play music. For the best results, make sure to tap the center of the touch area on either ear. Touch gestures only work with supported music apps.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Play or pause music |
Tap the touch area on either ear. |
|
Play the next track |
Tap the touch area on either ear twice. |
|
Play the previous track |
Tap the touch area on either ear three times. |
Tip: Want to play or pause music automatically? Just take off your headphones and your music will be paused. It will start playing again when you put the headphones back on.
Make phone calls
Make and receive calls on your Surface Headphones when you're connected to your iPhone or Android phone.
Here's how to use touch gestures for phone calls.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Answer a call |
Tap the touch area on either ear twice. |
|
End a call |
Tap the touch area on either ear twice during a call. |
|
Mute a call |
Tap the touch area on either ear. |
|
Decline a call |
Tap and hold the touch area on either ear when you get a call. |
To learn how to use your Surface Headphones 2+ in Microsoft Teams on your Windows 10/11 PC or Mac, see Use Surface Headphones 2+ in Microsoft Teams.
Turn the volume up or down
When you're listening to music or on a call, adjust the volume by turning the dial on the right ear.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Increase the volume |
Turn the dial on the right forward. |
|
Decrease the volume |
Turn the dial on the right backward. |
You can check the volume anytime you're on your PC or mobile device.
-
On your iOS or Android device: Open the Surface app, then tap Account > Surface Headphones. The volume level is displayed under Volume level after you’re connected to your Surface Headphones. Tap Volume level, then drag the slider to adjust the volume.
-
On your Windows 10/11 PC: Select the Start button, then select Surface in the app list. On the home screen, select Surface Headphones. The volume level will be displayed after you’re connected, and you can adjust the volume in the app.
Adjust noise cancellation
Surface Headphones have active noise cancellation, so you can block out external sound to help you focus or relax. For example, you might want to increase noise cancellation when you're listening to music on a plane or bus, and then reduce it when you want to have a quick conversation without taking off your headphones.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Increase noise cancellation |
Turn the dial on the left forward to hear less sound around you. |
|
Decrease noise cancellation |
Turn the dial on the left backward. When you turn off noise cancellation, outside sound will be amplified. |
You can check the noise cancellation level anytime you're on your Windows 10/11 PC or mobile device.
On a Windows 10/11 PC
-
Open the Surface app, then select Surface Headphones.
-
For Noise cancellation, select the noise cancellation level you want.
On an iOS or Android device
-
Open the Surface app, make sure it’s connected to your Surface Headphones, and then tap Account > Surface Headphones.
-
Tap Noise cancellation, then tap a new noise cancellation level.
You'll see several levels of noise cancellation in the different apps. Here's a quick summary of the different levels:
-
High. You should hear little or no surrounding sound. This is the maximum noise cancellation level when it's turned on all the way.
-
Medium. You'll likely hear loud noise or surrounding voices, but might not hear lower surrounding sounds, such as traffic or sound from a crowd.
-
Low. You'll likely hear surrounding sound while listening to music.
-
Passthrough. Active noise cancellation is turned off. You’ll hear some surrounding sound.
-
Ambient. Noise cancellation is turned off and surrounding sound will be amplified. You'll likely hear more surrounding sound while listening to music. In the Surface app on your Windows 10/11 PC, this setting is named Enhanced.
What does the light mean?
The LED light (#1 in the following diagram) on your Surface Headphones can tell you when to charge the battery and more.
|
When the light is |
It means |
|
Flashing white when your headphones are plugged in |
Headphones are charging. |
|
Solid white when your headphones are plugged in |
Headphones are fully charged. |
|
Solid white when your headphones aren't plugged in |
Headphones are powered on and not on your head. The light will turn off when the headphones are in use and on your head. |
|
Solid white when your headphones are turned on and your Surface USB Link is plugged into your Windows 10/11 PC or Mac |
Your headphones are connected to your Surface USB Link. You’re ready to use them in Microsoft Teams on your PC or Mac. The LED light on your Surface USB Link will be solid white, too. To find out what the LED light on your Surface USB Link means when you’re using your Surface Headphones 2+ in Microsoft Teams on your PC, see Use Surface Headphones 2+ in Microsoft Teams. |
|
Flashing white after you press and hold the power button for 5 seconds |
Headphones are in pairing mode, and you can pair them with your mobile device or another Windows 10/11 PC over Bluetooth. |
|
Solid amber during a call |
Microphone is muted. Other people can't hear you when you talk. |
|
Flashing amber |
The battery in your headphones is running low. This will start when there's less than 10% of your battery time left. For more info, see Charge Surface Headphones. |
Use a wired audio connection
Surface Headphones come with a 3.5 mm audio cable, which you can use to listen to music over a wired audio connection. This lets you listen to music even when the battery in your Surface Headphones isn't charged.
To use the audio cable, plug one end into the 3.5 mm jack on your headphones, then plug the other end into a 3.5 mm audio jack on your phone or PC.
Notes:
-
Noise cancellation and volume control will continue to work as long as the battery has a charge.
-
When you connect the 3.5 mm audio cable, Bluetooth will turn off and the 3.5 mm audio connection will be used to play music.
-
When using the audio cable during a call, the microphone in the audio cable is used.
-
Some features, such as touch gestures and the mute button, won't work when using a wired audio connection.
Related topics
Surface Headphones (first version)
Important notes
-
Some Cortana functionality for Surface Headphones (First version) will be going away in early 2021. For more info, see Cortana changes for Surface Headphones (First version) FAQ.
-
Cortana isn't available on Surface Headphones in all countries and regions.
Music sounds amazing on Surface Headphones, but there's lots more to explore. Here's how to listen, make calls, get help from Cortana, and more.
Finding your way around Surface Headphones
Use this diagram to find your way around your Surface Headphones.
-
Left dial
-
Right dial
-
Power button
-
Mute button
-
LED light
-
USB-C port
-
3.5 mm port
Video: Dials and touch controls
To see if video captioning is available in your language, select the Closed captions icon after the video starts.
Play music
Play music on your Surface Headphones by using your favorite music app on your Windows 10/11 PC, iOS device, or Android device.
Here are the touch gestures you'll use to play music. For the best results, make sure to tap the center of the touchpad on either ear. Touch gestures only work with supported music apps.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Play or pause music |
Tap the touchpad on either ear. |
|
Play the next track |
Tap the touchpad on either ear twice. |
|
Play the previous track |
Tap the touchpad on either ear three times. |
Tip: Want to play or pause music automatically? Just take off your headphones and your music will be paused. It will start playing again when you put the headphones back on.
Make calls
Make and receive calls on your Surface Headphones when you're connected to your iPhone or Android phone, or use your Surface Headphones for Skype calls when connected to your mobile device or Windows 10/11 PC.
Here's how to use touch gestures for phone calls.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Answer a call |
Tap the touchpad on either ear twice. |
|
End a call |
Tap the touchpad on either ear twice during a call. |
|
Mute a call |
Press the mute button on the right ear. |
|
Decline a call |
Tap and hold the touchpad on either ear when you get a call. |
Turn the volume up or down
When you're listening to music or on a call, adjust the volume by turning the dial on the right ear.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Increase the volume |
Turn the dial on the right forward. |
|
Decrease the volume |
Turn the dial on the right backward. |
You can check the volume anytime you're on your PC or mobile device:
-
On your iOS or Android device, open the Surface app, then tap Account > Surface Headphones. The volume level is displayed under Volume level after you’re connected to your Surface Headphones. Tap Volume level, then drag the slider to adjust the volume.
-
On your Windows 10/11 PC, select the Start button, then select Surface in the app list. On the home screen, select Surface Headphones. The volume level will be displayed after you’re connected, and you can adjust the volume in the app.
Adjust noise cancellation
Surface Headphones have active noise cancellation, so you can block out external sound to help you focus or relax. For example, you might want to increase noise cancellation when you're listening to music on a plane or bus, and reduce it when you want to have a quick conversation without taking off your headphones.
|
To |
Do this |
|
Increase noise cancellation |
Turn the dial on the left forward to hear less sound around you. |
|
Decrease noise cancellation |
Turn the dial on the left backward. When you turn off noise cancellation, outside sound will be amplified. |
You can check the noise cancellation level anytime you're on your Windows 10/11 PC or mobile device.
-
On your iOS or Android device, open the Surface app, make sure it’s connected to your Surface Headphones, and then tap Account > Surface Headphones. Tap Noise cancellation, then tap a new noise cancellation level.
-
On your Windows 10/11 PC, open the Surface app, then select Surface Headphones. For Noise cancellation, selection the level you want.
You'll see several levels of noise cancellation in the different apps. Here's a quick summary of the different levels:
-
High. You should hear little or no surrounding sound. This is the maximum noise cancellation level when it's turned on all the way.
-
Medium. You'll likely hear loud noise or surrounding voices, but might not hear lower surrounding sounds, such as traffic or sound from a crowd.
-
Low. You'll likely hear surrounding sound while listening to music.
-
Ambient. Noise cancellation is turned off and surrounding sound will be amplified. You'll likely hear more surrounding sound while listening to music. In the Surface app on your Windows 10/11 PC, this setting is named Enhanced.
Go hands free
When you have your Surface Headphones (first version) connected to your Windows 10 PC, you can use Cortana to get answers to questions and more with your voice.
Get Cortana's attention by doing one of the following with your Surface Headphones when using them with your Windows 10 PC:
-
Tap and hold the touchpad on either ear until you hear a beep.
-
Say "Hey Cortana" and listen for a beep. Voice activation needs to be turned on for this to work. To learn more, see Activate "Cortana" mode.
To find out about some of the things you can say and do with Cortana and your Surface Headphones on your Windows 10 PC, see What can you do with Cortana in Windows?
What does the light mean?
The LED light on your Surface Headphones can tell you when to charge the battery and more.
|
When the light is |
It means |
|
Flashing white when your headphones are plugged in |
Headphones are charging. |
|
Solid white when your headphones are plugged in |
Headphones are fully charged. |
|
Solid white when your headphones aren't plugged in |
Headphones are powered on and not on your head. The light will turn off when the headphones are in use and on your head. |
|
Flashing white after you press and hold the power button for 5 seconds |
Headphones are in pairing mode and you can pair them with your Windows 10/11 PC or mobile device over Bluetooth. |
|
Solid amber during a call |
Microphone is muted. Other people can't hear you when you talk. |
|
Flashing amber |
The battery in your headphones is running low. This will start when there's less than 10% of your battery time left. For more info, see Charge Surface Headphones. |
Use a wired audio connection
Surface Headphones come with a 3.5 mm audio cable, which you can use to listen to music over a wired audio connection. This lets you listen to music even when the battery in your Surface Headphones isn't charged.
To use the audio cable, plug one end into the 3.5 mm jack on your headphones, then plug the other end into a 3.5 mm audio jack on your phone or PC.
Notes:
-
Noise cancellation and volume control will continue to work as long as the battery has a charge.
-
When you connect the 3.5 mm audio cable, Bluetooth will turn off and the 3.5 mm audio connection will be used to play music.
-
When using the audio cable during a call, the microphone in the audio cable is used.
-
Some features, such as touch gestures and the mute button, won't work when using a wired audio connection.
Related topics
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.
