Tech Reference

Why won't my Bluetooth device connect?: How to fix common Bluetooth connection issues

Written by Steven John
bose soundlink around ear bluetooth headphones
It's easy to fix Bluetooth devices that won't connect once you've diagnosed the issue. Bose
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Bluetooth connectivity issues can range from mild annoyance — like when your earbuds won't pair with your phone — to immensely inconvenient — like when your computer won't pair with a printer, and you're on a deadline.

Fortunately, Bluetooth issues are easy to fix.

Here's what you need to know.

How to fix common Bluetooth connection issues

marshall major ii bluetooth headphones
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider

Let's deal with the simplest issues first, then move on to more difficult fixes.

Make sure the devices are ready to be connected

Why won_t my Bluetooth connect 1
You'll need to make sure that Bluetooth connections are on, and your device is ready to pair. Steven John/Business Insider

Bluetooth devices aren't always ready to connect. Most dedicated Bluetooth devices — speakers, headphones, and more — need to be put into pairing mode. You should check your device's manual to see how to turn on pairing mode.

On a phone, tablet, or computer, just make sure that Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this by going into your device's settings, opening the BLUBluetooth menu, and toggling it on. If you can't find this menu, try searching for it using your device's search feature.

Make sure the devices are in range

mac bluetooth headphones
Shutterstock

In general, Bluetooth devices need to be within at least 20 feet of each other to connect well. If you're having issues, try bringing the devices closer together.

Make sure the devices aren't already synced

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Make sure your phone isn't already connected to a Bluetooth source. Steven John/Business Insider

Quite often when you can't connect to one device via Bluetooth, it's because your phone (or tablet) is already connected to another device. The device you're trying to connect to might also be connected to another.

Because most Bluetooth devices can only connect to one other device at a time, you'll have to disrupt any current connection before you can link up.

Reset the connection

Why won_t my Bluetooth connect 3
You'll need to make your devices forget each other. William Antonelli/Business Insider

If none of these approaches work, it's time to break and then re-establish the Bluetooth connection. 

Go to your phone, tablet, or computer's Bluetooth section, and then find the troublesome device. Tap or right-click it and select "Forget this Device."

Now place the device in pairing mode and reconnect.

Reset your devices

on the iphone
If all else fails, you might need a reset. Flickr/Eduardo Woo

Turn all of your devices off, and then on again. Try connecting once more.

If it still isn't working, we'll need some harder resets.

Look up how to factory reset your Bluetooth device. You'll likely have to press a button for a certain amount of time. Once you have, try connecting again.

If you find that the reset device can connect to everything but your phone, tablet, or computer, it means that they'll need to be reset to. This can be done through your phone, tablet, or computer's dedicated "Reset" menu — however, be aware that this will erase all your data.

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Steven John
Steven John has been a freelance writer for more than a dozen years and has been a regular contributor to Business Insider since 2017. His work includes a focus on the tech world, covering companies including Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Google, and others. He also reviews restaurants, shares how-to cooking articles, and writes general interest pieces.Steven also writes for publications including Architectural Digest, The Daily Beast, Forbes, and more. In the past, he also wrote for New York Magazine, Mashed, U.S. News & World Report and other outlets. He runs his own outdoor lifestyle site, Dad Gear Review, and co-hosts the Fact Trekkers podcast with his son. He has had two novels published, Three A.M. and Outrider. He graduated from Emerson College with a degree in communications focused on filmmaking.He is an avid outdoorsman and can be frequently found in a kayak or on a mountain trail, often with his family along for the adventure.Expertise:Tech industryTech hardwareOutdoorsCookingRestaurantsDIYPopular articles:Microsoft: A history of the software giant co-founded by Bill Gates, its products and services, jobs, layoffs, and moreYouTube is a major entertainment force. Here's the platform's history, plus how to create a channel and upload videos.Inside the life and career of Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, billionaire, and philanthropistTim Cook net worth: How the Apple leader earns and spends his moneyBecoming an Amazon seller is a simple process. Here's what's involved, plus how you make money and get paid.