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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


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From T Braverman on September 15, 2022 :: 9:14 am


I cannot connect Bluetooth to this treadmill using my IPhone or iPad. I am assured by the seller that it has Bluetooth and it is advertised as such. The treadmill is sold under FitnessClub label.

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From Albert Yrie on September 22, 2022 :: 3:13 pm


CR2032-04 Planet Waves CR2032 Lithium Battery (4-Pack) TMR ALM GMT TIME DAL

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From Debby on September 23, 2022 :: 6:01 pm


I paired my new golrex ear buds with my older mp3 player but I still don’t get any sound.  Any suggestions?

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From Kimberly McCray on September 25, 2022 :: 11:34 am


The woman keeps saying Bluetooth melt was wondering what that mean it works and everything and it pair to my phone but she keeps saying it

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From Ted on October 31, 2022 :: 5:16 pm


On my iphone 8 I can connect to the Bose Solo 5 or the Boom3 but I cannot get the iphone to play (spotify music) on both speakers at the same time. Are they not compatible? Can this be done?

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From Suzanne Kantra on November 01, 2022 :: 5:40 pm


Spotify only lets you use your account on one streaming device at a time. You can get around this limitation by using the Alexa or Google Home app on your phone to stream Spotify to multiple Alexa or Google Nest devices. You need a device for each of your speakers. Google’s Nest Mini is currently on sale for $19.99.
https://store.google.com/us/product/google_nest_mini?hl=en-US?

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From Usman Bala on December 15, 2022 :: 3:15 am


My Bluetooth is oliwice on hisevi

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From Shasta Stan on December 19, 2022 :: 6:57 pm


I’ve been trying to pair a Christmas present, but the speaker did not show up.  I don’t know which item showed up, but it would not pair.  I read the article and some comments.  We have an Alexa in most rooms and also a router.  To eliminate possible interference, I decided to try pairing out at the Mall while in the car.  That worked just fine! I tried the items again at home and now they work ok also.  Many Thanks for the Info!

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From BayouRambler on January 04, 2023 :: 1:40 pm


Thanks so much! Fixed my issue in 2 minutes after I read your article!

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From Dashon Stewart on January 07, 2023 :: 12:33 pm


Last year on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 24,2022 my WiFi is not working on my cellphone because I don’t see no Bluetooth on my cellphone and all of my website apps are missing and still I’m very upset about that since. I tried to get a hold on to somebody else to fix my WiFi on my cellphone. So can you please help me to get my website apps back on my cellphone? Ok? Please and thank you.

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From Bernie on January 08, 2023 :: 4:53 pm


how do I get my air piece name if itโ€™s not showing

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From mikemont64 on January 12, 2023 :: 10:55 pm


if you have more than one device you sync on w-king you need to turn the others off before you sync.

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From Shivcharan sidhu on January 22, 2023 :: 5:18 am


Sir/Madam

Please advise, if I use a Wireless Transmitter with my Sony android tv KD-49X7500H (bluetooth version 4.2 ) and use it with my Sony headphones WH-1000XM5 (bluetooth version 5.2) , will that work?

( kindly note, my Sony TV: KD-49X7500H does not support Bluetooth/A2DP facility )


I need to use headphones, as my kids are getting disturbed.

If your answer is No, pls advice how do i resolve this issue. Is there any external equipment which can help.


Awaiting your reply


Shivcharan sidhu
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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From kennethvr on January 24, 2023 :: 9:48 am


Androids, including brand new Samsung S-22, pair, but will not “connect” to new HP Envy PC via bluetooth. I tried all the fixes and nothing works. All other bluetooth connections work seamlessly, like ear buds and printer. Help! Again, the devices pair easily, but do not connect. Thx

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From donald breen on January 26, 2023 :: 10:57 am


I have a tcl roku t.v. I just purchased a Bluenin intelligeat life BBH-929s neckband speaker.I can not pair my t.v. with my headset. can you give advice

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From Steve on February 18, 2023 :: 5:37 pm


Says that I am out of range when I am standing right next to it.  Others have tried to pair to it and same thing.  I had been able to get in with no issues for a few weeks, but now nobody is able to pair using bluetooth to the speaker.

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From Cindy on February 21, 2023 :: 1:00 pm


It won’t pair with my Samsung phone please advise

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From Adrian on March 01, 2023 :: 11:34 am


I have a 21 plated RAV4 with the Toyota Multimedia system (not JBL)...my IPhone pairs and connects to the multimedia system and I can play my music from my phone through the car’s system and also the Google Nav and Waze etc.,..but when i get a call the sound of the call goes to my phone and the music if playing on the car ‘s system doesn’t go off.Also when I check a call I can use the screen in the car but when the answer machine plays the message it again only come through on my phone??And if i try to make a call or receive a call it again comes up on my car’s multimedia screen but goes to my phone?
Any ideas?

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From tempest kingsly on March 08, 2023 :: 10:19 pm


i canno t connect my power locusp4plus head phones to connect to my device

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From Teri on March 13, 2023 :: 3:11 pm


Thank you, was so simple when I turned the Bluetooth off on my cell! I was trying to connect to the tablet ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

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From Jitu Shah on March 15, 2023 :: 11:28 am


Dear Sir,
I wish to know how to pair two KN 321 BT adapters to each other to make it work like a door phone?
Thank you.
Jitu

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From Jitu Shah on March 15, 2023 :: 11:33 am


Dear Sir,
I wish to know how two KN321 BT adapters to pair to each other.
Thank you.
Jitu

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From Ted on April 06, 2023 :: 6:33 pm


I had my police scanner paired with two different pairs of AirPods Pro for a couple years and after the 16.4 update they no longer work.  For some reason I deleted them from the list and tried to re-pair them and they find them okay but will no longer connect. “Connection to: AirPods Pro failed” is all I get.  So frustrating

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From Josh Kirschner on April 07, 2023 :: 9:02 am


When trying to re-pair after deleting the AirPods from the list, did you make sure the AirPods are in pairing mode by holding the button on the back of the case until the lights start blinking (with the airpods in the case ad the cover open)?

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From Christine Reidy on May 05, 2023 :: 3:04 pm


Someone in the house I live in accused me of being on their bluetooth surrounded sound system when I was on my bose mini bluetooth system other night and still had my bluetooth on. They said I was on theirs and asked me to shut my bluetooth off on my phone so they could connect so I did and their system said bluetooth disconnected . Can anyone tell me the answer to this please?

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From marianna wohlgemuth on May 16, 2023 :: 2:26 pm


Hi,
I was gifted an iPad Gen 5 for Mothers Day. I use Lenovo Ear Pods and I have tried many times to use them. I can’t seem to connect with Bluetooth to them. Is there a way to do this?

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From Mark on May 30, 2023 :: 9:34 am


I have two iPHone 5S and SE(old) and each has the “WiFI Camera” app from AppleStore.  The app claims you can bluetooth pair the two iPhones together and then view the camera image of the i.e. 5S on the SE real time to use as a backup camera.  I am unable to pair the two iPhones. They never discover each other.
5S is sw ver 12.5.5  
SE is sw ver 15.7.5

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From Josh Kirschner on May 30, 2023 :: 4:41 pm


Can you confirm which app you have and what version? Is it the one from Alfred security?

I’m familiar with Alfred and how it works. The connections would be through your WiFi network, not Bluetooth. Bluetooth has a really short range (30 ft or so in the best conditions) so isn’t an effective way of connecting a devices, like a security camera, that you would want to monitor from a distance.

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From joe on June 10, 2023 :: 11:56 pm


no matter wat I do it doesn’t connect but it’s been working fine for ages and all of sudden it stopped working idk why but I’ve tried every meth to get my headphones to connect but they just don’t anymore

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From G WHITLOCK on June 28, 2023 :: 8:43 pm


So, every time I turn on my PC, my headphones (LE-HD 450BT) are paired automatically.  However to connect so I can actually listen, I have to go into settings, then bluetooth devices and muck around to connect.  My phone connects to both my cars automatically, can the same happen with headphones?  On one of my Android phones I need to do the same, go to settings, select bluetooth-the headphones are already paired, but I need to select connect-the other- a very old Android phone, just connects as soon as I power it up.

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From Josh Kirschner on June 29, 2023 :: 8:45 am


Can you confirm what brand/model headphones you’re using? I see Sennheiser has the HD 450BT, but those are Bluetooth 5.0 and I don’t see anything about an LE version.

Also, what version of Windows and Android are you running on the devices with the issue?

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From Oyewale on July 02, 2023 :: 9:53 am


My bluetooth connects when I play music directly from my phone, but it does not if I am on a telegram meeting.

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From Josh Kirschner on July 02, 2023 :: 2:36 pm


This sounds more like a device setting issue than a Bluetooth connection problem. In Telegram, check your “Call Settings” under settings and see what the input and output device is set to.

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From Corky147 on December 07, 2023 :: 5:43 pm


My Bose headphones and hearing aids interfere with each other. The production of a high shril make painful in aids.

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From Edward Tamba Charles on January 11, 2024 :: 3:06 am


Am trying to connect my LG D. V .D player with my phone but it cannot connect with my phone

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