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How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems

by Suzanne Kantra on December 26, 2023

Updated on 12/26/2023 for the latest changes with Bluetooth features and device operating systems.

Bluetooth is a popular method of wirelessly transferring data between two devices, such as your phone and your headphones, your computer and a speaker, or your iPad and a keyboard. It’s one of the most widely used wireless technology in the world, according to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. More than 5.9 billion Bluetooth products are expected to ship in 2024 alone, and that number will likely increase to more than 7.6 billion per year by 2027.

Bluetooth is all great when it works. But if you’re someone who likes to play around with these kinds of connected gadgets, you know it can be frustrating when there’s a hang-up pairing the two. And as a professional tech journalist who has reviewed hundreds of Bluetooth devices in my career, believe me, I feel your pain. 

Here are some common causes of pairing problems, as well as my advice on what you can do about them.

Understanding Bluetooth pairing

To better understand pairing issues, let's explore how Bluetooth operates. Bluetooth depends on both hardware and software to work properly. From a hardware perspective, the devices need to support the same 2.4GHz frequencies. On the software side, they need to support the same Bluetooth profiles so they can decode instructions for specific functions. For example, you can't pair a mouse with your car because your car doesn’t support the Human Interface Device Profile.

In general, Bluetooth software is backward compatible: Bluetooth devices supporting Bluetooth 5 or higher should still be able to pair with devices using, say, the ancient Bluetooth 2.1, launched back in 2007.

Unless there is a hardware or software incompatibility, most Bluetooth pairing problems can be easily resolved.

Usually, Bluetooth devices connect with one device at a time. When a device is already paired with another device and has an active connection, that will interfere with pairing. However, some headphones support multipoint pairing – a feature that lets one pair of headphones connect to two or even three devices simultaneously.

If you're having issues pairing a multipoint device, I suggest you skip to the section below on tips for solving problems with Bluetooth multipoint pairing before going through the general Bluetooth pairing failure steps.

What you can do about Bluetooth pairing failures

Smarphone and Bluetooth earbuds on a table

1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on

You should see the little Bluetooth symbol at the top right of the screen if you have an Android device. For iOS and iPadOS, you'll need to go into the settings to enable and disable Bluetooth. Windows users will find Bluetooth in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth (or you may have a shortcut on your taskbar). Mac users will find a Bluetooth status icon on the menu bar.

2. Determine what pairing process your device employs

Most Bluetooth pairing is straightforward. You put both devices into paring mode, they see each other, and they connect. Sometimes, though, there is an extra security step, like typing in a code. If you’re not sure how to pair your device, refer to its user guide; you can usually find one by searching online.

3. Turn on pairing mode

Bluetooth devices typically fall into two main categories: accessories and main devices. Accessories include items like headphones and keyboards, while main devices encompass phones, cars, TVs, and computers.

Accessories usually start in pairing mode out of the box, indicated by a blinking light. Once initially paired, if you need to pair these accessories with another device, you'll have to activate pairing mode again. To do this, search for 'how to put [product name] into pairing mode.' (We have guides for Jabra, JBL, JLab Audio, Mpow, Skullcandy, and Sony.)

For main devices such as phones and cars, you must first ensure Bluetooth is activated. Then, put the device into pairing mode through its settings menu. Instructions for this can typically be found by searching 'put [product name] into pairing mode.'

Let’s say you want to pair your phone with your car’s infotainment system to enjoy hands-free calling, texting, and navigation. First, activate Bluetooth on your phone, making it visible to the car. Then, put your car into Bluetooth-pairing mode. The method varies depending on whether your car is an older model, often requiring a series of button presses, or a newer model, which usually involves navigating the in-dash touchscreen display.

Once your car detects your phone, it may ask for a numeric code that you'll need to confirm or input on your phone. After entering the code, the devices should be paired. Be aware that both your car and phone will only remain in pairing mode for a limited time, usually a few minutes. If you exceed this time, you'll need to restart the pairing process.

4. Make sure the two devices are in close enough proximity to one another

While you wouldn’t think someone might try to pair an iPad with a keyboard if the two weren’t sitting right next to each other, to be clear, you should make sure any devices you're trying to pair are within five feet of one another.

5. Power Bluetooth off and back on

A soft reset of Bluetooth can sometimes resolve an issue. With phones, an easy way to do this is by going into and out of airplane mode. For other devices, turn off the power and restart them.

6. Manage old Bluetooth connections

Bluetooth accessories can actively pair with between one and three devices simultaneously. However, they can store pairing information for several more devices, often up to eight, facilitating easy reconnection.

These accessories typically reconnect automatically to the most recently connected device. If you're experiencing issues with pairing, it might be due to the accessory being connected to another device. For example, if your Bluetooth speaker is registered to connect with your phone, tablet, laptop, and media player, it cannot maintain a connection with all four at once. If you encounter pairing issues, check which device or devices are currently connected and disconnect one to pair with a new device.

Read more: How to Connect a Bluetooth Speaker or Headphones to Your TV

When a Bluetooth accessory reaches its limit for stored connections, it may either drop an old device from its memory or refuse to enter pairing mode. In the latter case, you might need to 'forget' the accessory from one of your currently paired devices or perform a reset.

If you're unable to pair a new device, consider two solutions: either make one of your existing devices 'forget' the accessory to free up a spot, or reset the accessory to clear all existing pairings. You can find specific reset instructions by searching for 'reset [device name].'

7. Charge up both devices you're trying to pair

Some devices have smart power management that may turn off Bluetooth if the battery level is too low. If your phone or tablet isn't pairing, make sure it and the device you're trying to pair with have enough juice.

8. Delete a device from a phone and rediscover it

If your phone sees a device but isn’t receiving data from it, sometimes it helps to start from scratch. In iOS settings, you can remove a device by tapping on its name and then Forget this Device. In Android settings, tap on a device’s name, then Unpair.

If you're deleting the device from your car, you may need to turn off your car after deleting the device, open and close the car door, and wait a couple of minutes before trying to pair the device again.

9. Move away from the WiFi router

Another potential obstacle to successful pairing is interference from devices that use the same 2.4GHz spectrum, such as your WiFi router. WiFi has been designed to cope with this, but it might not be a good idea to have your devices next to your router.

10. Move away from your smart home devices

Some smart home devices use a wireless technology called Zigbee. You find Zigbee in smart home hubs, including Amazon's Echo Show and Samsung's SmartThings Station, as well as a wide range of smart door locks, light bulbs, in-wall switches, open/close sensors, plugs, and more. Like WiFi, Zigbee devices use the same spectrum as Bluetooth devices and can interfere with pairing. Move away from your Zigbee devices when attempting to pair.

11. Move away from your laptop's USB 3.0 or USB-C port

Some USB 3 and USB-C devices generate frequencies in the 2.4GHz range, which can interfere with Bluetooth. Since this is a wired connection, the frequency leakage usually occurs at the ports. However, poorly shielded cables can also be a problem. So, if you're trying to pair Bluetooth gadgets or use them near your computer, try moving them away from your computer, or at least away from plugged-in USB devices.

12. Download a driver

If you’re having problems pairing something with your computer, you might be lacking the correct driver. The simplest way to figure this out is to do an online search for "[product name] driver." If there's an updated driver available, download and install it and see if that fixes the problem.

13. Update the hardware’s firmware

Some automotive audio systems are known to not pair with newer phones because the Bluetooth drivers in these systems didn’t work with later versions of Bluetooth. Updating your vehicle's firmware may fix the issue. If you’re not sure how to get the latest firmware for your car, check with the manufacturer.

14. Remove your Bluetooth device and start fresh

If you're having trouble connecting or experiencing a spotty connection, clearing your Bluetooth cache can resolve these issues by removing outdated or corrupt connection data. You can do this by removing your problematic registered Bluetooth gadget(s), restarting your main device, and then re-pairing.

To remove a device or accessory, follow these steps:

  • For iOS and iPadOS, select the info icon ('i' in a circle) to access the option to 'Forget this device.'
  • For Android phones, select the device and then select 'Unpair' or 'Forget.'
  • For Windows computers, click on the triple dots next to the gadget and select 'Remove device.'
  • For Macs, hover your mouse over the device you want to remove and then click on 'Disconnect' or the 'X' button to remove it.

Once you have removed the unwanted or malfunctioning gadget, restart your main device to clear the Bluetooth cache. Now you can re-pair.

Read more: The Power of Restarting: Why Turning Devices On and Off Fixes Them

Solving problems with Bluetooth multipoint pairing

Multipoint is a Bluetooth technology allowing a device to be actively paired with more than one device simultaneously. This means, for example, your headphones could be paired with both a phone and a laptop at the same time.

If you’re having issues with setting up a multipoint connection, the first thing to do is double-check that your device supports multipoint by searching for '[product name] multipoint Bluetooth' or consulting your product’s manual. Once you’ve confirmed that your device supports multipoint, follow these steps.

Adding a second device to a multipoint product

There's no standard way manufacturers use to handle multipoint connections. But these are the basic steps for most products.

  1. Pair with the first main device the way you would with a single-point Bluetooth device. (If you’re having trouble pairing your first device, consult the list of tips above.)
  2. Leave the first device turned on and pair it with the second one. You'll need to put your headphones or speaker into pairing mode to do this.
  3. Once you have successfully paired with the second main device, you may be simultaneously connected with both main devices. Some manufacturers have you take the additional step of going back to the first main device and reconnecting before allowing simultaneous connections.

Other products (like the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds, and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds) require installing an app and turning on the ability to connect two devices before you can connect with a second main device for multipoint use.

Troubleshooting multipoint connection issues:

Multipoint devices typically connect to two or three devices simultaneously but can store many more connections. If you're having trouble, follow these steps:

  • Using an App: If your device uses an app for multipoint connections, open the app and toggle on the two devices you want to connect simultaneously.
  • Without an App: If you don't use an app, reconnect the main device that has lost its connection. In the Bluetooth settings of the second device, select it from the list of registered devices to reconnect.

Final thoughts

Bluetooth technology, while incredibly useful, can sometimes present challenges in pairing devices. Understanding the basics of how Bluetooth works, recognizing common pairing issues, and following straightforward troubleshooting steps can significantly ease the process. Whether you're trying to connect headphones, keyboards, or any Bluetooth-compatible device, remember these tips for a smoother experience.

[Image credits: Bluetooth headphones with phone via BigStockPhoto]

For the past 20+ years, Techlicious founder Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Prior to Techlicious, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and the Senior Technology Editor for Popular Science. Suzanne has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.


Topics

Phones and Mobile, Computers and Software, Phone Accessories, Tips & How-Tos


Discussion loading

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From Ray on September 13, 2013 :: 10:26 am


Need to know how to download all my contacts onto my vehicle device - Bluetooth.

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From k on June 18, 2015 :: 12:47 pm


We’ll get right on that

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From Mike on March 11, 2016 :: 12:31 am


Funniest thing I read all day! smile)

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From Procrastinating on October 18, 2016 :: 3:25 pm


why I browse the internet reply posts. PMSL

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From DFender on June 20, 2017 :: 5:19 am


K, please remember to close the service request with closure code and resolution . We don’t want a repeat of last time..

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From BBB on October 18, 2022 :: 5:22 am


Hello
is there anyone who could help me out if mini speaker bluetooth is not discoverable.

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From Potato pal on January 31, 2021 :: 7:02 pm


Hai! When I got on Bluetooth I dose not give me the option to connect to eny device it’s just says loading

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From Sam Douglas on January 10, 2022 :: 11:52 am


Same nothing showing up in my Bluetooth

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From Jack on May 28, 2021 :: 9:46 pm


Just bought a new truck today it has a Kenwood deck in it Bluetooth will hook up to phone option but will not play music what am I doing wrong

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From Josh Kirschner on June 01, 2021 :: 6:52 pm


What make and model truck did you buy? Is the Kenwood deck OEM or an aftermarket product?

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From I don't know on June 30, 2017 :: 10:11 pm


Instructions for no one

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From vincent on January 12, 2020 :: 9:46 am


my own bluetooth dont on even when i try oning it even i have factory set my phone yet he didnt work

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From Mohammed Tennison on April 08, 2020 :: 8:48 pm


Even if I try to turn on my Bluetooth,it will not turn on

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From SirDiamond Williams on July 14, 2021 :: 10:35 pm


Kind of strange one time I’ll be having my Bluetooth working fine throughout the month all of a sudden today every time I try to pair it won’t let me fear what am I doing or not doing why I can’t get this to work what am I doing or not doing why when I ask for your assistance to just turn it on it doesn’t work need help please

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From SirDiamond Williams on July 14, 2021 :: 10:36 pm


My Bluetooth connection why can’t I have the company of someone I can just say please connect my Bluetooth I’m having a problem why can’t they connect it Samsung Tab e will help me but now they don’t seem to answer back so what am I doing or not doing why I can’t get that help

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From Pitney Bowes finucane on July 18, 2017 :: 3:42 pm


Go to Bluetooth setup & add a new device; make sure the phone shows car multimedia (might be different for the other vehicles) make sure the passcode on the phone & the stereo blues is the same & your phone would ask for something as to messages; but your phone should be paired as to contacts & music;if you’re already paired go back to Bluetooth setup but go to paired list & if your phone is on it make sure your phone is connected to the Bluetooth.

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From Alex on May 11, 2022 :: 2:26 pm


Thank you. Check the ear bud thank you. Needed repair to stop service avg -alias thank thank you

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From Simon on June 10, 2018 :: 4:46 pm


I bought wireless Sony headphones about two weeks ago and have been frustrated that they just wouldn’t pair with my MacBook Pro.  Searched the internet to find a solution.  Nothing.  Until I found this site.  Tip # 10, moving it away from the USB port did the trick!!!!  Thank you so much for this!!!

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From AJ on September 19, 2018 :: 2:43 pm


I download ing something and it not working its was work 5hours ago in the same place

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From joe on February 25, 2021 :: 12:43 pm


wow

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From Mithlesh kumar on May 26, 2021 :: 7:06 am


Ii

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From Lynda Wolfertz on September 13, 2013 :: 10:46 am


I have an HP wireless printer/scanner/fax that stopped working.  The troubleshooter says that the wireless radio is not working.  The printer works just fine when it is plugged into my computer via USB cord. Is it possible that is became unpaired with my computer??  How do I check? Any other suggestions?? It seems so wasteful to have to replace an otherwise perfect printer…it’s only 3 years old!!

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From Suzanne Kantra on September 16, 2013 :: 9:59 am


That sounds like a WiFi issue, rather than Bluetooth, and I would really need to know more about why it’s not working. Can you not turn on the printer’s WiFi? Does it turn but not see your WiFi network? Does it connect to your WiFi network but your computer can’t see it?

If it is similar to my HP printer, there is a “Wireless Setup Wizard” in the Network setup menu that may help you get reconnected if it’s only an issue with your network settings.

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From carmenza Anton on February 07, 2014 :: 5:29 am


Thank you so much I just bought a iPhone and the people in the store tried for a long time to pair it with my BlueAntST3 that I adored They couldn’t I followed your instructions and I did it I was ready to retune the phone. A prayer helps as well
Thank you so much.!!

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From Jim the Card on November 14, 2014 :: 3:28 am


Had trouble getting my replacement iPhone5s (camera packed up!) to re-connect with my Avantalk handsfree. Your tip to ‘forget device’ and then re-find it worked!
A great help, thank you!

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From Tamaresque on February 24, 2017 :: 8:28 pm


You think a god would care about bluetoothing a phone?  Wow!  Your god sounds more like a servant.

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From chrisG on June 21, 2014 :: 12:47 am


Your computer is not on Wi-Fi. I have 2 different printers so here’s some ideas:
1st: Make sure your printer is “ready” or “online”. If not, keep reading… lol
2nd: Do another set-up for Wi-Fi, enter your password right off the printer screen (if it has one, my all-in-one does) & you’ll need to enter your router’s password. You should be good after that. If not, keep reading….
3rd: Does your printer have a Push Set-Up (small hole-like a reset button-to use with a pen or paper clip end to push-printer may need to be near your router during this time).
4th: Do you have a PIN Set-Up where the PIN# is on a label/sticker on your printer (check back or bottom) or the manual it came with.
5th: Go to HP’s website for a “manual” to download and use the instructions. This manual should be a PDF..SAVE IT! For future reference.

If NONE of those work, restart your router (and modem, if you have one). Unplug it, EVERYTHING-Just like you are setting up your router for the FIRST time. Once you’ve done that then follow the steps above.

My Brother Laser Printer is awesome & you have LIFETIME support. They emailed me the instructions to connect to my Wi-Fi, with & w/o USB port; I can disconnect from USB port once it’s connected to my router. He likes to disconnect from my Wi-Fi (router) if he’s unplugged for too long (moving, etc), if I changed my router password, using a different/new router, or if he’s wanting to be stubborn. He (printer) has done this 5 times out of the TEN or ELEVEN years (one time b/c he was stubborn, valid reasons for the others-examples I mentioned above). It isn’t that bad considering I have the instructions plus the LIFETIME support. Yes, I’m a Brother fan for that reason alone…. I don’t have the all-in-one b/c I was in a hurry and didn’t have a big selection.

My Cannon All-in-One Printer is awesome and quicker to connect because I can do a Set-Up on the printer’s screen where I enter the router’s password.  Otherwise, I have to use #3 & #4 to connect. Never had to, though.

I hope I didn’t ramble too much and made sense on the suggestions….

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From Bernard Robinson on September 03, 2019 :: 7:26 pm


Remote speaker connected to laptop. All works but each time I switch on the unit is paired but does not connect I have to remove the device from laptop
bluetooth list and then look for it again. It pairs and connects.
Please Help
Bernie Robinson
PichidanguWay down south in Chile

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From Josh Kirschner on September 04, 2019 :: 1:52 pm


Not sure I fully understand what you are describing, but it sounds like the speaker is paired but no sound comes out unless you disconnect and re-pair to the laptop? If so, the first thing I would do is open your sound setting on your laptop to see what your “output device” is. If it is using your laptop speakers, can you change it to the Bluetooth speaker after it is paired?

Beyond that, not sure what advice to offer.

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From Blatantone on January 31, 2017 :: 5:20 pm


If you haven’t already done it, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer.

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From I love lynda on June 14, 2019 :: 9:13 pm


Thank you lynda

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From Marin Johnston on March 27, 2022 :: 1:24 pm


Unplug from wall then plug back in if you see green wifi light. It should reconnect.

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From gaurav singh on December 07, 2013 :: 12:06 am


i have normal phone in which i can.t take files from others phone using bluetooth but i can send files

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From linda on September 04, 2015 :: 1:36 am


and won’t let me get on to my speaker

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From Damien on November 04, 2020 :: 6:05 am


I want to fix my Bluetooth

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From Kenny Hynes on December 25, 2013 :: 10:21 am


I followed instructions correctlyfrom the manual and video instructions and still doesnt pair with my samsung galazy 3

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From ron harvey on October 10, 2014 :: 10:49 am


my Samsung would not pair with my jaguar told these cars will not accept samsung

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From mohammed n on August 05, 2016 :: 10:04 pm


HI,sir,i am so sorry .i do not set up my bluetooth always loading

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From Phyllis Polston on June 27, 2017 :: 4:13 am


The device removed keeps trying to connect another words circle goes round & round but activity tracker is gone-sent back. Can Bluetooth be reset?  iPhone has been turned off & on.  Can’t use the Bluetooth all day to get messages because it runs the battery down. New wristband is set up & works ok under same app HBand. Help.

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From Md Abu Mottakinm Mondal on October 21, 2017 :: 5:25 pm


My bluetooth Headphone can’t pairing…...

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From Alex on May 11, 2022 :: 2:24 pm


Stop avg -alias system on Samsung,  The with MetroPCS thank both tmobile thank you. Fix both ear needed fix the ,system of phone itself you needed means

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From Potato pal on January 31, 2021 :: 7:04 pm


Idk y it will not let me pair

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From Danni Tate on January 01, 2014 :: 6:05 am


I have recently bought a bluetooth hifi system. At the same timeI purchased a bluetooth dongle. I go through the set up and all works well. The next time I use Iit I have to go through the whole process of forgetting the device and reconfiguring it again to use it. What am I doing wrong

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From Carla Akkari on January 07, 2014 :: 5:12 pm


I’ve recently purchase a Pioneer Car Stereo DEH-X4650BT and I was able to pair the Bluetooth with my iPhone4 easily and use the handsfree but am unable to pair it using my iPhone 5s. Any suggestions? Have tried doing it with and without the USB cable. The phone recognises the stereo but it is unable to pair.

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From Bubba Boyd on January 31, 2014 :: 6:32 pm


I recently got a brand new next book tablet and it doesn’t show that it has Bluetooth on it anywhere what do I do to get it

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From Josh Kirschner on January 31, 2014 :: 6:55 pm


If your tablet doesn’t come with built-in Bluetooth (and it looks like most, if not all, of the Nextbook tablets do not), there’s no way to add it. Someone may have an external bluetooth USB adapter for Android (does your tablet have a USB port?), but I’m having trouble finding one. If you do find one, buy it from someplece you can return it, because I’m guessing there’s a good chance it won’t work consistently or at all.

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From Leonard Mostello on March 26, 2016 :: 12:56 pm


My blurtooth in my Nissan Altima, 2015, was working for the last yr. & all of a sudden it quit working.  I went to use it the other day & it came on saying searching for phone; it came back on saying “no search found”; HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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From Danielle on July 07, 2016 :: 11:50 am


Were you able to get help?  After 4 yrs of working perfectly and 1 yr with my current phone, it suddenly doesn’t recognize any phone.

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From Avion on November 26, 2016 :: 4:15 am


At want come on my phone.

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From SM Griffith on July 02, 2016 :: 4:26 pm


Hi Bubba,

Bluetooth adapters are available for 3.5mm headset audio ports on mobile devices. I got one for my husband’s old iPod nano which was not bluetooth enabled so that he could workout using bluetooth headsets rather than have all the hanging cords.

They have come way down in price and there may be even more options available now. They simply plug into the headphone jack and voila, connect your bluetooth speaker/headset and go.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

SM

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