Bluetooth connectivity issues can be a real pain, especially if you rely on them as much as I do – for listening to music, making calls, or connecting to car infotainment systems. It’s easy to worry that the devices might be broken. But before jumping to conclusions, there are several steps you can take to try to narrow down the problem. Here’s what you can do.
What to do if iPhone won’t connect via Bluetooth?
1. Check the Bluetooth settings
Time required: 3 minutes
The first thing you need to do is check your device settings. Make sure everything is enabled and working properly. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Bluetooth and open it.
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- If not, enable the feature by pressing the button. You can also turn the feature off and on again to refresh the settings and make your iPhone discoverable.
2. Forget the device from the iPhone
I’ve had trouble connecting my AirPods to my iPhone several times. The best way to fix the problem is to delete the device from the Settings app and then reconnect it.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to Bluetooth-compatible.
- In the list of paired devices, look for the device that is having trouble connecting to your iPhone.
- Then tap the Information symbol (i) Symbol next to it.
- Choose below Forget this device.
- Tap Forgot device again to confirm.
Your device is now removed from your iPhone. Open Bluetooth settings again and reconnect to see if it works.
3. Reset network settings
Resetting the network settings may help resolve the error if none of the other methods seem to work. However, doing so will delete saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so make sure you have those details handy before proceeding with the steps below.
- Open the Settings app from the Home screen and tap Generally.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or reset iPhone.
- Choose Reset.
- Now tap Reset network settings.
- Enter your iPhone passcode to continue.
- Tap Reset network settings again to confirm.
4. Force restart your iPhone
A quick forced restart can fix any temporary issues or errors that might be causing connection problems.
- Press and release immediately Increase volume Button.
- Press and release immediately Decrease volume Button.
- Now press and hold the side button on your iPhone.
- Release the button as soon as the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Your device has now rebooted.
5. Update iOS
You might be using an iOS version that is known for network connectivity issues. In these cases, the only option is to download and install the latest stable iOS version available. You can fall back on beta versions if you already have the latest update.
- Open the Settings app and go to Generally.
- Now select Software update.
- Wait a few seconds while the system checks for available updates.
If you have tried all the steps above and your iPhone still won’t connect to Bluetooth, you may want to contact Apple Support. You can contact the customer service team through the official website or take your device to the nearest authorized service provider.
