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How to Fix a Phone That Won’t Connect to Bluetooth
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
BluetoothMobileSmartphoneConnectivityDevice ManagementPhone SettingsWireless CommunicationAndroidAppleDevice SynchronizationDevice ConfigurationGoogleApple ServicesDevice CustomizationUser InterfaceDevice PerformanceDevice SecuritySmart DevicesDevice RepairExternal Devices
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Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows you to share data between different devices without the need for cables. Although it is a convenient feature, sometimes your phone cannot connect properly to a Bluetooth device. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix problems related to a phone not connecting to Bluetooth.
1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on
First, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on your phone. You can check this way:
- For Android: Go to Settings app, tap Connections or Connected devices, and make sure the Bluetooth toggle switch is on.
- For iPhone: Open Settings app, tap Bluetooth, and make sure the Bluetooth toggle switch is on.
2. Check if the Bluetooth device is turned on and in pairing mode
Make sure the device you want to connect to is turned on and in pairing mode. Some devices go into pairing mode automatically when turned on, while others may require you to press a button or follow other specific instructions. Refer to the device's user manual if you're not sure how to put it into pairing mode.
3. Make sure the devices are close enough
Bluetooth typically has a range of about 30 feet. If your devices are too far apart, they won't be able to connect. Make sure the phone and Bluetooth device are within this range and that there are no major obstacles between them.
4. Restart your phone and Bluetooth device
Sometimes, restarting your phone and Bluetooth device can solve connectivity issues. Turn both devices off and then turn them back on after a few seconds.
5. Delete old Bluetooth connections
Your phone might have a lot of old Bluetooth connections stored that might be causing interference. Deleting these old connections might help fix the problem. Follow these steps:
- For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth. Find the list of previously connected devices, tap the gear icon next to each device and select Forget.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Find the list of connected devices, tap the ⓘ information icon next to each device, and select Forget This Device.
6. Update your phone's software
Bluetooth problems can sometimes be caused by bugs in the phone's software. Make sure your phone's operating system is up-to-date:
- For Android: Go to Settings > Software update and tap Download and install if an update is available.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Download and Install if an update is available.
7. Reset network settings
Resetting your phone's network settings can also help solve Bluetooth issues. This will delete all your Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings, so you'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network later.
- For Android: Go to Settings > General management or System > Reset > Reset network settings and confirm the reset.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and confirm the reset.
8. Reconnect the device
After you reset network settings, you'll need to re-pair your phone with Bluetooth devices:
- For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and wait until your device appears in the list. Tap the device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and wait for your device to appear in the list. Tap the device to pair.
9. Check for interference
Other wireless signals can sometimes interfere with the Bluetooth connection. Stay away from devices that may cause interference, such as a Wi-Fi router, microwave, or other Bluetooth devices.
10. Clear the Bluetooth cache (Android)
If you have an Android phone, clearing the Bluetooth cache may help. Here's how:
- Go to Settings > Apps and tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner to show system apps.
- Scroll down and find Bluetooth. Tap on it and then tap Storage.
- Tap Clear cache and clear data.
11. Check device compatibility
Make sure your phone and Bluetooth device are compatible. Some older Bluetooth devices may not work with newer phones and vice versa. Check the specifications of both devices to confirm compatibility.
12. Test with another device
To find out if the problem is with your phone or the device you're trying to connect to, try connecting your phone to another Bluetooth device. If your phone connects to the other device without any problems, the problem may be with the original Bluetooth device.
13. Factory reset (last resort)
If all else fails, you may consider performing a factory reset on your phone. This will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up important information before proceeding:
- For Android: Go to Settings > General management or System > Reset > Factory data reset and confirm the reset.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings and confirm the reset.
Conclusion
Bluetooth technology provides a convenient way to connect various devices, but it also has some issues. By following the steps in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix most Bluetooth connectivity problems on your phone. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and move on to more complex ones if necessary. If you continue to have problems, it may be worth consulting the support resources provided by your phone's manufacturer or the manufacturer of the Bluetooth device.
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