Bluetooth not working: how to fix it

Bluetooth is a handy technology that lets you connect devices wirelessly. Think of headphones, keyboards, mice and speakers. But sometimes Bluetooth does not work as expected. In this article we help you fix the most common Bluetooth problems on both Windows and Mac, and on smartphones.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology. Its range is usually about 10 meters. You use it every day, perhaps without realizing it:

  • Wireless earbuds and headphones
  • Wireless mice and keyboards
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • Car radios for hands-free calling
  • Smartwatches and fitness trackers

First checks

Before we dig deeper into solutions, let's start with the basic checks.

Is Bluetooth turned on?

This sounds obvious, but first check whether Bluetooth is actually turned on.

On Windows:

  1. Click the Action Center in the bottom right (the speech bubble)
  2. Check whether the Bluetooth tile is highlighted (blue)
  3. Or go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and make sure the toggle is set to On

On Mac:

  1. Click Control Center in the top right of the menu bar
  2. Check whether Bluetooth is turned on
  3. Or go to System Settings > Bluetooth

On iPhone:

  1. Swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center
  2. Check whether the Bluetooth icon is blue
  3. Or go to Settings > Bluetooth

On Android:

  1. Swipe down from the top of the screen
  2. Check whether Bluetooth is turned on in the quick settings
  3. Or go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth

Is the device charged?

A Bluetooth device with a dead battery cannot connect. Check whether your headphones, mouse or keyboard have enough charge.

Is the device in pairing mode?

The first time you connect, a Bluetooth device has to be in pairing mode. This is often a button you hold down for a few seconds until a light starts flashing. Check your device's manual.

Fixing Bluetooth problems on Windows

Turn Bluetooth off and on again

The simplest solution is often the best:

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices
  2. Turn Bluetooth off
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Turn Bluetooth back on

Remove the device and pair it again

Sometimes a pairing gets corrupted. Remove the device and pair it again:

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices
  2. Click Devices or View more devices
  3. Find the device that is causing problems
  4. Click the three dots or the gear icon next to the device
  5. Select Remove device
  6. Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode
  7. Click Add device > Bluetooth
  8. Select your device to pair it again

Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot
  2. Click Other troubleshooters
  3. Find Bluetooth and click Run
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen

Update the Bluetooth driver

Outdated drivers can cause problems:

  1. Right-click the Start button
  2. Select Device Manager
  3. Expand Bluetooth
  4. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter
  5. Select Update driver
  6. Choose Search automatically for drivers

Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter

If updating does not help:

  1. Open Device Manager as described above
  2. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter
  3. Select Uninstall device
  4. Restart your computer
  5. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically

Check the Bluetooth Support Service

The Bluetooth service has to be running:

  1. Press Windows key + R
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter
  3. Scroll to Bluetooth Support Service
  4. Double-click it
  5. Make sure Startup type is set to Automatic
  6. Click Start if the service is not running
  7. Click OK

Check airplane mode

Airplane mode turns off all wireless connections:

  1. Click the network icon in the taskbar
  2. Check that airplane mode is turned off
  3. Or go to Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode

Fixing Bluetooth problems on Mac

Restart Bluetooth

  1. Click Control Center in the menu bar
  2. Click Bluetooth and turn it off
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Turn Bluetooth back on

Forget the device and pair it again

  1. Go to System Settings > Bluetooth
  2. Find the device that is causing problems in the list
  3. Click the info icon (i) or Control-click the device
  4. Select Forget This Device and confirm
  5. Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode
  6. It shows up in the list again; click Connect

Reset the Bluetooth module

A deeper Bluetooth reset on a Mac:

  1. Hold down Shift + Option
  2. Click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar
  3. An expanded menu appears
  4. Select Reset the Bluetooth module
  5. Confirm and wait until the process is complete
  6. Restart your Mac

Reset NVRAM/PRAM

This can help with stubborn problems:

  1. Shut down your Mac
  2. Turn it on and immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R
  3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds
  4. Release them and let your Mac start up normally

Fixing Bluetooth problems on iPhone

Turn Bluetooth back on

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
  2. Turn Bluetooth off
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Turn Bluetooth back on

Forget the device

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
  2. Tap the info icon (i) next to the device
  3. Tap Forget This Device
  4. Confirm by tapping Forget Device
  5. Pair the device again

Reset network settings

Note: this also deletes your Wi-Fi passwords.

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset
  3. Select Reset Network Settings
  4. Enter your passcode
  5. Confirm the reset

Fixing Bluetooth problems on Android

Clear the Bluetooth cache

  1. Go to Settings > Apps
  2. Tap the three dots and select Show system apps
  3. Find and tap Bluetooth
  4. Tap Storage
  5. Tap Clear cache

Unpair the device

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth
  2. Tap the gear icon next to the device
  3. Tap Unpair or Forget
  4. Pair it again

General tips for Bluetooth problems

Distance and obstacles

Bluetooth works best within 10 meters without obstacles:

  • Stay close to the device you are connecting to
  • Avoid thick walls and metal surfaces
  • Other electronics can cause interference

Interference from other devices

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use the same frequency (2.4 GHz). This can sometimes cause interference:

  • Temporarily turn off Wi-Fi to test
  • Move your router away from Bluetooth devices
  • Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi if possible

Too many paired devices

Some devices struggle when a lot of devices are paired:

  • Remove devices you no longer use
  • Keep the list of paired devices manageable

Restart everything

For stubborn problems, a full restart helps:

  1. Turn off your computer, phone or tablet
  2. Turn off the Bluetooth device
  3. Wait 30 seconds
  4. Turn on the Bluetooth device first
  5. Then turn on your computer or phone

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Bluetooth device keep reconnecting?

If your device keeps losing the connection and then reconnecting, this can point to a weak signal, an almost empty battery or interference. Try staying closer to your computer, charge the device and check that no other devices are causing interference. Outdated drivers can also cause this problem.

Can I use multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time?

Yes, most computers and phones support multiple Bluetooth connections at the same time. For example, you can use a mouse, keyboard and headphones at once. The maximum number differs per device, but it is usually at least 3 to 7 devices. Audio devices sometimes behave differently; you can usually stream audio to only one pair of headphones or one speaker at a time.

My Bluetooth option has disappeared from the settings. What now?

If Bluetooth has disappeared completely, the adapter may be disabled or faulty. Check in Device Manager (Windows) whether the Bluetooth adapter is visible. Sometimes it is listed under "Hidden devices". Try reinstalling the driver. Laptops may have a physical switch or key combination to turn wireless features on or off. If the problem persists, the hardware may be faulty.

Is Bluetooth not working properly after a Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes overwrite or damage drivers. After a problematic update, download the latest Bluetooth driver directly from the website of your laptop manufacturer or the maker of your Bluetooth adapter. Avoid the generic Windows drivers if you are having problems.

When do you need professional help?

Contact a specialist if:

  • Bluetooth still does not work after all the steps above
  • The Bluetooth adapter does not appear in Device Manager
  • You suspect physical damage to your device
  • The problem occurs with multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time

Conclusion

Bluetooth problems are annoying, but usually easy to fix. Start with the basic checks: is Bluetooth on, and is the device charged and in pairing mode? Then try forgetting the device and pairing it again. If that does not work, update your drivers and run the troubleshooter. With the steps in this article, you can fix most Bluetooth problems yourself. If you really cannot figure it out, it is time to ask a professional for help.

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