How to Wear Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones for a Secure Fit

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Shokz bone conduction headphones sit on your cheekbones, leaving your ears open. A secure, comfortable fit keeps them stable during runs, rides, and calls without the pressure that causes headaches. This guide walks you through positioning, adjusting, and troubleshooting so they stay put all day.

What You’ll Need

Your Shokz headphones (any model: OpenRun, OpenFit, OpenComm, etc.)
Optional: a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to check the band fit
Optional: a clean, dry cloth to wipe the contact points

Step-by-Step

Orient the headphones correctly. Hold them so the Shokz logo faces outward on each side. The control button (usually on the right earpiece) should be on your right side. The band should curve behind your head, not over the top.
Place the transducers on your cheekbones. Gently slide the headphones on so the round, vibrating transducers rest just in front of your ears, on the flat part of your cheekbone (about 1–2 cm from your ear canal). They should not sit on your ears or your jaw.
Adjust the band height. The band should rest comfortably on the top of your head or just behind it, depending on your head shape. If it slides down your neck, the band is too loose. If it presses hard on your skull, it’s too tight.
Tighten or loosen the band. Most Shokz models have a flexible titanium band. Gently bend the band inward to increase tension (for a smaller head) or outward to decrease tension (for a larger head). Make small adjustments—5–10 degrees at a time—and test the fit.
Check the contact points. The transducers should apply light, even pressure against your cheekbones. You should feel a slight vibration when music plays, but not a hard push. If you feel pressure only on one side, rotate the earpiece slightly until both sides feel equal.
Secure the band behind your head. The band should sit at the base of your skull, just above your neck. It should not be so loose that it bounces when you move your head, nor so tight that it leaves a mark.
Test with movement. Shake your head gently, then more vigorously. If the headphones shift, tighten the band slightly or reposition the transducers forward. If they stay put, you’re good.
Adjust for glasses or hats. If you wear glasses, place the temple arms over the band or under it, whichever feels more stable. For hats, put the band under the hat or over it, depending on your preference—just ensure the transducers still contact your skin.

Common Mistakes

Wearing them too far forward. If the transducers sit on your ears or the hinge of your jaw, sound will be faint and you’ll feel pressure on the wrong spot. Move them back toward your ears.
Wearing them too far back. If they rest on your neck or behind your ears, you’ll get weak vibration and poor sound. The transducers must be on the cheekbone, not on bone behind the ear.
Over-tightening the band. Bending the band too far inward can cause headaches and discomfort. Adjust gradually—a little goes a long way.
Ignoring one-sided pressure. If one side hurts, you may have the band twisted. Make sure the band is flat against your head, not angled.
Wearing them over thick hair. Bone conduction works best when the transducers touch skin directly. If you have thick hair, part it or tuck it behind your ears so the transducers make contact.

Tips

Start with the factory setting. Before bending the band, try the default shape. Many people find it fits without any adjustment.
Use the “two-finger� test. You should be able to slide two fingers between the band and your head. If it’s tighter than that, loosen it.
Adjust during a workout. Your head may swell slightly during exercise, so re-check the fit after 10 minutes of activity.
Clean the contact points regularly. Sweat and oils reduce friction and can cause slipping. Wipe the transducers with a dry cloth after each use.
Store them flat. When not in use, keep the headphones in their case or on a flat surface to maintain the band’s shape.

Troubleshooting

They keep falling off. Tighten the band by bending it inward. If they still fall, you may have the wrong size—Shokz offers different sizes for different head shapes. Consider a smaller size if available.
They feel too tight and cause headaches. Loosen the band by bending it outward. Also check that the transducers are on your cheekbones, not on your temples. If headaches persist, take a break and re-adjust.
Sound is faint or weak. The transducers are not making full contact. Move them slightly forward or backward until you feel the vibration clearly. Also make sure the volume is turned up on your device.
Only one side produces sound. Check that the earpiece is fully seated on your cheekbone. If the issue persists, the headphones may need charging or servicing—consult the manual.
They slide when you sweat. Wipe your skin and the transducers dry. You can also try wearing a sweatband or headband to keep them in place.
The band is bent out of shape. Gently bend it back to the original curve. If it’s severely deformed, contact Shokz support for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Shokz headphones work if I wear glasses?

Yes. Place the temple arms either over or under the band—whichever feels more stable. The transducers should still contact your skin.

Can I wear them with a helmet or hat?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the band position. For helmets, put the band under the helmet. For hats, try both under and over to see which keeps the transducers in contact.

How tight should the band be?

It should be snug enough that the headphones don’t move when you shake your head, but not so tight that it leaves a mark or causes pain. You should be able to fit two fingers between the band and your head.

Why do they hurt my ears?

They shouldn’t touch your ears at all. If they do, you’re wearing them too far forward. Move them back so the transducers sit on your cheekbones, not on your ears.

Can I bend the band to fit my head?

Yes, the titanium band is designed to be bendable. Make small adjustments and test frequently to avoid over-bending.

How do I know if I have the right size?

If the headphones slide off or feel too tight after adjusting, you may need a different size. Shokz offers multiple sizes for some models—check the product page for sizing guides.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.