Model: CX 120BT

In-Ear Wireless

Instruction manual

Use the search function, the navigation (left) or the following links:
Start
“Product overview”
“Getting started”
“Using the headphones”
“FAQ/If a problem occurs ...”
“Specifications”

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG

Am Labor 1
30900 Wedemark
Germany
www.sennheiser.com

Version: 09/20 A01

Important safety instructions

Important safety instructions

▷ Read this instruction manual carefully and completely before
using the product.
▷ Always include this instruction manual when passing the product
on to third parties.
▷ Do not use the product if it is obviously defective or makes loud,
unusual (whistling or beeping) noise.
▷ Only use the product in environments where Bluetooth wireless
transmission is permitted.

Preventing damage to health and accidents

▷ Protect your hearing from high volume levels. Permanent
hearing damage may occur when headphones are used
at high volume levels for long periods of time. Sennheiser
headphones sound exceptionally good at low and medium volume
levels.
▷ The product generates stronger permanent magnetic
fields that could cause interference with cardiac pace-
makers, implanted defibrillators (ICDs) and other
implants. Always maintain a distance of at least 3.94"/10 cm
between the product component containing the magnet and the
cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implant.
▷ Do not insert the earphones too deep into your ears and never
insert them without ear adapters. Always remove the earphones
slowly and carefully from your ears.
▷ Keep the product, accessories and packaging parts out of reach
of children and pets to prevent accidents. Swallowing and chok-
ing hazard.
▷ Do not use the product in an environment that requires your spe-
cial attention (e.g. in traffic or when performing skilled jobs).

Preventing damage to the product and malfunctions

▷ Always keep the product dry and do not expose it to extreme tem-
peratures (hairdryer, heater, extended exposure to sunlight, etc.)
to avoid corrosion or deformation.
▷ Use only attachments/accessories/spare parts supplied or rec-
ommended by Sennheiser.
▷ Clean the product only with a soft, dry cloth.

Safety instructions for Lithium-Polymer rechargeable batteries

WARNING
If abused or misused, the rechargeable batteries may leak.
In extreme cases, they may even present a risk of:
• explosion,
• fire development,
• heat generation,
• smoke or gas development.

2 | CX 120BT
Important safety instructions

Only use rechargeable batteries and chargers

recommended by Sennheiser.

Charge products with built-in rechargeable batteries at

ambient temperatures between 10 and 40°C/50 and
104°F.
Do not heat above 60 °C/140 °F, e.g. do not expose to
sunlight or throw into fire.

When not using the product for extended periods of

time, charge its built-in rechargeable battery regularly
(about every 3 months).
Switch rechargeable battery-powered products off after
use.

Dispose of defective products with built-in rechargeable

batteries at special collection points or return them to
your specialist dealer.

Notes on data collection and processing

This product stores individual settings such as the volume and the
Bluetooth addresses of paired devices. This data is required for the
operation of the product and is not transferred to Sennheiser or com-
panies commissioned by Sennheiser and is not processed.

Intended use/Liability
These headphones have been designed as an accessory for Blue-
tooth compliant devices. They are intended for wireless audio com-
munication such as music playback and phone calls via Bluetooth
wireless technology.
It is considered improper use when the product is used for any appli-
cation not named in the corresponding product documentation.
Sennheiser does not accept liability for damage arising from misuse
or improper use of this product and its attachments/accessories.
Sennheiser is not liable for damages to USB devices that are not con-
sistent with the USB specifications. Sennheiser is not liable for dam-
ages resulting from the loss of connection due to flat or overaged
rechargeable batteries or exceeding the Bluetooth transmission
range.
Before putting into operation, please observe the respective coun-
try-specific regulations.

CX 120BT | 3
Package contents

Package contents

Earphones

USB charging cable with micro-USB and

USB-A connector

Silicone ear adapter set in the following sizes:

S, M (pre-mounted upon delivery) and L

/
Quick guide/Safety Guide

Online you can find:

• this detailed instruction manual and additional information
(www.sennheiser.com/download)
You can find a list of accessories on the CX 120BT product page
at www.sennheiser.com. Contact your local Sennheiser part-
ner: www.sennheiser.com > „Service & Support“.

4 | CX 120BT
Product overview

Product overview
Model: CX 120BT

1 4
5
6
7

8 9
2

Earphones

Bluetooth antenna (not visible)

Cable holder

Volume + button / track +

Multi-function button

Volume - button / track -

LED

Micro-USB input

Cover for USB socket

Overview of the LED display

During operation

CX 120BT | 5
Product overview

LED Meaning; the headphones

lights up red are being charged

lights up blue are fully charged

flashes blue are switched on

flashes red-blue are in Bluetooth pairing mode

flashes blue Bluetooth pairing successful

flashes red Bluetooth pairing failed

are connected to a device via Blue-
flashes blue
tooth
flashes red are switched off

During phone calls

LED Meaning

flashes purple Incoming call

Incoming call and the rechargeable

flashes red battery of the headphones is almost
empty

If the LED does not light up immediately during charging, clean

the charging contacts and charge the headphones until the
LED lights up again (> 9).

Notes on voice prompts

The headphones output voice prompts for the following functions.
Using the Smart Control app, you can change the language of the
voice prompts, choose between voice prompts and beep sounds, or
deactivate the status messages with a few exceptions (e.g.
rechargeable battery is empty).

Voice prompt Meaning/headphones

“Power on” are switched on
“Power off” are switched off
“Device (1) (2) connected” are connected to device 1 or 2
“Lost connection” are not connected via Bluetooth
“Pairing” are in Bluetooth pairing mode
“Pairing successful” Bluetooth pairing successful
“Pairing failed” Bluetooth pairing failed
“Call rejected” incoming call rejected
“Call ended” call ended
“Redialing” redials the last dialed number
“Voice dialing” Voice dialing is activated

6 | CX 120BT
Product overview

Voice prompt Meaning/headphones

“Mute on” Microphone is muted, active call is
put on hold
“Mute off” Microphone is reactivated
“Recharge headset” Rechargeable battery is empty.
Recharge the headphones.

CX 120BT | 7
Getting started

Getting started
1. Charging the rechargeable battery
The headphones' rechargeable battery is not fully charged upon
delivery. Before using the headphones for the first time, charge the
rechargeable battery for a complete charging cycle without interrup-
tion (> 9).

Micro-USB USB-A

2. Connecting the headphones to a Bluetooth

device
Connect the headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth (> 9).

Hold
4s

ON

3. Selecting suitable ear adapters for optimum

fit of the headphones

S M L
M
M

The perceived sound quality and bass performance depends to a

large extent on the correct fit of the headphones in the ear.
▷ Test which ear adapter size gives you the best sound quality and
the best wearing comfort.
▷ You can choose between 3 different ear adapters in size S, M and
L.
The ear adapters must fit snugly in the ear canal and completely seal
your ears (> 12).

8 | CX 120BT
Using the headphones

Using the headphones

Information on the rechargeable battery

and the charging process
The headphones have a built-in rechargeable battery. A complete
charging cycle takes approx. 1.5 hours. Before using the headphones
for the first time, charge the rechargeable battery for a complete
charging cycle without interruption.
When the headphones are being charged, the LED lights up (> 5).
Sennheiser recommends using the supplied USB cable and a com-
patible standard USB power supply for charging the headphones.

Charging the headphones' rechargeable

battery

1,5 HRS

Micro-USB

USB-A

1. Connect the micro-USB connector of the USB cable to the micro-USB

socket of the headphones.
2. Connect the USB-A connector to a corresponding socket of a USB
power source (to be ordered separately). Make sure that the USB
power source is connected to the power supply system.
The charging process of the headphones begins. The LED displays
the charge status:

LED Meaning
lights up red Rechargeable battery is being charged

lights up blue Rechargeable battery is fully charged

Connecting the headphones to a

Bluetooth device
To be able to use the Bluetooth wireless connection, you must regis-
ter both devices (headphones and e.g. smartphone) via the device
settings of your smartphone. This process is called pairing.
If operation differs from the steps mentioned, also refer to the
instruction manual of the Bluetooth device you are using.

CX 120BT | 9
Using the headphones

If you switch on the headphones for the first time, they auto-
matically switch to pairing mode.

Information on the Bluetooth wireless

connection
The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 4.2.
If your audio source supports aptX audio encoding, music is auto-
matically played in high audio quality: Otherwise the headphones
will play your music in normal audio quality (SBC).
Paired devices establish the Bluetooth wireless connection immedi-
ately after switch-on and are ready for use.
On switch-on, the headphones automatically try to connect to the
last two connected Bluetooth devices. The headphones can save the
connection profiles of up to eight Bluetooth devices with which they
have been paired.
If you pair the headphones with the ninth Bluetooth device, the saved
connection profile of the least used Bluetooth device will be over-
written. If you want to re-establish a connection with the overwritten
Bluetooth device, you have to pair the headphones again.

Paired and connected Bluetooth device

Paired Bluetooth device (currently not connected)

10 | CX 120BT
Using the headphones

Pairing the headphones with a Bluetooth

device
1. Switch the headphones on (> 13) and place them close to the
Bluetooth device (max. 20 cm).
2. Press and hold the multi-function button for 4 seconds.
You hear the voice prompt “power on” and a beep sound. The LED
flashes blue and red. The earphones are in pairing mode.
3. Activate Bluetooth on your Bluetooth device.
4. Via the menu of your Bluetooth device, start the search for new
Bluetooth devices.
All active Bluetooth devices in the proximity of your Bluetooth
device are displayed.
5. From the list of found Bluetooth devices, select “CX 120BT”. If
necessary, enter the default pin code “0000”.
If pairing was successful, you hear the voice prompt “Connected”.
The LED flashes blue 3x.

1 ON 2

Hold
2s Hold
ON
4s
“Pairing“

< 20 cm

3 4 5

“Pairing
successful“
3x
Menu Menu CX 120BT
Bluetooth on Add Device
Bluetooth off “Connected“
3x

If no connection is established within 5 minutes, pairing mode

is terminated and the headphones switch off. If necessary,
repeat the steps described above.

Disconnecting the headphones from a

Bluetooth device
▷ Via the menu of your Bluetooth device, disconnect the connection
to the headphones.
The headphones are disconnected from the Bluetooth device.
You hear the voice prompt “Lost connection”. The headphones
then search for other paired devices. If no device is found within
5 minutes, the headphones switch to idle mode.

CX 120BT | 11
Using the headphones

Selecting suitable ear adapters for

optimum fit of the headphones
S M L

The perceived sound quality and bass performance of the head-

phones depends to a large extent on their correct fit in the ear.
▷ Pull the ear adapter away from the in-ear sound tunnel.
▷ Mount the new ear adapter to the in-ear sound tunnel. Ensure that
it locks into place.
▷ Test which ear adapter size gives you the best sound quality and
the best wearing comfort.
You can choose between 3 different ear adapters in size S, M and L.
The ear adapters must fit snugly in the ear canal and completely seal
your ears.

12 | CX 120BT
Using the headphones

Wearing the headphones

1 2

▷ You can wear the headphones with the cables either behind your
head or in front.
▷ Assign the right earphone to your right ear and the left earphone
to your left ear.
▷ Press the earphones lightly into the ear canal.
▷ Adjust the cable holder.
If the earphones fit too loose in the ear canal and fall out easily:
▷ Try larger ear adapters.

If you feel immediate pressure when wearing the earphones:

▷ Try smaller ear adapters.

Switching the headphones on

WARNING
Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels!
Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent
hearing defects.
▷ Before putting the headphones on, adjust the volume
to a low level (> 15).
▷ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume
levels.

ON
3x

“Power on“

Hold
3x
2s
“ Connected“

CX 120BT | 13
Using the headphones

▷ Press the multi-function button for 2 seconds.

The headphones switch on. You hear the voice prompt “Power on”
and the LED display flashes blue 3x.
If a paired Bluetooth device is within the transmission range, you
hear the voice prompt “Device (1) connected”. The LED flashes
blue 3x.

Make sure that Bluetooth is already activated on your Blue-

tooth device when switching on the headphones.

If Bluetooth is activated and the headphones cannot find a

paired Bluetooth device within a few minutes, you hear the
voice prompt “Lost connection”. The LED flashes red. The
headphones switch to standby mode.

Switching the headphones off

OFF

3x
Hold “Power off“

4s

▷ Press the multi-function button for 4 seconds.

You hear the voice prompt “Power off” and the LED flashes red 3x.

The headphones automatically switch to idle mode if no paired

Bluetooth device can be found within 5 minutes. You can wake
up the headphones from idle mode by pressing the multi-func-
tion button for approx. 3 seconds.

Retrieving information on the battery

charge status
You can check the remaining play and talk time when the head-
phones are in idle mode, are not actively playing music, or are not
used for making calls.
▷ Press the volume - button/track -.

Voice prompt Meaning

“Recharge headset” The rechargeable battery is empty.
Recharge the rechargeable battery (>
9).
In addition, the LED flashes red.
“Below 1 hour play time” Battery is less than 10% charged. In
addition, the LED flashes red.
“Between 1 and 2 hours Battery is less than 20% charged. In
play time” addition, the LED lights up red.

14 | CX 120BT
Using the headphones

Voice prompt Meaning

“Between 2 and 4 hours Battery is less than 50% charged. In
play time” addition, the LED lights up purple.
“Between 4 and 6 hours Battery is more than 50% charged. In
play time” addition, the LED lights up blue.

Adjusting the volume

WARNING
Danger of hearing damage due to high volume levels!
Listening at high volume levels can lead to permanent
hearing defects.
▷ Before putting the headphones on and before toggling
between audio sources, adjust the volume to a low
level.
▷ Do not continuously expose yourself to high volume
levels.

You can adjust the volume for music, voice prompts, and phone calls.
▷ If you are playing music or are on a call: Press the volume + or -
button to increase or reduce the volume.
When the maximum or minimum volume is reached, you hear an
alert tone.

You can also adjust the volume using the connected Bluetooth
device.

CX 120BT | 15
Using the headphones

Controlling the music playback

The music playback functions are only available when the head-
phones and the device are connected via Bluetooth. Some smart-
phones or music players may not support all functions.

Playing/pausing music
▷ Press the multi-function button 1x.

Multi-function button Function

Press 1x Plays or pauses music

Playing the next track

▷ Press the volume + button/track + for 1 second.

Volume + button/track + Function

Hold for Plays the next track in the playlist
1 sec

Playing the previous track

▷ Press the volume - button/track - for 1 second.

Volume - button/track - Function

Hold for Plays the previous track in the playlist
1 sec

Making phone calls using the headphones

The call functions are only available when the headphones and the
smartphone are connected via Bluetooth. Some smartphones may
not support all functions.
The multi-function button allows you to control the call functions.

Making a call
▷ Dial the desired number on your smartphone.
If your smartphone does not automatically transfer the call to the
headphones, select “CX 120BT” as the audio source on your
smartphone (see the instruction manual of your smartphone if
necessary).

16 | CX 120BT
Using the headphones

Accepting/rejecting/ending a call
If your headphones are connected to a smartphone and you receive
a call, you hear a ring tone in the headphones and the LED flashes
purple.
If you are playing music when you receive a call, the music pauses
until you end the call.

Multi-function button Function

Press 1x
Accepts a call

Press 1x Ends a call

Voice prompt “Call ended”
Hold for 1 sec
Rejects a call
Voice prompt “Call rejected”

Press 1x Accepts an incoming call and ends

the active call

Press 2x Puts the active call on hold and

accepts an incoming call

Press 2x Toggles between active call and call

on hold

Hold for 1 sec

Rejects an incoming call and contin-
ues the active call

Muting the microphone

To mute the headphones' microphone during a call:
▷ Press the multi-function button 2x.
The microphone is muted. You hear the voice prompt “Mute on”.
To continue the call and reactivate the microphone:
▷ Press the multi-function button 2x.
The microphone is reactivated. You hear the voice prompt “Mute
off”.
Transferring a call to/from the headphones
When a connection is established, you can transfer the call from the
headphones to the smartphone or from the smartphone to the head-
phones.
▷ Press the multi-function button for 1 second respectively.

CX 120BT | 17
Using the headphones

Redialing
You can only use this function when the headphones are not actively
playing music or are used for making calls.
▷ To do so, press the multi-function button 2x.
You hear the voice prompt “Redialing”.
▷ Press the multi-function button 1x to cancel redialing.
You hear the voice prompt “Call ended”.

Voice control
You can only use this function when the headphones are not used for
making calls.
1. Press the multi-function button 3x.
You hear the voice prompt “Voice dialing”.
2. Say your voice command, such as “Call Jane“.
The Bluetooth smartphone calls Jane.

18 | CX 120BT
Care and maintenance

Care and maintenance

CAUTION
Liquids can damage the electronics of the product!
Liquids entering the housing of the product can cause a short-circuit
and damage the electronics.
▷ Keep all liquids far away from the product.
▷ Do not use any solvents or cleansing agents.

▷ Clean the product only with a soft, dry cloth.

Replacing the ear adapters

For reasons of hygiene, you should replace your ear adapters from
time to time. Spare ear adapters are available from your Sennheiser
partner.
1. Pull the ear adapter away from the in-ear sound tunnel.
2. Mount the new ear adapter to the in-ear sound tunnel. Ensure that
it locks into place.

S M L

Information on the built-in rechargeable

battery
Sennheiser ensures and guarantees that the rechargeable batteries
perform at their optimum upon purchase of the product. If, upon pur-
chase or within the warranty period, you suspect that a rechargeable
battery is obviously defective or if a charging error/battery error is
displayed (> 5), stop using the product, disconnect it from the power
supply system and immediately return the product to any Sennheiser
service partner.

CX 120BT | 19
FAQ/If a problem occurs ...

FAQ/If a problem occurs ...

Current list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Visit the CX 120BT product page at
www.sennheiser.com/download
There you will find a current list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)
and suggested solutions.

Your question has not been answered or the problem persists?

If a problem occurs that is not listed in the FAQ section or if the prob-
lem cannot be solved with the proposed solutions, please contact
your Sennheiser partner for assistance.
To find a Sennheiser partner in your country, search at
www.sennheiser.com > “Service & Support”.

Leaving the Bluetooth transmission range

Wireless calling and streaming are only possible in the Bluetooth
transmission range of your smartphone. The transmission range
largely depends on environmental conditions such as wall thickness,
wall composition etc. With a free line of sight, the transmission
range of most smartphones and Bluetooth devices is up to 10 meters.
If you, and therefore the headphones, leave the Bluetooth transmis-
sion range of the smartphone, the sound quality deteriorates
increasingly until you hear the voice prompt “Lost connection” and
the connection breaks down completely. If you immediately re-enter
the Bluetooth transmission range, the connection is automatically
re-established.

Deleting the Bluetooth pairing list of the headphones

1. Switch the headphones on (> 13).
2. Press and hold the multi-function button for 2 seconds.
The headphones are in Bluetooth pairing mode. The LED flashes
blue and red.
3. Press and hold the volume + button for 2 seconds.
The LED flashes purple 3x. The Bluetooth pairing list is deleted.
The headphones then stay in Bluetooth pairing mode.

20 | CX 120BT
Specifications

Specifications
Model: CX 120BT

Wearing style Bluetooth® neckband cable

Ear coupling ear-canal
Frequency response 17 Hz to 21,000 Hz
Transducer principle dynamic
Transducer size 10 mm
Sound pressure level (SPL) 112 dB (1 kHz/0 dBFS)
THD (1 kHz, 100 dB) < 0.5 %
Microphone principle MEMS
Microphone frequency 100 Hz to 8,000 Hz
response
Microphone sensitivity (as -42 dB V/Pa
per ITU-T P.79)
Microphone pick-up pattern omni-directional
(speech audio)
Power supply built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer
battery: 3.7 V ⎓, 100 mAh;
USB charging: 5 V ⎓, 500 mA max.
Operating time up to 6 hours (A2DP)
8.5 hours (HFP)
Charging time of approx. 1.5 hrs
rechargeable batteries
Temperature range operation: 0 °C to +40 °C
storage: –25 °C to +70 °C
Magnetic field strength 3.6 mT
Weight approx. 14 g

Bluetooth

Version 4.2, class 1

Transmission frequency 2,402 MHz to 2,480 MHz
Modulation GFSK, π/4 DQPSK
Profiles HFP, AVRCP, A2DP
Output power 10 mW (max)
Codec SBC, aptX, aptX LL

CX 120BT | 21
Manufacturer Declarations

Manufacturer Declarations
Warranty
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months
on this product.
For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at
www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner.

In compliance with the following requirements

• General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC)
• Compliant to Sound Pressure Limits according to country specific
requirements

EU declaration of conformity
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
Hereby, Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG declares that the
radio equipment type CX 120BT is in compliance with the Radio
Equipment Directive
(2014/53/EU).
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the fol-
lowing Internet address: www.sennheiser.com/download.

Notes on disposal
• Battery Directive (2006/66/EC & 2013/56/EU)
• WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)
The symbol of the crossed-out wheeled bin on the product, the bat-
tery/rechargeable battery (if applicable) and/or the packaging indi-
cates that these products must not be disposed of with normal
household waste, but must be disposed of separately at the end of
their operational lifetime. For packaging disposal, please observe the
legal regulations on waste segregation applicable in your country.
Further information on the recycling of theses products can be
obtained from your municipal administration, from the municipal col-
lection points, or from your Sennheiser partner.
The separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equip-
ment, batteries/rechargeable batteries (if applicable) and packag-
ings is used to promote the reuse and recycling and to prevent neg-
ative effects caused by e.g. potentially hazardous substances
contained in these products. Herewith you make an important con-
tribution to the protection of the environment and public health.

Trademarks
Sennheiser is a registered trade mark of
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG.
Apple, the Apple logo and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., regis-
tered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of
Apple Inc. Android and Google play are registered trademarks of
Google Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered
trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks
by Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG is under license.
Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies Interna-
tional, Ltd. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated,
registered in the United States and other countries, used with per-
mission.

22 | CX 120BT
Manufacturer Declarations

aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.,

registered in the United States and other countries, used with per-
mission.
Other product and company names mentioned in the user documen-
tation may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.

CX 120BT | 23