Bluetooth functions as a wireless communication technology facilitating connections between your iPhone and various devices and accessories. Are you encountering errors when attempting to connect your iPhone to a Bluetooth device? Unsure about resolving this issue to enable file sharing between your iPhone and other devices? If so, this article can provide guidance on addressing why Bluetooth isn’t functioning properly on your iPhone.
1. Turn Bluetooth off and on again
To activate or deactivate your Bluetooth, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the button once to disable it (turning it gray), then tap again to enable it (turning it green).
2. Turn your Bluetooth accessory off and back on again
If unsure how to do so, refer to the device’s manual or search for instructions online
3. Reset Your iPhone Bluetooth Connection
Frequently, simply toggling off your iPhone’s Bluetooth and then restarting your device can resolve any issues with your Bluetooth connectivity. Follow these steps:
- Access Settings on your iPhone.
- Select Bluetooth from the menu.
- Switch off Bluetooth by tapping the toggle switch, changing its color from green to gray.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Navigate back to Bluetooth Settings.
- Toggle Bluetooth back on by tapping the switch, changing its color from gray to green.
4. Remove the Bluetooth Device from Your iPhone
If resetting your iPhone’s Bluetooth doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to remove and then reestablish the connection with the device through your Bluetooth settings:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Choose Bluetooth from the list.
- Locate the problematic device and tap on the information icon beside it.
- Select Disconnect.
- Power off the device and then power it back on.
If the device doesn’t reconnect automatically, return to Bluetooth settings and tap on the device’s name to reconnect.
5. Unpair & Pair the Bluetooth Device with Your iPhone
If the device fails to connect altogether or doesn’t reconnect even after a power cycle, attempt to unpair (“forget it”) and then pair it again:
- In Bluetooth Settings, tap on the information icon adjacent to the device.
- Select Forget This Device.
- Confirm your decision to remove the device from your iPhone.
- The device should reappear at the bottom (you may need to activate pairing mode), allowing you to pair it with your iPhone once more.
6. Verify the Connection of Your Accessory to Bluetooth
To ensure that the device you wish to pair is connected to Bluetooth, proceed as follows:
- Open Settings on your iPhone and select Bluetooth.
- Confirm that the name of the desired device appears under My Devices.
- If your device is listed but shows as “Not Connected,” tap on it to change its status to “Connected.”
- If your device is not displayed, ensure it’s in discovery mode. If unsure how to activate discovery mode, refer to the device’s instructions or search online. Once the device appears in the Other Devices list, tap on it to move it to My Devices.
7. Remove Additional Devices from Your Bluetooth List
Having an abundance of Bluetooth devices linked to your iPhone can hinder its ability to connect to the desired accessory. Consider removing other devices, particularly those no longer in use, by following these steps:
- Launch the Settings app and navigate to Bluetooth.
- Select the other devices you wish to disconnect.
- For devices you no longer require, tap the “i” button on the right, then tap Forget This Device.
8. Perform a Hard Restart If iPhone Bluetooth Continues to Not Connect
Restarting your iPhone is a fundamental troubleshooting step that often resolves various common issues, including difficulties with Bluetooth connectivity.
For hard restarting the iPhone X and later models:
- Swiftly press and release the Volume Up button.
- Swiftly press and release the Volume Down button.
- Press and hold the Side button.
For hard restarting iPhone 7 or 8:
- Simultaneously press and hold the Sleep/Wake button (located on the right side of the iPhone near the top) and the Volume Down button.
- Continue holding both buttons until the Apple logo appears, indicating your iPhone is powering back up.
For hard restarting older iPhones equipped with Home buttons:
- Simultaneously press and hold the Home button and the Side button.
- Keep both buttons pressed for at least ten seconds. You will observe the screen turning white with a black Apple logo before you can release the buttons.
9. Keep Your iPhone’s Software Up to Date
If your Bluetooth connection remains problematic, don’t lose hope just yet. It’s possible that your phone requires a software update. Here’s what you need to do:
Ensure that you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, as software updates necessitate a Wi-Fi connection and more than 50 percent battery life.
- Go to Settings.
- Navigate to General.
- Choose Software Update.
- If an update is available, select Download and Install. If your software is already up to date, proceed to the next step.
- Once the software update is downloaded, the new iOS version will install automatically, prompting your phone to restart.
Remember, if you are using beta software, you might encounter unusual errors, such as Bluetooth malfunctions. In such cases, consider removing the beta software from your iPhone. If Bluetooth issues persist, there may be a more serious underlying problem, and it’s advisable to reach out to Apple support for assistance.
10. Distance Between Your iPhone and Bluetooth Device
Your iPhone must be in close physical proximity to the accessory you’re attempting to connect. If they are in separate rooms or distant from each other, relocate them closer.