Bluetooth problems in iOS are as old as the iPhone and iPad. Call it Apple’s failure or the nature of common problems most devices face in iOS 15, Bluetooth issues have a long history in iOS and iPadOS. No wonder a large number of users go to various forums to complain about the poor functioning of Bluetooth. Some say their iPhones are unable to connect to Bluetooth devices, while others report that their iOS device is automatically disconnected from Bluetooth accessories. Fortunately, there are some reliable solutions to fix Bluetooth issue on iPhone and iPad. If that’s what you’re looking for, try these 12 pro tips and tricks to fix “iPhone Bluetooth not working” issue.
iPhone Bluetooth Not Working? Here are the Fixes!
Understanding the possible causes of Bluetooth problems in iOS and iPadOS can make finding the right solutions much easier. So, let’s look at the possible causes first!
Why Does Bluetooth Issue Occur on iPhone and iPad?
Bluetooth problems in iOS occur for a variety of reasons, including software bugs, outdated software, and Bluetooth accessories not working properly. The issue can also occur if the Bluetooth device is not fully charged or if you have blocked the companion app from using Bluetooth on your iOS or iPadOS device. Considering all these possible causes, we have mentioned the solutions that can fix the infamous iPhone Bluetooth not working issue.
Note: Before moving on to the solutions, check if your iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this from the Control Center or by controlling the Bluetooth toggle in the Settings app.
1. Turn On Bluetooth On Your iPhone
When I encounter Bluetooth connection problems on my iPhone and iPad, the first solution I try to fix the problems is to turn off/on the Bluetooth toggle. And I must say, it saves me more often. So I’m going to rely on this little but highly effective trick to get the job done for you too.
Go to: Settings app on your iOS device -> Bluetooth. Now, turn off the toggle. After that restart your device. Once your device restarts, turn on the Bluetooth toggle. Then try connecting your iPhone/iPad to a Bluetooth accessory to see if the issue is resolved. If Bluetooth starts working again, you have solved the problem.
2. Turn Off/On Bluetooth Device
Most of the time, you can get rid of the Bluetooth problem by turning the Bluetooth accessory off and on. So, try this simple yet effective solution. Most Bluetooth devices come with a power switch that lets you enable/disable them with ease. So, look for the power switch and then press it to turn off the Bluetooth accessory. After that, press the power button again to turn it on.
3. Update Your iPhone/iPad
If none of the tricks worked in fixing Bluetooth problems on your iPhone and iPad, I suspect the problem could be caused by a software bug or outdated software. Either way, you can get around the problem by upgrading to the latest iteration of iOS/iPadOS.
get over your head Settings app -> General -> Software Update. Now, let your device check for any updates. If it shows the latest update, download and install software update as usual.
4. Update Your Bluetooth Accessory
To improve performance and also fix common problems, accessory manufacturers often release software updates. So, if you haven’t updated your Bluetooth device for a while, there’s a good chance the problem is caused by outdated software. Most Bluetooth devices come with a utility that lets you customize the settings. Open App Store -> Your Profile -> App Check for any software updates.
Updating AirPods is pretty simple. The headphones are automatically updated to the latest firmware versions when connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone and iPad.
5. Make Sure Your Bluetooth Device Is Charged
Make sure your Bluetooth accessory is fully charged or connected to a power source. If the accessory comes with a rechargeable battery, check if the battery needs replacing.
If you can pair your accessory with some devices but not your iPhone or iPad, unpair the accessory from your other devices. After that, try to pair with your device again. Also, check with the accessory manufacturer to make sure your accessory supports iOS/iPadOS.
6. Make Sure The Companion App Can Access Bluetooth
If the Bluetooth accessory comes with a companion app, make sure the app can access Bluetooth on your iPhone and iPad. Hungry Settings select the app on your device and Privacy. Now, find Bluetooth and tap on it. After that, make sure that the app (in question) can use Bluetooth.
7. Forget Device and Pair Again
If the Bluetooth problem persists, make the Bluetooth accessory forget your iPhone and iPad. Then reconnect the Bluetooth accessory to your iOS/iPadOS device. This can sometimes fix Bluetooth problems by clearing the Bluetooth cache.
get over your head Settings app -> Bluetooth -> “i” button Right next to the bluetooth accessory. After that, tap on Forget This Device and confirm. Now reconnect your iOS/iPadOS device to the Bluetooth accessory.
8. Hard Reset Your iPhone and iPad
Another solution that often works for me in fixing common iOS and iPadOS issues, including Bluetooth issues, is a hard reset, i.e. force restart. Therefore, it is worth turning your iPhone off and then back on as well.
- Force Restart iPhone 8 or newer and iPad without home button: Press and quickly release the volume up button. Next, press and quickly release the volume down button. After that, hold down the side/up button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
- Force Restart iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the side button and volume down button simultaneously until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
- Force Restart iPhone 6s or earlier or iPad with home button: Press and hold the home button and the side/top button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
9. Reset Bluetooth Accessory
No solution yet? Do not worry because we still have several reliable solutions to get rid of Bluetooth problems. Now try to reset the Bluetooth accessory. If the problem is in the accessory, you can get rid of the problem by resetting it.
Note that resetting Bluetooth accessories varies. So be sure to check the user manual if you need help. If you have AirPods, you can reset them with ease. With the lead on, hold down the install button on the back of the chassis for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber and then white. After that you need to reconnect your AirPods to your device. With the lead option, you simply place your AirPods close to your device and then follow the instructions.
10. Reset Network Settings
When network related problems become permanent on my iPhone, I reset the network settings as a last resort. In most cases, it does not disappoint me. So, if the Bluetooth issues on your iOS device are not fixed yet, try this solution. Be warned that it will delete all network settings including Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth. So, be prepared to reinstall them.
go to: Settings app On your iPhone or iPad -> General -> Reset. Now, tap on Network Settings Reset and enter your device password. After that, tap on Network Settings Reset again to confirm.
11. Factory Reset Your iPhone
If nothing else works, you can try to fix the problem with this last resort. By factory resetting your iPhone, you are basically using an all-in-one solution for your Bluetooth problems and it should hopefully fix it.
To do this, enter Settings -> General -> Reset. Here, tap on ‘Erase All Content and Settings‘ to completely erase your iPhone. Note that you must back up your iPhone before doing this. Also, you should only use this fix as a full mary solution.
12. Contact Apple
Even after all this, if you are unable to turn on Bluetooth on your device or the setting is grayed out, or you cannot connect any Bluetooth accessories to your iPhone/iPad and the accessory manufacturer has confirmed that your accessory supports iOS/iPadOS, you will need to contact Apple for a Solution. You can go to your nearest Apple store or contact Apple support. here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do you reset Bluetooth on iPhone?
If you want to reset the Bluetooth radio on your iPhone, you can do so by clearing your iPhone’s network settings. The method for doing this has been described above.
2. Why can’t my iPhone find Bluetooth devices?
First, check if Bluetooth is turned on. If so and your iPhone still cannot find new Bluetooth devices, make sure the device is turned on and in pairing mode. Also, try the fixes mentioned above.
3. How do I put my iPhone in pairing mode?
You can pair new devices with your iPhone by going to . Settings -> Bluetooth. As long as you are on this page, you will be able to see new devices and your iPhone will be in pairing mode.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth Issues on iPhone and iPad
That is all! So, these are the tried and trusted ways to troubleshoot Bluetooth issues on iPadOS or iOS device. Hopefully, it’s back to normal on your Bluetooth device. Would you like to tell us which of the above solutions worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below.
