Small interventions often help and the wireless connection between the Bluetooth device and smartphone, tablet or PC works again without interference.
It can be extremely annoying when the Bluetooth headphones only play fragments of your favorite music. Or you’re typing important text and your Bluetooth keyboard only responds to every second letter you type. Then you should try the following tips for the different platforms that solve the common Bluetooth problems.
Fix basic Bluetooth connection problems
Your cell phone or other Bluetooth accessory is not recognized? Then the classic helps in most cases: Switch off both devices briefly and establish a new connection when you restart. Updates may also have to be imported, for example new firmware.
You can also quickly find a solution to these problems:
- The mobile phone is connected to the car radio, but does not play any music? Media streaming may require a second pairing. Some smartphones use two pairings for hands-free calling and media streaming. If that doesn’t work either, please ask the car manufacturer whether there is a software or firmware update for the car radio.
- Two nearby Bluetooth devices not found? Please check whether the Bluetooth function is activated. Check if the devices are actually visible. Do both devices use the same Bluetooth standard? If not, update both devices to the latest firmware and install the latest drivers. Then restart both devices and try again.
- Bluetooth mouse or keyboard only reacts with a delay? Most wireless mice or keyboards still have a battery in them. Please check the current state of charge. Replace almost empty batteries. If that doesn’t work, reconnect the PC and Bluetooth device.
- Bluetooth device is detected incorrectly? If a speaker is recognized as a mouse, only a software update will help. If possible, connect the affected device to the computer via a different interface, for example via USB. That should definitely fix the problem.
- Bluetooth device does not accept the PIN when establishing a connection? In this case, cancel the process and try a new pairing. There may be software updates. Play these beforehand. If the app pairing expires, please clear the app cache and try again.
- The pairing worked, but the connection is unstable? If the devices are placed far apart, Bluetooth may transmit in the limit range. In this case, reduce the distance between the devices. The device may be connected to too many other devices via Bluetooth, then delete old pairings. Or other wireless connections are interfering with radio traffic, then remove the sources of interference. An unstable connection may also be due to the low battery level of the smartphone. In this case, connect the device to a power source.
- The coupling takes an unusually long time or the process breaks off at some point? Again, the reason often lies in the list of already paired devices. Go through the list and delete connections you no longer need. Then please try to pair the devices again.
Also read: Why is Bluetooth called that and what does the sign mean?
Fix Windows 11 Bluetooth issues
- Accidentally landed in airplane mode? On the PC, please click on the network or sound icon at the bottom right of the taskbar. A dialog box appears. There, please check whether Airplane mode is activated. Then deactivate it by clicking on it
- Is Bluetooth even enabled? Click the start icon at the bottom left, select the settings cog, and then select Bluetooth and devices. A controller will appear there. Please turn on Bluetooth. If Bluetooth is already activated but there are still problems with the connection, switch Bluetooth off and on again for a few seconds.
- Having problems with a Bluetooth device? Again, please go to Settings – “Bluetooth and devices” – “Devices”. Select the device that is causing connection problems. Click on the three dots on the right and confirm the entry “Remove device” with “Yes”. Then pair the device again.
- The Bluetooth symbol does not appear? Run a Bluetooth troubleshooter. To do this, please follow this path: Settings – “System” – “Troubleshooting” – “Other troubleshooting”. There next to the entry “Bluetooth” select the option “Run” and follow the instructions.
Fix Android problems with Bluetooth
- How can I check the basic Bluetooth settings on my Android smartphone? Turn Bluetooth off and then back on. Check if the paired devices are connected to each other. Otherwise, please restart.
- Can’t connect to the car radio? Delete all existing connections. Remove your smartphone from the “Recently connected devices” list. Also delete all old entries of smartphones that are no longer needed. Pair your smartphone with the car radio again: Settings – “Connected devices” – “Bluetooth” – “Pair new device” – select the name of your car. If you initiate the pairing from the car radio, please do the following: Select the name of your smartphone, compare any displayed screen PIN with the PIN on your smartphone, confirm, allow access to contacts and the call list, pair, “Accept” or “Confirm” choose.
- Pairing with other Bluetooth devices not working? Is the device visible? If necessary, refer to the instructions for the device. A blue light often indicates whether a device is ready to be paired. Some devices, such as folio keyboards, must first be connected to a smartphone or tablet before they can be paired. Also update your accessories list. Still not seeing the device? On your smartphone, follow: Settings – “Connected devices” – “Bluetooth” – “Pair new device” – select the name of the device. A PIN is required that you don’t know? Please try 0000 or 1234. These PINs are often preset at the factory.
Fix iOS problems with Bluetooth
- Trouble connecting Bluetooth devices to an iOS or iPadOS device? Make sure the devices are placed close together. In case of problems, please switch the Bluetooth accessory off briefly and then on again. Still no connection? Check that the Bluetooth device is properly turned on and fully charged or plugged into a power outlet. If the device has batteries, please check the charging status and replace the batteries if necessary. If you are pairing the Bluetooth device via app, check on the iOS or iPadOS device if Bluetooth is enabled for the app. Follow this path: Settings – “Privacy” – “Bluetooth”.
- Does your car radio support CarPlay from Apple? In the event of Bluetooth problems, first restart the device to be paired. On the car radio, briefly deactivate Bluetooth via Settings – “Bluetooth”. After about five seconds, re-enable Bluetooth. If you have further connection problems, please ask the car manufacturer whether there is a software or firmware update for the device.