How to Add Bluetooth to a Zune

By James Crider

Updated February 09, 2017

The Zune, Microsoft's competitor to Apple's iPod MP3 player, has many features that its Cupertino counterpart lacks. One of the features it doesn't use is Bluetooth. Fans of A2DP Bluetooth streaming to Bluetooth-enabled headphones, stereos or car audio units will be disappointed, but there is a solution. Several electronics manufacturers make 3.5mm Bluetooth adapters, allowing you to stream any audio output from a standard headphone jack--like the one on the Zune.

Turn on your Zune, your stereo or headphones, and your Bluetooth adapter. (The adapter uses an internal battery; if it's running low, charge it for a while.)

Plug the adapter into the headphone port on the Zune. Start a song or video on the Zune to listen for when the connection is made.

Hold down the pairing button on your adapter until the LED starts to flash. Put your headphones or stereo into pairing mode as well. Methods vary by model, but this is usually accomplished by holding down the "BT," "Call" or "Play" buttons for several seconds.

Wait for the stereo or headphones to automatically connect with the adapter. When the connection is made you will hear a tone or chime, followed by the audio from your song or video.

Items you will need

  • Microsoft Zune

  • 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter

  • A2DP-enabled stereo or headphones

Tips

Because of the nature of the 3.5mm converter, normal A2DP remote functions like Play, Pause, Next Track or Last Track will not work on your Zune. You can still control playback directly on the Zune device.

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