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How do I fix Android Bluetooth not connecting?

By the AndroidAnswers Editorial Team · Updated

About 5 minutes · Wi‑Fi & mobile data

Illustration of a phone showing a wireless signal mark, with headphones on one side and a link icon on the other

Steps to check

  1. Turn Bluetooth off and on, then restart both devices

    Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Bluetooth tile to turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Restart the phone, and power the headphones, speaker, or car system off and on too. Google's Bluetooth fix steps start with these basics because they clear many temporary glitches.

    Samsung Quick settings → Bluetooth. Or Settings → Connections → BluetoothPixel Quick Settings → Bluetooth. Or Settings → Connected devices

  2. Put the accessory in pairing mode and keep it close

    Most Bluetooth devices will not show up until they are in pairing mode. Follow the accessory's own instructions. Often that means holding a power or Bluetooth button until a light blinks. Keep the phone and accessory within a few feet, away from thick walls when you can. Samsung notes that about 30 feet is the usual range, and closer is better for the first pair.

  3. Forget the old pairing, then pair as new

    An old saved connection can block a clean reconnect. Open Bluetooth settings, find the device, tap the gear or settings icon next to its name, and choose Forget or Unpair. Put the accessory back into pairing mode. On the phone, tap Pair new device (or Scan), tap the accessory's name, and follow the prompts. If it asks for a code and you do not have one, try 0000 or 1234.

    Samsung Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → gear next to the device → Forget device or Unpair → scan and pair againPixel Settings → Connected devices → tap the gear next to the device → Forget → Pair new device

  4. Disconnect the accessory from other phones or tablets

    Many headphones and speakers stay tied to the last phone they used. If that other device is nearby with Bluetooth on, your accessory may ignore the new phone. Turn Bluetooth off on the other phone or tablet, or forget the accessory there, then try pairing again on this phone.

  5. Check Media audio or Phone audio for that device

    Sometimes the phone pairs but sound or calls still go to the wrong place. Open the Bluetooth device's settings on the phone and make sure Media audio is on for music, and Phone audio is on if you want calls through the headset or car. Names can differ by phone. Also raise the volume on both the phone and the accessory.

    Pixel Settings → Connected devices → gear next to the device → turn on Media audio and Phone audio as neededSamsung Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → gear next to the device → check available audio options for that accessory

  6. Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings if nothing else works

    This clears saved Bluetooth pairings and Wi-Fi networks on the phone. Have your Wi-Fi passwords ready. After the reset, restart the phone, turn Bluetooth on, and pair the accessory again as new. If only one accessory fails while others work, the problem is likely that accessory, and its maker's support is the next stop.

    Samsung Settings → General management → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings (wording can vary by model)Pixel Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (path can vary by Android version)

Normal vs. not

Usually normal

A headset that stayed connected to another phone nearby, or a pairing that needed Forget and a fresh pair after a software update.

Worth a closer look

No Bluetooth device will pair after a network reset, the Bluetooth switch will not stay on, or every accessory drops within seconds on this phone only.

What people are saying

Common questions

Why does Bluetooth connect, then drop right away?

Move closer, charge both devices, forget and re-pair, and turn off Bluetooth on other phones that might steal the connection. Interference from crowded Wi-Fi or thick walls can also cause short drops.

Do I need an app for my earbuds or watch?

Some brands need their own app for the first setup (for example Galaxy Wearable for many Samsung buds and watches). Check the box or the maker's support page. You can still try a normal Bluetooth pair first.

Will resetting Bluetooth erase my photos?

No. Resetting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth clears saved networks and pairings only. You will need Wi-Fi passwords again. It does not wipe photos, contacts, or apps.

Sources we checked

Menu names can differ by phone brand and Android version. See our editorial policy for how we check steps.