How do I find or enter a pairing code for my wireless device?

Some wireless devices come with their own pairing code (sometimes called a PIN or passcode). You might be asked to enter this code when you pair the device with your computer. Windows tries to select the best pairing method for your device and give you instructions that often include a pairing code. However, some wireless devices come with their own pairing code, which you'll need to find.

Even if you know the pairing code, it can be difficult to enter the code into a device. Some wireless devices, such as mobile phones, come with a keypad you can use to enter the pairing code and a screen to verify you are typing the correct code. Others, such as Bluetooth headphones, don't have a keypad or screen.

Here are some tips on how to find the pairing code for a wireless device:

• Check the information that came with your device. The pairing code might be listed there or printed on the device itself (often on the bottom). Not all wireless devices come with a pairing code.
• If Windows encounters problems during the pairing process, it might give you the option of creating your own pairing code. If you choose this option, you don't need to use the code that came with the device.

Here are some tips if you have trouble entering the pairing code for a wireless device:

• Make sure the device you are trying to pair with isn't turned off, low on battery power, or in standby mode (also called sleep mode).
• If you've typed the code for the device but Windows doesn’t detect that you did so, you might need to enter the code by pressing a key on the device labeled "Enter," "OK," "Return," or something similar. For some devices, such as mobile phones, you might need to select a menu option to enter the code. If you can't find a button, key, or menu option, check the information that came with your device or go to the manufacturer's website.
• Make sure that you're typing the pairing code quickly enough. You usually have only 30 seconds before the device or computer stops trying to pair. The exact amount of time depends on the device.
• Make sure the device can display a pairing code. Some devices, such as headsets, might communicate to Windows that they can display a pairing code even though there's no place to display it. If this is the case, and Windows asks you to verify a pairing code displayed on the device, try pairing with the device again. Windows should allow you to choose a different pairing option the next time you attempt to pair. If you aren't sure which option to choose, check the information that came with your device or go to the manufacturer's website.
• If you're within range of other wireless devices, you might be unintentionally pairing with someone else’s device (for example, someone nearby with the same model mobile phone). Make sure that you're pairing with the correct device.
• If you are in a public place, there could be several devices with the same name within range of your computer. If you see multiple devices with the same name in the Add a device wizard, you might want to rename some of the devices in the list to differentiate them. To rename a device, right-click it, and then click Properties. On the General tab, type a new name, and then click OK.
• Windows might ask you to verify that the same code appears on both the device and your computer. If these codes don’t match or no code is displayed, you might be unintentionally pairing with someone else’s device. In that case, Windows might display an incorrect pairing code or no pairing code at all. Make sure that you're pairing with the correct device.
• You might need to place some wireless devices into a special pairing mode that allows computers or other devices to connect to them. Most Bluetooth enabled devices go into this mode when they are made discoverable. Other wireless devices might need to be put into a pairing mode and made discoverable. For more information, check the information that came with your device or go to the manufacturer's website.