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Marshall Headphones guide

How to Set Up and Use Marshall Headphones

Setting up Marshall headphones takes minutes. Here's how to pair them, connect them wired and get the most from the app.

How to Set Up and Use Marshall Headphones

Setting up Marshall headphones is straightforward — pair, charge, connect. But getting the most from them involves a few steps beyond the initial Bluetooth pairing, particularly if you're using them with multiple devices or connecting wired to audio equipment.

Initial Pairing

To pair Marshall headphones via Bluetooth for the first time, power on the headphones and hold the Bluetooth button (or the power/multifunction button on some models) until the LED flashes and the voice prompt says "pairing". Open your device's Bluetooth settings and select them from the device list. Pairing completes in a few seconds.

If the headphones don't appear in your device list, check that they haven't already been paired to another device nearby. Reset to factory settings if needed — on the Major IV, this is done by holding the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds until the LED flashes red.

Multipoint Connection

Models that support multipoint Bluetooth allow Marshall headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously. Enable this in the Marshall Bluetooth app (available for iOS and Android). Once set up, the headphones switch between sources automatically when you play audio on one device while the other is idle. This is useful for switching between a phone and a laptop without manually disconnecting and reconnecting.

Wired Connection

When using them wired — through a hi-fi amplifier, a mixing desk or a DAC — connect the included 3.5 mm cable to the headphone's input jack and the other end to the audio output of your device. On Bluetooth models, the wired connection bypasses all digital processing: no Bluetooth, no EQ from the app, no ANC. The signal goes directly from source to driver.

A 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter allows connection to amplifiers with standard quarter-inch headphone outputs. These adapters cost a few pounds and are widely available.

Using the App

The Marshall Bluetooth app provides EQ settings, firmware updates and, on supported models, customisation of the button functions. The EQ allows adjustment of bass, midrange and treble — useful if the default V-shape tuning feels too bass-heavy for your listening preference. Install the app and connect via Bluetooth to access these settings.

For a broader guide covering what different models offer, the overview guide explains the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my Marshall headphones connect to my phone?

The most common causes are: the headphones are already paired to another device in range (turn off Bluetooth on other devices and retry); the headphones are not in pairing mode (hold the Bluetooth button until the LED flashes); or the paired device list is full (reset the headphones to factory settings to clear old pairings). If the issue persists, delete the headphones from your phone's paired devices list and re-pair from scratch.

How do I reset them to factory settings?

On the Major IV, hold the power button and volume-down button simultaneously for several seconds until the LED flashes red. On the Monitor II, hold the Bluetooth button for around ten seconds. The exact method varies by model — consult the instruction manual or Marshall's support page for your specific version. A factory reset clears all paired devices and resets EQ settings to default.

Can I use the app with older Marshall models?

The Marshall Bluetooth app is compatible with most wireless models from 2018 onwards. Older models (original Major Bluetooth, original Monitor Bluetooth) may not be fully supported for EQ and firmware features. Check Marshall's app compatibility page for your specific model. The app is free on both iOS and Android.

How do I update the firmware on Marshall headphones?

Open the Marshall Bluetooth app with the headphones connected. If a firmware update is available, you'll see a notification. Accept the update and keep the headphones connected and close to your phone until it completes — typically two to five minutes. Don't power off the headphones during an update. Firmware updates fix bugs and sometimes add features or improve battery management.

What EQ setting should I use?

The default Marshall EQ is V-shaped — boosted bass and treble, slightly recessed midrange. If this feels too bass-heavy, reduce the low-frequency band in the app. For a more neutral sound, reduce bass by 2–3 dB and boost mids slightly. For acoustic music or podcasts, a flatter response with slightly boosted mids will improve clarity. There is no single correct setting — experiment until the balance suits your listening preference.

Can I charge and listen simultaneously?

Yes. Most wireless Marshall models charge via USB-C and can be used while charging, either wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired via the 3.5 mm cable. The Major IV includes both options. Using the headphones while charging extends listening time indefinitely, though it does slow the charging rate slightly.

About Sophie Clarke

Sophie came up through Bristol's basement clubs and sound-system culture, and the city's low-end, bass-heavy heritage still shapes how she hears everything. She started out helping friends record demos on borrowed gear and never really stopped. Today she writes about electronic music, production and the kit that makes it.

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