FixBluetooth

Bluetooth won't pair or connect: how to fix it

Your headphones, speaker or keyboard will not pair or connect over Bluetooth. Work through these checks in order, from pairing mode to removing and re-adding the device.

  • Updated
  • 12 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Any device

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A Bluetooth accessory, such as headphones, a speaker or a keyboard, does not appear in the list, will not pair, or pairs but will not connect. Work from the quickest checks to removing the device on both sides and starting again.

Before you start

Pairing is the one-time introduction between two devices. Connecting is the live link each time you use them. If you are not sure of the difference, read how Bluetooth pairing works.

These fixes take about 12 minutes in total and need no tools. Keep the two devices within a few feet of each other while you work, and stop as soon as the connection works.

Fixes to try, in orderA top-to-bottom flow chart with 9 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Fixes to try, in orderNoNoNo1Charge the accessoryand keep both devicesclose2Turn Bluetooth off andon, on your phone orcomputer3Does the device connectnow?Yes: You are done4Put the accessory inpairing mode again5Works now?Yes: You are done6Remove the device onBOTH sides, then pairagain7Works now?Yes: You are done8Restart both devices andinstall updatesStill no luck? Use themaker's support page foryour model.
Stop as soon as the device connects.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Charge the accessory and keep both devices close
  2. Step 2: Turn Bluetooth off and on, on your phone or computer
  3. Question 3: Does the device connect now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  4. Step 4: Put the accessory in pairing mode again
  5. Question 5: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  6. Step 6: Remove the device on BOTH sides, then pair again
  7. Question 7: Works now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  8. Step 8: Restart both devices and install updates
  9. If nothing worked: Still no luck? Use the maker's support page for your model.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check the basics

This takes about 3 minutes.

  1. Charge the accessory. A low battery is a common reason for a failed pairing. Microsoft suggests keeping a rechargeable device plugged in while you pair it.
  2. Turn the accessory off, wait a few seconds, and turn it on again.
  3. Check that Airplane mode is off on your phone or computer. Airplane mode switches Bluetooth off.
  4. On your phone or computer, turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it on again.
  5. Move the accessory next to your phone or computer, with nothing between them.

Fix 2: Put the accessory in pairing mode again

Most accessories stay in pairing mode for only a short time. If yours timed out, your phone or computer cannot find it. This takes about 2 minutes.

  1. Hold the accessory's pairing or power button until its light blinks. The exact button and light pattern differ by model, so check the manual.
  2. Right away, open the Bluetooth list on your phone or computer and search for devices.
  3. Select the accessory when it appears. If a code or a Pair button is shown, confirm it.
Two devices about to pairA phone on the left and a speaker on the right with a Bluetooth symbol and radio waves between them. The speaker has a small pairing button on top. It has 4 numbered markers, explained in the list under the picture.1234Two devices about to pair
  1. Your phone or computer: search from here
  2. The accessory: it must be in pairing mode
  3. Pairing button: hold until the light blinks
  4. Radio link: keep both close
Button names and positions differ between accessories.
Text version of this diagram

A phone on the left and a speaker on the right with a Bluetooth symbol and radio waves between them. The speaker has a small pairing button on top.

  1. Your phone or computer: search from here
  2. The accessory: it must be in pairing mode
  3. Pairing button: hold until the light blinks
  4. Radio link: keep both close

If the accessory was last connected to another phone or computer, it may connect there instead of to you. Turn Bluetooth off on that device, or remove the accessory there, then try again. Apple gives the same advice when an accessory pairs with other devices but not with an iPhone.

Fix 3: Remove the device on both sides and pair again

A device that used to work can stop when one side forgets the saved key but the other does not. Removing it on both sides makes a clean start. Removing a device does not delete any of your files. This takes about 5 minutes.

On Windows 11

  1. Open Settings then Bluetooth & devices.
  2. Find the device, select More options (the three dots), then select Remove device.
  3. Put the accessory in pairing mode, then select Add device and choose Bluetooth.
  4. Select your accessory in the list. It should show as Connected or Paired.

On Windows 10

  1. Open Settings then Devices then Bluetooth & other devices.
  2. Select the device, then select Remove device.
  3. Put the accessory in pairing mode, then select Add Bluetooth or other device and choose Bluetooth.
  4. Select your accessory in the list.

On an iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Settings then Bluetooth.
  2. Tap the i beside the device, then tap Forget This Device.
  3. Put the accessory in pairing mode, wait for it to appear in the list, then tap it.

On an Android phone

Menu names vary by maker (Samsung, Google Pixel and others). The usual path is below. If you cannot find it, search Settings for Bluetooth.

  1. Open Settings then Connected devices, then open Saved devices (or Bluetooth).
  2. Tap the gear icon beside the device, then tap Forget and Forget device.
  3. Put the accessory in pairing mode. Go back to Connected devices (or Bluetooth), tap Pair new device and select the accessory.

For a Mac, see Mac Bluetooth problems.

Some accessories want a passcode

Older accessories may ask for a passcode. If the manual does not list one, Google's Android help suggests trying 0000 or 1234.

Fix 4: Restart and update

This takes about 5 minutes.

  1. Restart your phone or computer. On Windows, select Start, then Power, then Restart.
  2. Install pending system updates. On Windows 11, open Settings then Windows Update and select Check for updates. On Windows 10, open Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update.
  3. If the accessory works through an app on an iPhone, open Settings then Privacy & Security then Bluetooth and check that Bluetooth is on for that app.
  4. Try Fix 3 once more.

Windows 10 no longer gets security updates

Windows 10 reached the end of support in October 2025. It still runs, but plan to move to a supported system and take extra care with banking and email.

If it still does not work

  • Try the accessory with a second phone or computer. If it fails there too, the accessory is the problem. Check its manual for a reset method.
  • If no Bluetooth accessory works on your Windows PC, or the Bluetooth switch is missing, see Bluetooth missing in Windows.
  • Windows users can run Microsoft's automatic Bluetooth troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
  • If it pairs but drops out, see Bluetooth keeps disconnecting or stutters.
  • Apple advises contacting Apple Support if Bluetooth is grayed out or no accessory connects to your iPhone. Otherwise use the support page on the accessory maker's website.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my device say paired but not connected?

Pairing saves the secret key, and connecting is the live link. A device can be paired and still not connected if it is switched off, out of range, or connected to something else. Switch it on and select it in the Bluetooth list.

Why can't I see my headphones in the list?

They are usually not in pairing mode, too far away, low on charge, or connected to another device. Put them in pairing mode again and turn Bluetooth off on your other devices.

Do I need to remove the device on both sides?

Yes, when a device that worked before stops connecting. Remove it on the phone or computer, and also remove your phone or computer from the accessory's memory if the accessory keeps a list.

Will removing a device delete my data?

No. It only deletes the saved pairing, and you can pair again at any time.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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