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The Fairbuds XL headphones provide premium sound that is sustainably designed with care for people and planet. The Fairbuds XL are made from fair and recycled materials, with a design to last you a long time and easily repair if it's ever needed. To learn more about how we designed the Fairbuds XL to be fair and climate conscious, click here. Fairbuds XL provide you with: Superior sound quality and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC).Two-point Bluetooth connection.A battery that can last up to 30 hours.Sweat and weather resistance with an IP54 certification.Sound app compatibility.

Fairbuds XL
User Guide, FAQ's,
Troubleshooting

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How to turn Fairbuds XL On/Off

Push and hold the joystick at the back of the right earcap for 3 seconds. You'll hear a sound when the headphones power on or power off.

 

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How to charge Fairbuds XL

The Fairbuds XL charge when connected with a standard USB-C cable. You can find a charging (and analog listening) cable on the Fairphone Online Shop.​

We recommend a power output of 5V - 0.5A.

The battery has a 750mAh capacity and is located in the Left Speaker.Battery life: 26 hours (with ANC activated) and 30 hours with ANC off.Charging time: 2.5 hours for a full charge.

 

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How to connect via Bluetooth

You can connect the headphones to your phone or any other device via Bluetooth

 

In general, the Fairbuds XL are compatible with any device with Bluetooth using codecs ACC, SBC, APTX and APTX HD. They support Bluetooth version 5.1 (not Bluetooth LE).

 

The Fairbuds XL are compatible with all Fairphones, even Fairphone 1, as well as other brands.

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How to pair with a new device

  1. Turn on the Fairbuds XL by pushing in the joystick toggle and holding for 3 seconds

  2. (On Android) Open the Bluetooth menu via Settings → Connected devices → Pair new device.

  3. The earbuds should automatically show up as Fairbuds XL.

  4. Tap Fairbuds XL to connect. You will hear a voice notification via the headphones that says Connected. After pairing the first time, you can switch off your Fairbuds XL and when turning them on again they will automatically connect.

 

If you can not pair your headphones, make sure they are not linked to another active device. If so, disconnect them by turning off Bluetooth on the device or even unpair the device(s).

 

With dual point connectivity, you can connect up to two devices simultaneously.

 

Just press the ANC button for 3 seconds again, until you hear that familiar “Pairing Mode" prompt, then select the Fairbuds XL on your device to switch seamlessly between your two connected devices.

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How to unpair your Fairbuds XL

To clear the pairing records or reset your Fairbuds XL:

 

  1. (On Android) Open the Bluetooth menu via Settings → Connected devices → Press the cogwheel to the right of Fairbuds XL. Press Forget and confirm.

  2. To reset all settings on the headphones, press and hold the joystick button to the right for 5 seconds until you hear the confirmation. In case of issues (like mono instead of stereo): please unpair the headphones and pair them again.

 

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How to connect via cable

If you prefer to use the headphones via cable, you can use a data-transfer USB-C cable. Wired listening does not require a charged battery.

 

  1. Connect the cable to the USB-C connector at the bottom of the right earcap.

  2. Connect the other side of the cable to the other device. If needed, use a USB-C to audio jack adapter. If the headphones aren't playing any sound, make sure they aren't connected via Bluetooth. You can turn off Bluetooth on your device or disconnect the device and headphones, so they communicate via the cable instead.

 

Note:

Some control features may not work if the headphones are not paired by Bluetooth.

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Fairbuds XL Controls

You can control your Fairbuds XL via the joystick and ANC buttons.

 

Controlling Calls

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To accept and hang up calls, use the joystick button:

 

  • Press once to answer an incoming call.

  • Press and hold for 2 seconds to hang up an ongoing call.

 

Controlling Audio (music, podcasts)

 

To control audio, use the joystick button:

 

  • Press once to the right for the next song.

  • Press once to the left for the previous song.

  • Press the center of the joystick once to pause the audio.

  • Press the center of the joystick again to resume playback.

 

Adjusting Volume

 

To adjust the volume, use the joystick button:

 

  • Press and hold up to increase the volume.

  • Press and hold down to decrease the volume.

 

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

 

The Fairbuds XL have a dedicated button to drown out all distractions if things get a little noisy. Actively cancel out the noise with the ANC button above the joystick on the right earcap. A crisp “Noise-canceling” voice prompt will notify you of the active noise cancellation kicking in.

 

Press on the ANC button to switch to one of three different noise-canceling modes:

  1. Activate noise-canceling (ANC activated) - ambient noise is canceled out.

  2. Ambient Sound (Voice through) - keeps important sounds audible.

  3. Active noise-canceling off - (ANC off).

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What are the Technical Specifications (tech specs) of the Fairbuds XL?

  • Battery capacity: 750 mAh

  • Battery duration: 26 hours (ANC On) and 30 hours (ANC Off)

  • ANC: >35dB

  • Spare parts: battery, earcap, headphone buttons, headband, ear cushion, speaker

  • Bluetooth Range: 10-20m

  • Bluetooth & codes: Bluetooth 5.1 - AAC, SBC, APTX HD

  • IP Rating: IP54

  • Weight: 315g

  • Portability: foldable

  • Dual point connectivity: Connect up to 2 devices simultaneously via Bluetooth

  • Smart assistant: Google, Siri

  • Connector: USB C

  • Driver size: 40mm

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Why have you launched Fairbuds XL?

Fairphone is changing the industry from within. It's our mission to establish a viable market for sustainable consumer electronics. We also recognize the demand and changing technology on the market. Many of the same problems around e-waste and issues in the supply chain that we see with smartphones, also apply to audio products.With the launch of Fairbuds XL, we are bringing sustainability to the headphone category. This means that we are incorporating our known core features and are raising the bar on impact for people and planet once again.

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What warranty do you offer on the headphones?

There is a standard 2-year warranty on the headphones. The warranty covers all structural parts but excludes the vegan-leather headband, the ear cushions and the battery. That said, due to the modular design and the repairability, we expect the headphones to last a lot longer than two years.

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Which repairs / damages are covered by the warranty?

All manufacturing issues are covered.

User-induced damages are not covered, but we are happy to help out and offer spare parts that are easily available.

The warranty covers all structural parts, but excludes the vegan leather headband/ear cushions and the battery.

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Can I use the headphones with an audio cable/without using Bluetooth?

Yes, you can! If you don't have a compatible cable or a USB-C to audio jack transformer, you can buy them in our webshop.

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Can I use the headphones without a battery?

You can use them with a cable when they run out of battery or if you remove the battery. Note that the ANC functionality is active and will not work without a battery, as it needs the headphones to be turned on.

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I cannot be heard

Step 1: Charge and turn on your Fairbuds XL

 

Your Fairbuds XL charge when connected to a standard USB-C cable. We recommend a power output of at least 5V - 0.5A.

 

  1. Make sure one end of the USB cable is firmly plugged into a power source.

  2. Make sure the USB-C end of the cable is firmly plugged into the USB-C connector at the bottom of the right ear cap.

  3. Push and hold the joystick at the back of the right earcap for 3 seconds, until the notification light next to the joystick turns white. You'll hear a Power On sound if the headphones have turned on.

 

Step 2: Check your Bluetooth audio settings

 

On a Fairphone, you can do this by going to:

 

  1. Settings → Connected devices → Fairbuds XL → Tap the Gear/Settings icon.

  2. Turn on Phone calls and Media audio.

  3. Check if the issue has gone.

 

If you're not connected to a Fairphone, refer to the support pages for the device that can't connect.

 

Step 3: Test your Fairbuds XL with at least one other smartphone or Bluetooth device

 

  1. Turn on your Fairbuds XL by pushing in the joystick toggle and holding for 3 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

 

Step 4: Reset your Fairbuds XL and connect them again

 

  1. Reset your Fairbuds XL by pressing and holding the joystick button to the right for 5 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone. ​

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com​

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

I cannot hear anything/I hear badly

Step 1: Charge and turn on your Fairbuds XL

 

Your Fairbuds XL charge when connected to a standard USB-C cable. We recommend a power output of at least 5V - 0.5A.

 

  1. Make sure one end of the USB cable is firmly plugged into a power source.

  2. Make sure the USB-C end of the cable is firmly plugged into the USB-C connector at the bottom of the right ear cap.

  3. Push and hold the joystick at the back of the right earcap for seconds, until the notification light next to the joystick turns white. You'll hear a Power On sound if the headphones have turned on.

 

Step 2: Check the Speaker-to-Speaker Cable

 

Make sure the speaker-to-speaker cable is well connected.

 

  1. Check our Support Article to see where to find the speaker-to-speaker cable.

  2. Remove the USB-C speaker-to-speaker cable from each side by gently unplugging it from the sockets.

  3. Reinsert the USB-C speaker-to-speaker cable by gently lifting the connectors and firmly plugging it back into each socket.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

 

Step 3: Check your Bluetooth audio settings

 

On a Fairphone, you can do this by going to:

 

  1. Settings → Connected devices → Fairbuds XL → Tap the Gear/Settings icon.

  2. Turn on Phone calls and Media audio.

  3. Check if the issue has gone.

 

If you're not connected to a Fairphone, refer to the support pages for the device that can't connect.

 

Step 4: Test your Fairbuds XL with at least one other smartphone or Bluetooth device

 

  1. Turn on your Fairbuds XL by pushing in the joystick toggle and holding for 3 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

 

Step 5: Reset your Fairbuds XL and connect them again

 

  1. Reset your Fairbuds XL by pressing and holding the joystick button to the right for 5 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

I hear strange noises/sounds

Step 1: Reset your Fairbuds XL and connect them again

 

  1. Reset your Fairbuds XL by pressing and holding the joystick button to the right for 5 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

 

Step 2: Try a different device and cable

 

If the issue happens when connected via Bluetooth, connect your Fairbuds XL to another device and test again.

 

If you are using your Fairbuds XL with a USB-C or AUX cable, it's possible that the problem comes from the cable. Follow these steps to check this:

 

  • Make sure the cable is properly connected. Unplug each end of the cable and press firmly to re-insert it.

  • Use the same cable to connect the Fairbuds XL to a different device. If this works, it means the audio port of the first device might malfunction or is not compatible.

  • Test with a different cable. If this helps, your cable might be malfunctioning and you need to replace it. If your cable works with other devices, but not the Fairbuds XL, then there is a compatibility issue

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

I cannot use the controls

Step 1: Recharge the Fairbuds XL

 

Connect one end of a USB-C cable to the right speaker, and insert the opposite end into a charging adapter. The Fairbuds XL take approximately 2.5 hours to charge from 0% to 100%. When plugged in and charging, the indicator light next to the charging port will shine in red. When the Fairbuds XL are fully charged, the red light will turn off and a light on the other side of the charging port will shine in green.

 

Step 2: Reset your Fairbuds XL and connect them again

 

  1. Reset your Fairbuds XL by pressing and holding the joystick button to the right for 5 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

The Fairbuds XL do not charge/turn on

Step 1: Try a different charger/cable

 

It is possible that the charger or cable you're using is malfunctioning. To check this:

 

Try to charge the Fairbuds or Fairbuds XL with at least one more charger and cable.

 

Use each charger and cable to charge a different device that uses USB-C, like a smartphone or another pair of headphones. If those devices don't charge as well, it means the problem is in the charger or cable.If you are charging from a computer or laptop, try charging from a wall outlet.

 

Step 2: Check the USB-C port

 

Make sure the USB port of the Fairbuds or Fairbuds XL is not too dirty or full of lint. If dirty, we suggest cleaning it by giving it a quick spray with a compressed air can. Alternatively, you can try to push out lint with a sharp plastic or wooden pick.

 

Be careful not to damage the USB connector - such damage is not covered by our warranty

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

The Fairbuds XL battery drains fast

Fully discharge and recharge the Fairbuds XL

 

Use your Fairbuds XL until the battery runs out. When it reaches 0%, they will turn off automatically.

 

Next, charge them to 100%. The Fairbuds XL take approximately 2.5 hours to charge from 0% to 100%. When plugged in and charging, the indicator light next to the charging port will shine in red.

 

When the Fairbuds XL are fully charged, the red light will turn off and a light on the other side of the charging port will shine in green.

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

I cannot connect via bluetooth

Step 1: Charge your Fairbuds XL

 

Your Fairbuds XL charge when connected with a standard USB-C cable. We recommend a power output of at least 5V - 0.5A.

 

  1. Make sure the USB cable is firmly plugged into a power source.

  2. Make sure the USB-C cable is firmly plugged into the USB-C connector at the bottom of the right earcap.

  3. Push and hold the joystick at the back of the right earcap for 3 seconds, until the notification light next to the joystick turns white. You'll hear a Power On sound if the headphones have turned on.


Step 2: Connect to a different device

 

Test the Fairbuds XL with at least one other smartphone or Bluetooth device.

 

  1. Turn on the Fairbuds XL by pushing in the joystick and holding for 3 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

 

If your Fairbuds XL can connect to another device, refer to the support pages for the device that can't connect. For help connecting to a Fairphone, check our Support Article

 

Step 3: Reset your Fairbuds XL and connect them again

 

  1. Reset your Fairbuds XL by pressing and holding the joystick button to the right for 5 seconds.

  2. Press the Active Noise Cancelling button (next to the joystick) for 3 seconds, until you hear the Pairing Mode sound.

  3. On your smartphone or Bluetooth device, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled, and select Fairbuds XL from the list of devices.

  4. Check if the issue has gone.

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Still having problems? Contact us at fairphonesupport@icemobility.com

**If you purchased your product less than 30 days ago, please contact the place of purchase for warranty and returns support.

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