Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Quick Start Guide
1. Setup
Download the Bowers & Wilkins Music app to set up and control your earbuds.
2. Device Pairing
Open the charging case to power on the earbuds. The light will flash blue to indicate pairing mode is active and turn solid blue when pairing is successful.
Tap & hold both buds for 3 seconds to pair additional devices.
Diagram: Charging case with earbuds inside, showing the Bowers & Wilkins logo and a circular indicator light. An arrow points to a circular indicator with a blue light, and an arrow points to a Bluetooth symbol.
3. Fitting
Try different tip sizes to ensure a good seal for best audio performance. For optimum call quality, the Bowers & Wilkins logo should be in line with your mouth.
Diagram: Close-up of an ear with an earbud being inserted, showing the Bowers & Wilkins logo. Arrows indicate the correct positioning. Three different ear tip sizes are shown. A microphone symbol is also depicted.
4. Controls
Tap either earbud to control playback and calls.
Left Earbud (L): Noise Cancelling / Pass-Through
Right Earbud (R): Voice Assistant
Customise tap & hold behaviour in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Diagram: Shows the earbuds with L and R markings. Icons represent play/pause (||), next track (►►|), previous track (◄◄), and call functions (phone symbol). A 1-second timer icon is also shown.
Charging
Place your earbuds in the case to charge them.
Use the supplied USB cable to charge your Pi8. The case also supports wireless charging.
Diagram: A charging case with earbuds inside, connected to a USB-C cable. Dotted circles surround the case, indicating wireless charging capability. A lightning bolt symbol is shown.
5. Bluetooth Connectivity
We recommend adding your earbuds to the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for detailed configuration and helpful tips. The app can also assist in pairing.
5.1 Pairing
Your Pi8 earbuds stream music wirelessly from Bluetooth audio devices. They must be paired first.
Your earbuds are ready to pair when removed from the charging case. The case LED will flash blue. If the earbuds are removed from the case during pairing, they remain in pairing mode.
To manually enable pairing mode (e.g., for a second device), tap and hold both earbuds for 3 seconds. This can be done with the earbuds in or out of the case.
If the earbuds are in the case, the case LED will flash blue. If the earbuds are worn, they will play a tone every 15 seconds.
Diagram: Shows three steps for pairing: 1. Tap and hold for 3 seconds. 2. A charging case with earbuds and a Bluetooth symbol. 3. A smartphone screen showing Bluetooth settings with 'Pi8' listed.
5.1.1 Apple iPhone
Install the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for guided pairing and configuration. Refer to section 6.
1. Place the case and earbuds within 10 cm (4 inches) of your iPhone with Bluetooth enabled.
2. Open the app and follow instructions to link your earbuds.
3. During the initial connection, you will be prompted to pair the earbuds as an audio accessory. Confirm the pairing.
4. If earbuds are in the case, the case LED will turn solid blue. If out of the case, a tone will indicate successful pairing.
5.1.2 Mac / PC / Android / Other Devices
1. Place the case and earbuds within 10 cm (4 inches) of your device with Bluetooth enabled.
2. Ensure earbuds are in pairing mode (see section 5.1).
3. Go to your device's Bluetooth pairing menu and select "Pi8".
4. If earbuds are in the case, the case LED will turn solid blue. If out of the case, a tone will indicate successful pairing.
Note: On Windows 10, Pi8 may appear as two profiles: Stereo and Hands-Free. The Hands-Free profile is used for calls.
5.2 Disconnect from a Device
Place the earbuds back in the case and close the lid to disconnect. Alternatively, use your device's Bluetooth settings.
5.3 Multiple Bluetooth Connections
Pi8 supports multipoint and can connect to two devices simultaneously. Repeat pairing steps for additional devices. Only one device can play audio or make calls at a time.
6. Bowers & Wilkins Music App
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app is free for iOS and Android devices. It offers extended setup, adjustments for Active Noise Cancellation, Pass-Through, Wear Sensors, connection management, and software updates.
To add your earbuds:
- Download and install the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
- Ensure your earbuds are powered on by opening the charging case or removing them.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions for notifications and permissions.
- The app should detect your earbuds and prompt you to set them up. Follow the in-app instructions.
- If your earbuds are not detected, go to Settings > Add product and follow the instructions.
6.1 Controlling Your Earbuds
The app provides access to features like battery status and environmental controls (Noise Cancellation/Pass-Through) on the homepage. Settings can be adjusted via the Settings page.
Environmental Controls:
- Noise Cancelling On
- Pass-Through On
- Noise Cancelling and Pass-Through Off
6.2 Earbud Software Update
Bowers & Wilkins periodically releases software updates to enhance performance and add features. Install updates via the app when available.
7. Wearing Your Earbuds
For optimal performance, ensure a good seal in your ear canal. Four eartip sizes are provided (extra small, small, medium, large). The earbuds come with medium tips fitted.
1. Identify the left (L) and right (R) earbuds.
2. Place each earbud in your ear and twist slightly backward to engage the tip comfortably.
3. Try different eartip sizes for the best fit.
The Bowers & Wilkins logo on each earbud should align with your mouth for optimal call quality. Each earbud has two microphones.
Diagram: Shows the L and R markings on the earbuds and their placement in the ear.
8. Media Streaming Using The Smart Charging Case
The charging case can wirelessly retransmit audio to your earbuds using a USB-C to 3.5mm (analogue) or USB-C to USB-C cable.
1. Remove earbuds from the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the supplied cable to the charging case and your source device.
3. Start playback on the source device.
4. Your Pi8 case will automatically transmit audio to the earbuds.
Note: For first-time USB audio streaming on a Mac, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Sound > Output and select "Bowers & Wilkins Pi8".
Note: The charging case only transmits audio from the analogue/USB source. Microphone signals from the earbuds are not transmitted back to the case.
9. Resetting/Troubleshooting
If your Pi8 earbuds or charging case stop working, try placing the earbuds in the charging case, closing the lid, and charging the case from a USB power source until the LED turns solid green. If the issue persists, perform a hardware reboot.
9.1 Reboot
To reboot the earbuds and charging case:
- Place the earbuds in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the recessed button next to the USB socket for 8-10 seconds. Use a rounded object (like a SIM card tool) to avoid damaging the case.
- Release the button when the case LED turns off. This ensures a reboot, not a factory reset.
If a reboot does not resolve the issue, try a factory reset.
9.2 Factory Reset
A factory reset clears paired device history and restores default settings.
To factory reset the earbuds and charging case:
- Place the earbuds in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the recessed button next to the USB socket for 3-5 seconds. Use a rounded object to avoid damaging the case.
- Release the button when the case LED starts flashing amber.
- The case LED will turn solid amber during the reset and then green when complete.
After resetting, delete the Pi8 from your device's Bluetooth list and re-pair them (refer to section 5.1).
10. Caring For Your Earbuds
Clean your earbuds and charging case with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use cleaning detergents, rubbing alcohol, or chemical cleaners, as this may damage the product.
12. Service/Support
For troubleshooting or questions, consult the Headphones Support section of the Bowers & Wilkins website: www.bowerswilkins.com.
Specifications
Technical Features | High-performance DSP with dedicated DSP and amplifier/DAC, True 24-bit audio connection, 5-band customisable EQ + TrueSound™ mode, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX™ Lossless technology, Multipoint connectivity, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Audio retransmission from charging case (aptX Adaptive), Wireless and USB-C charging, Fast charging support, Apple MFi Made For iPhone support |
---|---|
Wearing Style | In-ear noise cancelling true wireless earbuds |
Bluetooth Codecs | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Classic, AAC, SBC |
Microphones | 3 per earbud for telephony and ANC |
Drive Units | 12mm Carbon Cone |
Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion (earbuds and charging case) |
Battery Life* & Charging | Up to 6.5 hours for earbuds (with ANC on), Additional 13.5 hours from charging case. Charge time: 2 hours. 15-minute charge = 2 hours playback. (*Testing performed using pre-production hardware and software paired with a smartphone. Actual battery life differs based on device settings, environment, usage, and additional factors.) |
Wireless Charging Support | Yes |
Water Resistance | IP54 (earbuds) |
Inputs | Earbuds: Bluetooth, Charging case: USB-C & 3.5mm analogue jack (wireless audio retransmission via charging case) |
Accessories | Extra Small / Small / Medium / Large ear tips, 60cm USB-C to USB-C charging cable, 80cm 3.5mm jack to USB-C audio cable |
Dimensions | Charging case: 65mm (w) x 29mm (d) x 52mm (h) |
Weight | Earbuds: 7 g (each), Charging case: 46 g |
Finishes | Anthracite Black, Dove White, Jade Green, Midnight Blue |
Safety & Warranty
Please read and follow all safety instructions provided in the manual.
Terms and Conditions:
This warranty is valid for products purchased from an authorised Bowers & Wilkins retailer or dealer. It is valid for five years for passive loudspeakers and two years for powered loudspeakers, electronics, and headphones, with exclusions in certain countries. The warranty is limited to repair of the equipment. It is not transferable and is only valid for the original owner.
The warranty does not cover:
- Deterioration of component parts due to normal use (e.g., batteries, ear pads).
- Interoperability issues with third-party products unless specified.
- Damage caused by incorrect installation, connection, packing, or use other than as described in the user manual.
- Damage caused by negligence, modifications, or use of unauthorized parts.
- Damage caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment.
- Damage caused by accidents, lightning, water, fire, war, public disturbances, or other causes beyond reasonable control.
- Products with altered or illegible serial numbers.
- Repairs or modifications performed by unauthorized persons.
How to claim repairs under warranty:
- Find contact details on the Bowers & Wilkins website and select your country.
- Discuss your concerns with a representative. You may be given a Return Merchandise Authorisation.
- Do not return the product without authorisation. Provide proof of ownership and date of purchase.
Environmental Information:
This product complies with international directives including REACH and WEEE. Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on recycling or disposal.
Australia Warranty
Subject to the terms, Sound United will repair, replace, or refund defective Bowers & Wilkins products within the warranty period. This warranty is in addition to other consumer rights.
Eligibility:
- Must be the original purchaser.
- Provide proof of purchase.
- Defects must arise during normal domestic installation and use within the warranty period.
Exclusions:
- Misuse, accident, neglect, improper care, electrical fluctuations, software issues, incorrect assembly/installation, alterations, unauthorized service.
- Appearance items like cabinetry marks.
- Products with defaced or removed serial numbers.
- Claims made more than 21 days after the defect appears.
How to Claim:
- Attach proof of purchase and complete details.
- Contact Sound United by telephone or email.
- Deliver the product to an Authorised Service Centre.
You are responsible for any expenses incurred in claiming warranty.
Notice: Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply, including rights to replacement or refund for major failures.
Brand | Category | Warranty Period |
---|---|---|
Bowers & Wilkins | Headphones | 2 Years |
Bowers & Wilkins | Accessories | 1 Year |
Sound United Sales and Marketing, Suite 303, 754 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, 2067 New South Wales, Australia. Tel: +61 (2) 9196 8990. info-au.bw@soundunited.com
EU Declaration of Conformity
Bowers & Wilkins declares that this product complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU, 2011/65/EU, and amendment Directive (EU) 2015/863. The complete Declaration of Conformity can be found at www.bowerswilkins.com/compliance.
Declarations are also available in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Polish, Greek, Russian, Slovenian, and Swedish.
UK Declaration of Conformity
Bowers & Wilkins declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 and The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012. The complete Declaration of Conformity can be found at www.bowerswilkins.com/en-gb/compliance.
The manufacturer has complied with the applicable UK PSTI security requirements.
Additional Countries
USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: The product complies with the US portable RF exposure limit set forth for an uncontrolled environment and are safe for intended operation as described in this manual. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. These requirements set a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg averaged over 1 gram of tissue. The highest SAR value reported under this standard during product certification for use when properly worn on the head. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Canada
Industry Canada Statement: This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause interference.
- This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
L'émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économiques Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1. L'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2. L'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement. CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
ISED Radiation Exposure Statement: The product comply with the Canada portable RF exposure limit set forth for an uncontrolled environment and are safe for intended operation as described in this manual. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. These requirements set a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg averaged over 1 gram of tissue. The highest SAR value reported under this standard during product certification for use when properly worn on the head.
ISED Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations: Le produit est conforme aux limites d'exposition pour les appareils portables RF pour les Etats-Unis et le Canada établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Le produit est sûr pour un fonctionnement tel que décrit dans ce manuel. Cet émetteur ne doit pas être placé à côté de, ou fonctionner conjointement à, une autre antenne ou un autre émetteur. Ces exigences établissent une limite SAR de 1,6 W/kg pondéré sur 1 gramme de tissu. Il s'agit de la valeur SAR maximum déclarée en vertu de cette norme pendant la certification de produit pour son utilisation lorsqu'il est correctement porté sur la tête.
EU
CE SAR compliance Statements: End user must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. The portable device is designed to meet the requirements for exposure to radio waves established by European Union market. For earbuds: The SAR limit: 2.0 W/kg. The highest SAR value: 0.12 W/kg. For charging case: The SAR limit: 2.0 W/kg. The highest SAR value: 0.38 W/kg.
For EU
Frequency band(s): Bluetooth Tx & Rx: 2402MHz-2480MHz, Wireless Charging Rx: 114.8kHz-119kHz. Maximum RF output power: <15 dBm. H-field: -3.99dBuA/m at 10m.
The product model number (FCC)/HVIN(ISED), FCC ID and ISED certification number for each part are as below:
Individual Part | Pi8 Earbud | Pi8 Charging Case |
---|---|---|
Product Model Number/HVIN | PI8EB | P18C |
FCC Identifier | FCC ID: 2ACIX-PI8EB | FCC ID: 2ACIX-P18C |
ISED Certification Number | IC: 11946B-P18 |
South Korea
CMIIT ID can be found inside the charging case lid.
Case: Input rating: 5V/0.8A; Output rating: 5V/80mA x2. Earbud: Input rating: 5V/0.08A.
Taiwan
The applicant name is D&M Sales and Marketing Korea Co., Ltd.
China
CMIIT ID can be found inside the charging case lid.
Case: Input rating: 5V/0.8A; Output rating: 5V/80mA x2. Earbud: Input rating: 5V/0.08A.
Applicant name: D&M Sales and Marketing Korea Co., Ltd.
Note: The Made for Apple badge indicates the accessory is designed for Apple products and meets Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation or compliance of this device. Apple, iPhone, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.