How to Pair Cardo with Sena and Get Back to Riding

I’ll spare you the stories of annoyance on the side of the road trying to connect Bluetooth headsets. Here’s how to connect Cardo and Sena, depending on the model you’re rocking.

After reading this guide, you and your crew will never again be those poor souls finicking with your devices on the side of the road. That’s my promise. If I fail at it, please tell me how with an email at [email protected].

How to Connect Sena and Cardo

If you have a modern unit like the Sena 50S or Cardo Packtalk Edge (long term review here), here’s how to connect Sena to Cardo step by step. You will need to set up a bridge between Cardo’s DMC Mesh and Sena’s Mesh systems. This will allow multiple Cardo riders and Sena riders to communicate in one group.

First you’ll need to pick one Sena and one Cardo to be the “bridge” for your group. These riders will have to stay close to each other, within about 100 yards. For the Cardo, you’ll need a Cardo Packtalk Pro, Edge, NEO, or Custom with Gold or Platinum package. The Sena unit will need to have Bluetooth intercom capability as well as Mesh, like the 50 series or 60S.

Then…

1. Open Cardo Pairing: Put your Cardo unit in to Bluetooth intercom pairing mode.
2. Open Sena Pairing: Put your Sena in Bluetooth intercom pairing mode.
3. Wait up to 2 minutes: The lights will flash blue, signaling the Bluetooth connection is set up. You should be able to talk between these two units.
4. Switch back to Mesh on both units: Switch from Bluetooth mode back to Mesh on both the Cardo and Sena units.
5. Activate the Bridge: On the Cardo unit, tap the intercom button (the top one) 3 times to turn on the bridge.

Now all of the units in the Cardo Mesh group are talking with all the units in the Sena Mesh group.

The connection will remain as long as the Cardo and Sena units that just paired (the “bridge” units) stay within 100 yards of each other. Those two units are connected via Bluetooth, so it’s important they stay close to keep the “bridge” intact.

If the paired Sena unit and Cardo unit separate and lose the connection, the units will search for each other for 5 minutes before giving up on the bridge.

This won’t affect your phone connection to your Cardo or Sena devices, by the way. You can still connect to two Bluetooth devices (like your phone, motorcycle, or GPS unit) for both the Cardo and the Sena used in the bridge.

This is a great video walkthrough of the process:

Still struggling? Tap the button in the bottom right or swipe left on your screen to pull out the Table of Contents and find the right section for the units you’re trying to pair.

Can Sena Pair with Cardo?

You can pair Sena with Cardo headsets, but if you have a new Sena model (30 or 50 series, or 60S) there’s a more finicky process to follow. 

Older iterations of Sena motorcycle headsets came with universal connections, which meant they would pair with any other Bluetooth headset. Anything in the 20, 10, or 5 series of Sena headsets will easily pair with Cardo.

However, the newer 30 and 50 series (and newest 60S) from Sena dropped the universal connection feature. This has made it more difficult – but not impossible – to pair new Sena models with anything made my Cardo.

The good news is that all Cardo headsets have the universal intercom feature, from the cheap Spirit and Freecom to the newest products like the Packtalk Custom, Edge, and Pro (long term reviews here and here). This is thanks to the Cardo 3.2 firmware update, which added Mesh compatibility allowing for Sena Mesh groups to join a Cardo Mesh group with a Cardo unit as a bridge. Still, the easiest experience will be if everyone in your group is on the same brand.

Connecting Cardo Packtalk and Sena 30, 50S, 60S (With or Without an App)

There is an easy workaround to pair all Cardo (even older Packtalk Bold units) and Sena headsets, even a Sena 30/50/60S series device. However, it comes with range limitations, as you’ll be connecting the two units over Bluetooth. You won’t get that mile long range of Mesh connections, it’ll be more like a few hundred feet.

An easy way to make this all happen is to download the Cardo Connect app to your iPhone or Android phone using App Store or Play Store. 

Pairing using the Cardo Connect App

1. Turn on both the Sena and Cardo units
2. Put your Sena device in to phone pairing mode – usually done by holding down the rear button. If it’s already connected to a phone, make sure you’re in the pairing mode for the second device slot so the Cardo doesn’t replace your phone. If your Cardo is a newer one (Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo) you can put the Sena in normal intercom pairing mode.
3. In the Cardo Connect app, tap the “Intercom” tile. Make sure you’re on the Bluetooth tab at the top. You should see a number of slots here.
4. In the Cardo Connect app, tap “Pair” on one of those intercom slots and select “non-Cardo device” if prompted.
5. Wait for both devices to confirm they paired successfully.
6. On the Cardo, tap the intercom button (usually the top one) just once to confirm the connection. Tapping it twice will disconnect the headsets.

Now they’re paired on normal Bluetooth mode. If you want to carry the Sena over to the Cardo’s DMC Mesh group so everyone can talk together, switch the Cardo over to the DMC Mesh mode (in the Intercom section of the app with the tabs at the top, or hold the top and bottom buttons for a few seconds) then tap that top button on the Cardo once. Now the Sena is connected in the Cardo’s Mesh group and can talk with the other up to 15 riders in that Mesh group!

Pairing without an App

1. Turn on both the Sena and Cardo units
2. Put your Sena device in to phone pairing mode – usually done by holding down the rear button. If it’s already connected to a phone, make sure you’re in the pairing mode for the second device slot so the Cardo doesn’t replace your phone. If your Cardo is a newer one (Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo) you can put the Sena in normal intercom pairing mode.
3. Switch your Cardo to Bluetooth Intercom mode: For most Cardos you can switch between Bluetooth and DMC Mesh mode by holding the top and bottom buttons for a few seconds. It will announce on the speakers which mode it’s in.
4. Switch your Cardo to Pairing mode: Hold down the Intercom button (the top one) for a few seconds, and then press the phone button (the bottom one) once.
5. Wait for both devices to recognize each other and finish pairing.
6. Complete the bridge by pressing the intercom button (the top one) once. Wait a few seconds and…

You’re set! To carry the Sena over to Cardo’s Mesh group, switch the Cardo over to the DMC Mesh mode by holding the Cardo’s top and bottom buttons for a few seconds, then tapping that top button on the Cardo once. Now the Sena is connected in the Cardo’s Mesh group and can talk with the other up to 15 riders in that Mesh group!

For newer Cardo devices (Packtalk Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo, etc)

For older Cardo devices (like Packtalk Bold)

It’s worth noting that one Cardo headset can only bring in up to two Senas into your mesh network. If your group has few people with both brands, you should be able to add a couple of Senas to each Cardo to get everyone into your pack. 

This won’t affect your phone connection to your Sena device, by the way, but it will take one of your two slots. The Cardo is technically in one of the phone pairing mode slots of the Sena.

If you have an older Sena device, you’re in luck because you have universal intercom, which makes the process a bit easier.

Pairing Cardo Spirit HD with any Sena

Thanks to Cardo’s universal pairing updates, this is a cinch.

1. Power on the Cardo and Sena units
2. On the Cardo Spirit, activate Bluetooth intercom pairing mode by holding down the back button
3. On the Sena unit, activate Bluetooth intercom pairing mode (usually by holding down the jog dial)
4. Wait for them to pair.

Done! Now you can open and close the intercom connection from either side, as if either were connected natively to a device of the same brand.

Video walkthru here:

Pairing Sena 20, 10, or 5 Series with an older Cardo Device

If you have a newer Cardo (Pro, Edge, Custom, Neo), your units can be connected just by using the native Bluetooth intercom connection mode on both units.

It would be possible to use Sena as your primary unit to make the same connection we’ve just covered, but only if it has universal pairing. This means you can only do it if you have a 20, 10, or 5 series device. 

It’ll work in the same way:

1. Set your Sena device to universal pairing – check your user guide to confirm how.
2. Set your Cardo device as if you were pairing it with a phone.
3. The connection should be established through Bluetooth intercom.
4. Switch the Sena device over to the mesh network to bring the Cardo in. 

It can be easier to remember the process to pair Cardo with Sena using Cardo as the primary device since all Cardo headsets have universal connection while not all Senas do. 

Done with the hassles?

Just get your whole group on one train, either Cardo or Sena: I recommend Cardo. If everyone in your group is using the same units, they’re going to seamlessly connect.

I personally use a mix of Packtalk Edge and Packtalk Custom on adventure tours in Thailand with 10+ riders, and they are so easy to use they often become an unexpected highlight of the trip.

Being able to call out road hazards, joke with each other, and enjoy the thrill of the road together when on tour just transforms the whole experience. I first noticed this when my dad and I used lowly Cardo Spirits on a tour from Denver to Phoenix. They made the whole trip much easier and more fun for us both.

I recommend you pick up a Cardo Packtalk Pro or Packtalk Custom – both have 15 person intercom on Cardo’s DMC Mesh included standard, with 12+ hour battery life. The Pro even has auto on/off and Crash Detection. They’re rugged and fully waterproof – and I’ve put them through punishing conditions like 100+F with 100% humidity, heavy tropical rains, mud and dust.

But if you’re still undecided, find out whether Cardo or Sena is better for you with our guide.

DEAL: Use code BTR to get 10% OFF Cardo EDGE, Neo, Spirit and Freecom line devices on Cardo’s shop.

Budget	Upgradeable	Best
Cardo Spirit HD	Cardo Packtalk Custom	Cardo Packtalk Pro
Best for solo riders, pairs and passengers.	Best if your group has all latest-gen Cardo units.	Best for riding in big groups, or if you want all the features.
Affordable Waterproof Music, Intercom, GPS	15+ rider intercom over Mesh 10+ hour battery life Half the price of similar units Connects to phone for music, GPS	15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas) Magnetic air mount Auto on-off Crash detection and emergency call 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)
Max 2 Intercom Participants	Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)	Costs more than most helmets
10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)	10% Off (Code: BTR)
Buy from Revzilla	Buy from Revzilla	Buy from Revzilla

Budget

Cardo Spirit HD

Best for solo riders, pairs and passengers.

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Music, Intercom, GPS

• Max 2 Intercom Participants

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Buy from Revzilla

Upgradeable

Cardo Packtalk Custom

Best if your group has all latest-gen Cardo units.

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh
• 10+ hour battery life
• Half the price of similar units
• Connects to phone for music, GPS

• Upgrade required for Bluetooth intercom (only when connecting to old units or Senas)

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Buy from Revzilla

Best

Cardo Packtalk Pro

Best for riding in big groups, or if you want all the features.

• 15+ rider intercom over Mesh (even Senas)
• Magnetic air mount
• Auto on-off
• Crash detection and emergency call
• 45mm JBL speakers in the box (the best)

• Costs more than most helmets

10% Off (Code: BTR)

Buy from Revzilla

Can Cardo and Sena Pair with Different Brand Headsets?

As popular as these two brands of Bluetooth motorcycle headset are, they’re not the only horses in town. There are alternative Bluetooth headset brands that you or your riding buddies might have and you’ll still want to be able to communicate with them. 

Let’s start with a good rule of thumb. When you connect two devices together, one needs to be in universal connection mode – called “gateway” mode on Cardo devices – and the other needs to be in phone pairing mode. 

Since Cardo and Sena have their own Mesh technologies, it’d be worth using either of these as the primary unit so the other one can be taken into the Mesh. Remember though, not all Senas will connect outside of the brand. 

Another good rule to remember when you’re setting up your connections before a ride: Make the mesh connections between the brand with the most units in the set up, then add the other headsets in on phone slots.

Here’s an example: 

• You’ve got six riders; four with Cardos, one with a Sena, and one with a Fodsports.
• First, connect all the Cardos together on DMC following your normal process.
• Next, add the Sena to one of the Cardos using one the phone slots on the Sena.
• Then, add the Fodsports headset to another Cardo using one of the phone slots.
• Once the Sena and Fodsports are connected, the Cardo headset can change from Bluetooth to DMC mode and the extra headset will drop into the network, too. 

All the headsets will still work with their standalone functions. That means that you’ll still be able to take a call or play your favorite playlist without everyone listening to what you want for dinner or your Meatloaf collection again. 

And you’ll still have the exceptional range of each headset and Mesh networking.

Golden Rules for Pairing

Sena Headsets with Universal Bluetooth

We’ve covered the slightly annoying and really frustrating fact that the newer Sena headsets don’t support universal pairing. 

It seems like Sena sneaked it under the radar – the only way you’ll notice is if you very carefully read the product descriptions on Sena’s site. 

Connecting Sena 50S to Cardo Packtalk

Thankfully the Sena 50S will connect to the Cardo Packtalk Edge and NEO, thanks to Cardo’s universal connection feature released in late 2023. Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin Pairing on the Cardo: Open the Cardo Connect app on your phone and put your Cardo unit in to Bluetooth mode.
2. Begin Pairing on the Sena: Put your Sena unit in to Bluetooth mode.
3. Wait up to 2 minutes: When the Bluetooth connection is done, the lights will flash blue.

Now you can turn the connection on and off again from both the Cardo and Sena sides.

Here’s a video walkthrough:

Sometimes you’ll get told specifically that pairing is Sena to Sena only, like on the Sena 50S product page (1) it says, “Traditional four-way Bluetooth Intercom mode continues to be an option for connecting other Sena Bluetooth-enabled users within a 1.2-mile range.” you’ll find pretty much the same words on the 50C product page, just a slightly shorter range (2). 

When it comes to the 50R, we’re making the assumption it doesn’t have universal connectivity because if it was a feature they’d be sure to tell us about it. Instead, Sena’s website just says (3):

“All riders and their ever-changing riding scenarios will surely benefit from the incredible flexibility and technology engineered into the 50R Mesh and Bluetooth intercom modes.”

You should still be able to pair a Sena 50 series headset to a Cardo using the Cardo universal connection feature, but Sena or Cardo might cut off this ability at any time.

The Sena 30 Series: Can it Connect?

The Sena 30K cannot connect to a different brand for Bluetooth intercom, although the workaround to put the Sena in another unit’s phone slot and then transfer over to the Mesh network should still work.

The Sena rider be able to connect into an established mesh network through a Cardo headset that the Sena pairs to, but if that Cardo rider drops out of the Cardo DMC (“Mesh”) network, the Sena rider will too. 

Earlier Sena Models

The Sena 20S Evo does come with universal intercom! Although not noted in the description, you can see it’s a highlighted feature:

Other Sena products that note the universal intercom feature are (5):

• Sena 10R
• Sena 10S
• Sena 10C Pro
• SMH 10

You may get some lower specs on these headsets like a shorter Bluetooth range, but if universal pairing is important to you, it may be a compromise worth making. Or just get a Cardo.

Cardo Headsets with Universal Intercom

The Cardo line is much simpler to understand; all Cardo units in the Spirit, Packtalk and Freecom ranges have universal connectivity. This means any headset from Sena or another brand can pair to a Cardo and be involved in the intercom or DMC network between riders. 

Since these are the two most common motorcycle Bluetooth headset brands on the market, even if your Sena doesn’t have universal connection, your friends’ Cardo headsets should fix pairing issues. 

The Cardo headsets with universal intercom are:

• Packtalk Pro
• Packtalk Edge
• Packtalk Neo
• Packtalk Slim
• Packtalk Black
• Packtalk Bold
• Packtalk Slim
• Freecom 4+ / 4X
• Freecom 2+ / 2X
• Freecom 1+
• Spirit (and HD)

How to Pair Sedici Helmet Bluetooth

So you decided to purchase a Sedici helmet, and you’re wondering how to pair it. Maybe you’re struggling with Sedici Strada 3 bluetooth pairing.

Pairing Sedici helmets to a phone is simple – just open your phone’s Bluetooth settings, put the helmet in pairing mode and select it when you see it pop up in your phone’s Bluetooth device list.

Sedici helmets make use of a newer Sena DWO-7 unit, which only supports Sena’s Mesh intercom protocol and not Bluetooth pairing, so you cannot connect to Cardo units or units of other brands.

It’s a shame because Sedici helmets used to have universal pairing over Bluetooth, like the older Strada with the DWO-5 unit.

Why do Cardo and Sena not pair together?

You’d hope that since every phone can connect to your headset that every headset can connect to each other, but that’s not quite the reality. Through years of experiences with these magic little devices and too much time on Reddit I’ve put together this guide to make syncing up easy for you and your crew. Hopefully it shortens your set up time so you can get on with the ride!