Synchronizing Multi Device Switching on Bowers & Wilkins PI4 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Introduction

The Bowers & Wilkins PI4 Noise Cancelling Headphones are praised for their high‑fidelity sound, premium build and elegant design. What often gets less attention is the way they handle multiple Bluetooth connections. For anyone who works on a laptop, streams music from a phone, and takes calls on a tablet, the ability to switch seamlessly between devices without having to re‑pair each time is a real productivity boost. This guide walks through the entire process of synchronizing multi‑device switching on the PI4, explains the underlying technology, and offers practical tips to make the experience reliable and frustration‑free.

Why Multi‑Device Switching Matters

Modern work and leisure routines rarely revolve around a single gadget. A typical day might look like this:

• Morning commute – a podcast on a smartphone.
• At the desk – a video conference on a laptop.
• Lunch break – a quick game on a tablet.

Each activity requires a different audio source, but constantly digging into Bluetooth settings defeats the purpose of wearing premium headphones. When the PI4 can remember two devices and switch automatically, you stay in the flow, save battery, and keep the noise‑cancelling circuitry focused on delivering pristine sound.

Overview of the PI4 Multipoint Capabilities

The PI4 supports Bluetooth 5.2 with a dual‑chip architecture that enables true multipoint connectivity. In practical terms, this means the headphones can maintain active links with two devices at once. One link is designated as the primary audio source, while the second remains on standby ready to take over when needed. The transition is handled by the headsets’ firmware, which monitors connection quality, active audio streams and user actions such as answering a call.

Key points to remember:

• Up to two devices can be paired simultaneously.
• The headset prefers the device that is currently playing audio.
• Incoming calls on the secondary device will interrupt the primary audio and automatically switch.
• Switching back to the original source happens when the call ends or the primary device resumes playback.

Preparing Your Devices

Before you start pairing, make sure both devices meet the following criteria:

• Support Bluetooth 5.0 or newer – this ensures proper communication with the PI4.
• Have the latest operating system updates installed – manufacturers often improve Bluetooth stability in system updates.
• Bluetooth is turned on and the device is not already connected to another headset that might interfere.

If you are using an Android phone, iPhone, Windows laptop or macOS device, the steps below will work uniformly. iOS users should be aware that the system automatically reconnects to the most recent Bluetooth audio device, which aligns well with the PI4’s behavior.

Pairing the First Device

1. Put the PI4 into pairing mode. Press and hold the power button until the LED flashes blue and you hear the voice prompt “Bluetooth pairing”.
2. On your first device, open the Bluetooth settings and look for “Bowers & Wilkins PI4”. Tap to connect.
3. Once the connection is confirmed, you will hear a short tone and the LED will turn solid blue.

At this point the headphones are linked to a single device. All audio from this source will be routed through the PI4, and noise cancellation will be active.

Adding the Second Device

With the first device still connected, you can now add a second. The PI4’s firmware knows to keep the existing link alive while establishing a new one.

1. On the PI4, press the power button briefly – this toggles the multipoint discovery mode without breaking the current connection. You will hear a voice prompt “Ready to pair second device”.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on the second device and select “Bowers & Wilkins PI4”.
3. Confirm the pairing request if prompted.

When the second device connects, the LED will flash purple briefly before returning to solid blue. The headphones are now in multipoint mode, holding both connections in memory.

How Automatic Switching Works

The PI4 continuously monitors three signals to decide when to switch:

• Audio activity – If a device starts streaming music, the headset checks whether it is already playing from the other device. If not, it switches to the active source.
• Call status – An incoming call on either device triggers an immediate switch, regardless of current playback.
• Signal strength – If one link becomes weak (for example, you walk out of range of the laptop), the headset will favor the stronger connection.

Switching is seamless; there is no need to press any button on the headphones. The only audible cue is a brief tonal chime that indicates a hand‑off has occurred.

Tips for Reliable Switching

• Keep firmware up to date – Bowers & Wilkins releases OTA updates through the companion app. A recent update (v2.3.1) fixed a bug where the headset would sometimes ignore a call on the secondary device.
• Use the Bowers & Wilkins app – The app lets you assign a “primary” device, which the headset will prioritize when both are idle. This is useful if you always want the laptop to be the default source.
• Avoid simultaneous playback – If both devices try to play audio at the same time, the headset will favor the one that started first. Pause playback on the secondary device to prevent unexpected cut‑offs.
• Maintain a clear line of sight – Physical obstructions can degrade Bluetooth signals, causing the headset to misinterpret which device is in range. Position devices within a typical 10‑meter radius for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Headphones Won’t Switch to the Second Device

• Verify that the second device is still paired. Open Bluetooth settings and look for “Connected”.
• Restart Bluetooth on the secondary device – toggle it off and on again.
• If the problem persists, remove the PI4 from both devices and repeat the pairing process.

Audio Drops When Switching

• Check battery levels on both the headphones and the devices. Low battery can cause temporary signal loss.
• Ensure that no other Bluetooth peripherals (keyboard, mouse) are using the same frequency band heavily. Interference can be mitigated by turning off unused devices.

Calls Never Interrupt Music

• On iOS, go to Settings → Phone → Calls on Other Devices and make sure “Allow Calls on Other Devices” is enabled for the PI4.
• On Android, open the Phone app’s settings and enable “Incoming Call Notification” for Bluetooth devices.

Optimizing Battery Life While Using Multipoint

Multipoint connectivity uses a modest amount of extra power, but the impact is minimal compared to the headphones’ overall battery capacity. To maximize runtime:

• Enable the automatic power‑off feature after 30 minutes of inactivity – found in the app under “Idle Shut‑off”.
• Use the “Low Power Mode” toggle when you don’t need active noise cancellation.
• Keep the headphones in their charging case when not in use; the case provides a quick 5‑minute boost that lasts for an hour of playback.

Advanced Tweaks

Customizing Audio Profiles per Device

The Bowers & Wilkins app allows you to create distinct EQ presets for each paired device. For example, you might prefer a bass‑heavy profile for phone music and a flatter response for conference calls on the laptop. Assign the preset to the appropriate device in the “Device Settings” tab, and the headphones will switch the profile automatically during a hand‑off.

Using the Headphones with a Third Device

While the PI4 officially supports two simultaneous connections, you can temporarily connect a third device by disconnecting one of the existing links. To do this without re‑pairing:

1. Press the power button to place the headphones in single‑device mode – you will hear “Single device mode”.
2. Pair the third device as you would normally.
3. When you want to return to multipoint, repeat the “Add second device” steps.

Remember that frequent toggling between single and dual mode may slightly reduce battery health over long periods.

Real‑World Use Cases

Remote Worker – A freelancer uses a MacBook for video calls and a smartphone for music. With multipoint enabled, the PI4 automatically mutes the podcast when a Zoom call starts, then resumes playback when the call ends.

Student – A college student attends online lectures on a tablet while receiving group chat notifications on a phone. The headphones switch to the tablet during lecture audio, but instantly change to the phone when a friend calls, ensuring no missed conversations.

Traveler – On a long flight, a passenger watches a movie on a laptop, then switches to a language learning app on a phone. The PI4 detects the change in audio source and flips seamlessly, letting the traveler stay immersed without fiddling with Bluetooth menus.

These scenarios illustrate how the PI4’s multipoint feature turns a premium audio device into a true companion for a multi‑device lifestyle.

Conclusion

Synchronizing multi‑device switching on the Bowers & Wilkins PI4 Noise Cancelling Headphones is a straightforward process once you understand the underlying principles. By pairing two devices, using the companion app to fine‑tune preferences, and following a few best‑practice tips, you can enjoy uninterrupted audio across laptops, phones, tablets and more. The result is a smoother workflow, fewer distractions and a richer listening experience that lives up to the brand’s reputation for audio excellence.

Take the steps outlined in this guide, keep your firmware current, and let the PI4 handle the heavy lifting of Bluetooth management so you can focus on what matters most—whether that’s a crucial client call, a favorite playlist, or the next episode of a binge‑worthy series.