Bluetooth Not Connecting? 8 Fixes to Try First
If your Bluetooth is not working, your headphones won't connect, or a device that used to pair suddenly refuses to reconnect, start here before resetting everything.
How do you reconnect a Bluetooth device?
Turn Bluetooth off and back on, make sure the accessory is in pairing mode, disconnect it from any other phone or computer it may already be using, and then try connecting again. If that doesn't work, forget or remove the saved device and pair it again from scratch.
Bluetooth not working? Start with the simple stuff.
Most Bluetooth connection problems come down to pairing mode, another device grabbing the connection, a saved pairing that needs to be refreshed, or a temporary software glitch. Work through these fixes in order and stop as soon as the connection starts working again.
Turn Bluetooth off and back on
Sometimes Bluetooth gets stuck even though your phone or computer still shows it as turned on. Toggling the connection forces the device to start scanning again.
Make sure the device is actually in pairing mode
A Bluetooth accessory can be powered on without being ready to pair. Headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, and other devices often require you to hold a button until a light flashes or a pairing message appears.
Move the devices closer together
Bluetooth works best when the devices are close during the initial connection. Distance, walls, furniture, and wireless interference can make pairing unreliable.
Disconnect the accessory from another device
This is a very common reason Bluetooth will not connect. Headphones and speakers often automatically reconnect to the last phone, tablet, or computer they used.
Forget the Bluetooth device and pair it again
If the device appears in your Bluetooth list but refuses to connect, the saved pairing information may need a fresh start.
Restart both devices
Bluetooth services and background processes can get stuck. Restarting both sides of the connection clears temporary glitches that simply toggling Bluetooth may not fix.
Check for software, firmware, and driver updates
Bluetooth problems can sometimes appear after an operating system change or when the device software is outdated. Updates may contain compatibility and connection fixes.
Check whether the Bluetooth device works somewhere else
If nothing above works, testing the accessory with another phone, tablet, or computer can tell you which side of the connection is causing the problem.
Bluetooth headphones won't connect?
Headphones are especially likely to reconnect to an old device before you realize it. If your Bluetooth headphones won't connect, run through these quick checks:
- Charge the headphones enough to complete pairing.
- Put them into pairing mode instead of simply turning them on.
- Turn Bluetooth off on another nearby phone, tablet, or computer they normally connect to.
- Forget the headphones from your Bluetooth list and pair them again.
- If they connect but you hear no sound, make sure the headphones are selected as the current audio output device.
- If the headphones support multiple saved devices, check the manual for the manufacturer's reset or clear-pairing procedure.
How to reconnect a Bluetooth device
If a Bluetooth device used to work but now shows as disconnected, this is the order I'd try:
Bluetooth still not working?
Pay attention to whether the problem affects one accessory or every Bluetooth device. If only one accessory fails, the issue is probably with that accessory or its saved pairing. If nothing Bluetooth will connect at all, focus on the phone or computer's Bluetooth settings, updates, drivers, and restart status.
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