Sennheiser HD 250BT - Around-ear Headphones Manual

Package contents

	HD 250BT on-ear headphones
	USB cable with USB-C connector
	Quick guide
	Safety guide

Online you can find:

• this detailed instruction manual and additional information www.sennheiser.com/download
• the Sennheiser Smart Control app for configuring the headphones and for additional functions www.sennheiser.com/smartcontrol

A list of accessories can be found on the HD 250BT product page at www.sennheiser.com.
Contact your local Sennheiser partner: www.sennheiser.com > "Service & Support".

Product overview

Model: HD 250BT

1. Headband
2. Ear cups
3. Ear pads
4. Microphone
5. USB-C socket for charging
6. Volume – button (volume down)
7. On/off button pressing for 3 seconds activates the Bluetooth pairing mode
8. Volume + button (volume up)
9. LED

Overview of the LED display
During operation

LED		Meaning; the headphones
	flashes blue	are switched on
3x	flashes blue 3x	are connected to a device via Bluetooth
	flashes red/ blue	are in Bluetooth pairing mode
3x	flashes red 3x	are not connected to a device via Bluetooth or the connection has been lost

During phone calls

LED		Meaning
	flashes blue	Incoming call
	flashes purple	Incoming call
	flashes red	Incoming call and the rechargeable battery of the headphones is almost empty

If the LED does not light up immediately during charging, clean the charging socket and charge the headphones until the LED lights up again.

Notes on voice prompts
The headphones output voice prompts for various functions (see examples below).

Getting started

1. Charging the rechargeable battery
   The headphones' rechargeable battery is not fully charged upon delivery. Before using the headphones for the first time, charge the rechargeable battery for a complete charging cycle without interruption.
   
2. Installing the Smart Control app on your smartphone
   The Sennheiser Smart Control app allows you to use all functions and settings of the headphones and to e.g. adjust the sound to your liking using the equalizer.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Connecting the headphones to a Bluetooth device
   Connect the headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
   
4. Putting the headphones on and adjusting the headband
   For good sound quality and best possible wearing comfort, the headband can be adjusted to properly fit your head.
   

Using the headphones

Information on the rechargeable battery and the charging process
The headphones have a built-in rechargeable battery. A complete charging cycle takes up to 3.5 hours. Before using the headphones for the first time, charge the rechargeable battery for a complete charging cycle without interruption.
When the headphones are being charged, the LED lights up red. Once the headphones are fully charged, the LED lights up blue. When the battery charge drops to a critical level, a voice prompt asks you to recharge the headphones ("Recharge headset").
Sennheiser recommends using the supplied USB cable and a compatible standard USB power supply for charging the headphones.

Charging the headphones' rechargeable battery

1. Connect the USB-C connector of the charging cable to the USB socket of the headphones.
2. Connect the USB-A connector to a corresponding socket of a USB power source (to be ordered separately). Make sure that the USB power source is connected to the power supply system. The charging process of the headphones begins. The LED displays the charge status:

LED		Meaning
	lights up red	Rechargeable battery is being charged
	lights up blue	Rechargeable battery is fully charged

If the LED does not light up immediately during charging, clean the charging socket and charge the headphones until the LED lights up again.
You can speed up the charging process by charging the headphones when they are switched off.

Connecting the headphones to a Bluetooth device
To be able to use the Bluetooth connection, you must register both devices (headphones and e.g. smartphone) once. This process is called pairing.
If operation differs from the steps mentioned, also refer to the instruction manual of the Bluetooth device you are using.
When you switch on the headphones for the first time, they automatically switch to pairing mode.

Information on the Bluetooth wireless connection
The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0.
If your audio source supports one of the following high-resolution audio encoding methods, music is automatically played in high audio quality: aptX, aptX LL or AAC. Otherwise the headphones will play your music in normal audio quality (SBC).
Paired devices establish the Bluetooth wireless connection immediately after switch-on and are ready for use.
On switch-on, the headphones automatically try to connect to the last connected Bluetooth device. The headphones can save the connection profiles of up to eight Bluetooth devices with which they have been paired.
If you pair the headphones with the ninth Bluetooth device, the saved connection profile of the least used Bluetooth device will be overwritten. If you want to re-establish a connection with the overwritten Bluetooth device, you have to pair the headphones again.

	Paired and connected Bluetooth device
	Paired Bluetooth device (currently not connected)

Pairing the headphones with a Bluetooth device

1. Switch the headphones on and place them close to th e Bluetooth device (max. 20 cm).
   
2. Press and hold the on/off button for 4 seconds until you hear the voice prompt "Pairing".
   The LED flashes red and blue. The headphones are in pairing mode.
   
3. Activate Bluetooth on your Bluetooth device.
   
4. Via the menu of your Bluetooth device, start the search for new Bluetooth devices.
   All active Bluetooth devices in the proximity of your Bluetooth device are displayed.
   
5. From the list of found Bluetooth devices, select "HD 250BT". If necessary, enter the default pin code "0000".
   
6. During pairing you hear the voice prompt "Pairing". If pairing was successful, you hear the voice prompt "Connected". The LED flashes blue 3x.

• Via the menu of your Bluetooth device, disconnect the connection to the headphones.
  The headphones are disconnected from the Bluetooth device. You hear the voice prompt "Lost connection". The headphone s switch to standby mode.

To delete the Bluetooth pairing list of the headphones.

Installing the Smart Control app
To make full use of all the settings and functions of the headphones, you need to have the free Sennheiser Smart Control app installed on your smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and install it on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can use your smartphone to scan the following QR code or to call up the following Internet site: www.sennheiser.com/smartcontrol

• Connect your smartphone to the headphones via Bluetooth.
• Start the Smart Control app.
• Follow the instructions in the app.
  The Smart Control app recognizes the headphones and activates all available settings and functions.

Switching the headphones on

Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels!
Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent hearing defects.

• Before putting the headphones on, adjust the volume to a low level.
• Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume levels.

1. Press and hold the on/off button for 3 seconds.
   The LED flashes red/blue. If Bluetooth is activated on the headphones, you hear the voice prompts "Power on" and "Connected".
   If Bluetooth is deactivated on the headphones, you hear the voice prompt "Power on" and "Pairing".
   

Switching the headphones off

1. Press and hold the on/off button for 3 seconds.
2. You hear the voice prompt "Power off" and the LED flashes red 3x. The headphones switch off.
   

Putting the headphones on and adjusting the headband
For good sound quality and best possible wearing comfort, the headband can be adjusted to properly fit your head.

• Wear the headphones so that the headband runs over the top of your head. The markings R for the right side and L for the left side can be found on the inside of the headband.
• Move the ear cups up or down the headband slider until:
  • the ear cups rest on your ears,
  • you feel an even pressure on your ears.
  • a snug fit of the headband on the head is ensured.
    For optimal sound quality, the ear pads must completely rest on your ears.
    

Retrieving information on the battery charge status
When the headphones are connected to your Bluetooth device, the battery charge status can be displayed on the screen of your smartphone (depending on the device and operating system used). The Smart Control app also displays the battery charge status.
You can retrieve information on the battery charge status on the headphones by pressing the volume - button 1x.

Adjusting the volume

Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels!
Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent hearing defects. Toggling between the audio sources may cause enormous volume jumps that can permanently damage your hearing.

• Before putting the headphones on and before toggling between audio sources, adjust the volume to a low level.
• Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume levels.

You can adjust the volume for music, voice prompts, beep sounds, and phone calls.

• If you are playing music or are on a call: Press the volume + or - button to increase or reduce the volume.

When the maximum or minimum volume is reached, you hear the voice prompt "Volume max" or "Volume min".

You can also adjust the volume using the connected Bluetooth device.

Controlling music playback
The following music playback functions are only available when the headphones and the device are connected via Bluetooth. Some smartphones or music players may not support all functions.

Playing/pausing music

• Press the multi-function button 1x.

Multi-function button		Function
	Press 1x	Plays or pauses music

Playing the next track

• Quickly press the multi-function 2x.

Multi-function button		Function
	Press 2x	Plays the next track in the playlist

Playing the previous track

• Quickly press the multi-function 3x.

Multi-function button		Function
	Press 3x	Plays the previous track in the playlist

Making phone calls using the headphones
The following call functions are only available when the headphones and smartphone are connected via Bluetooth. Some smartphones or communication apps may not support all functions.

Making a call

• Dial the desired number on your smartphone.
  If your smartphone does not automatically transfer the call to the headphones, select "HD 250BT" as the output device on your smartphone (see the instruction manual of your smartphone i f necessary).

Accepting/rejecting/ending a call
If your headphones are connected to a smartphone and you receive a call, you hear a ring tone in the headphones.
If you are playing music when you receive a call, the music pauses until you end the call.

Muting the microphone

Multi-function button		Function
	Press 1x	Accepts a call
	Press 1x	Ends a call Voice prompt "Call ended"
	Hold for 2 sec	Rejects a call Voice prompt "Call rejected"
	Hold for 2 sec	Accepts an incoming call and ends the active call
	Press 2x	Puts the active call on hold and accepts an incoming call
	Press 2x	Toggles between active call and call on hold

Muting the microphone
To mute the headphones' microphone during a call:

• Press the volume - button for 2 seconds.
  The microphone is muted. You hear the voice prompt "Mute on".
  To continue the call and reactivate the microphone:
• Press the volume - button for 2 seconds.
  The microphone is reactivated. You hear the voice prompt "Mute off".

Adjusting sound effects/the equalizer
To be able to use the sound effects/equalizer, you require the Smart Control app.

• In the Smart Control app, select the desired sound effects. You can use predefined presets or define your own settings. The sound effects are stored in the headphones. These sound settings are active even without using the Smart Control app, i.e. when you are using another Bluetooth device.

Care and maintenance

Liquids can damage the electronics of the product!
Liquids entering the housing of the product can cause a short-circuit and damage the electronics.

• Keep all liquids far away from the product.
• Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents.
• Clean the parts of the product only with a soft, dry cloth.
  

Replacing the ear pads
For reasons of hygiene, you should replace the ear pads from time to time. Spare ear pads are available from your Sennheiser partner.

1. Peel the ear pad up and away from the ear cup.
2. Assign the right ear pad to the right ear cup and the left ear pad to the left ear cup.
3. Place the new ear pad onto the ear cup. Make sure that the seam of the ear pad points downwards.
4. Place the ear pad around the ear cup so that the ear pad is fixed in the notch of the ear cup.
   

Information on the built-in rechargeable battery
Sennheiser ensures and guarantees that the rechargeable battery performs at its optimum upon purchase of the product. If, upon purchase or within the warranty period, you suspect that the rechargeable battery is obviously defective or if a charging error/battery error is displayed (> 7), stop using the product, disconnect it from the power supply system and contact your Sennheiser partner. Your Sennheiser partner will coordinate the repair/replacement with you.
Do not return a product with a defective battery to your dealer or Sennheiser partner unless requested to do so. To find a Sennheiser partner in your country, search at www.sennheiser.com/servicesupport.
Outside the warranty period, you can have the rechargeable battery replaced for a fee by your Sennheiser partner. Contact your local Sennheiser partner: www.sennheiser.com/service-support.

Installing firmware updates
Firmware updates can be downloaded free of charge from the Internet using the Sennheiser Smart Control app. Sennheiser recommends to always install the latest firmware version to ensure the best performance of your product.

• Connect the headphones to your smartphone and start the Smart Control app.
• The app provides information on available firmware updates and guides you through the installation process.

FAQ/If a problem occurs...

Current list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Visit the HD 250BT product page at www.sennheiser.com/download
There you will find a current list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and suggested solutions.

Your question has not been answered or the problem persists?
If a problem occurs that is not listed in the FAQ section or if the problem cannot be solved with the proposed solutions, please contact your Sennheiser partner for assistance.
To find a Sennheiser partner in your country, search at www.sennheiser.com > "Service & Support".

Leaving the Bluetooth transmission range
Wireless calling and streaming are only possible in the Bluetooth transmission range of your smartphone. The transmission range largely depends on environmental conditions such as wall thickness, wall composition etc. With a free line of sight, the transmission range of most smartphones and Bluetooth devices is up to 10 meters.
If you, and therefore the headphones, leave the Bluetooth transmission range of the smartphone, the sound quality deteriorates increasingly until you hear the voice prompt "Lost connection" and the connection breaks down completely. If you immediately re-enter the Bluetooth transmission range, the connection is automatically re-established.

Deleting the Bluetooth pairing list of the headphones

1. Deactivate Bluetooth on your smartphone.
   
2. Switch the headphones off. To do so, press and hold the on/off button for 3 seconds.
   
3. Switch the headphones on. To do so, press and hold the on/off button for 4 seconds.
   The LED on the headphones flashes red and blue. The headphones are in pairing mode.
   
4. Press and hold the volume + button for 3 seconds.
   The LED on the headphones flashes purple 3x. The pairing list is deleted. The headphones then stay in Bluetooth pairing mode. The LED flashes red and blue.
   

Specifications