Set up and use Bluetooth accessories on iPhone

Using a Bluetooth connection, you can use third-party devices such as wireless keyboards, headphones, speakers, car kits, game controllers, and more with iPhone.

Note: iPhone must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth device.

Pair a Bluetooth headphone, car kit, game controller, or other device

Follow the instructions that came with the device to put it in discovery mode.
Note: To pair AirPods, see the instructions for your model in the “Pair and connect” section in the AirPods User Guide.
On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, then tap the name of the device.

Note: With Siri Eyes Free (available in select cars), you can use your voice to control features of your iPhone without looking at or touching iPhone. Use Bluetooth to pair iPhone to your car (refer to the user guide that came with your car if you need to). To activate Siri, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel until you hear the Siri tone, then make a request.

Customize a wireless game controller

After you pair a compatible game controller, you can customize it for supported games from Apple Arcade and the App Store.

Go to Settings > General > Game Controller.
Tap the buttons you want to change.
To customize for a specific app, tap Add App.

Note: Apple Arcade availability varies by country or region.

Play audio from iPhone on a Bluetooth audio device

On your iPhone, open an audio app, such as Music, then choose an item to play.
Tap , then choose your Bluetooth device.
While audio is playing, you can change the playback destination on the Lock Screen or in Control Center.

The playback destination returns to iPhone if you move the device out of Bluetooth range.

For information about protecting your hearing from loud volume while listening to headphones with iPhone, see Use headphone audio level features on iPhone.

WARNING: For important information about avoiding hearing loss and avoiding distractions that could lead to dangerous situations, see Important safety information for iPhone.

Bypass your Bluetooth device for calls

To use the iPhone receiver or speaker for calls, do any of the following:

Answer a call by tapping the iPhone screen.
During a call, tap Audio, then choose iPhone or Speaker Phone.
Turn off the Bluetooth device, unpair it, or move out of range.
Go to Settings , tap Bluetooth, then turn off Bluetooth.

Unpair a Bluetooth device

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information button next to the name of the device, then tap Forget This Device.

If you don’t see the Devices list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

If you have AirPods and you tap Forget This Device, they’re automatically removed from other devices where you’re signed in with the same Apple ID.

Disconnect from Bluetooth devices

To quickly disconnect from all Bluetooth devices without turning Bluetooth off, open Control Center, then tap .

To learn about Bluetooth privacy settings on iPhone, see the Apple Support article If an app would like to use Bluetooth on your device. If you have trouble connecting a Bluetooth device, see the Apple Support article If you can’t connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Note: The use of certain accessories with iPhone may affect wireless performance. Not all iOS or iPadOS accessories are fully compatible with iPhone. Turning on airplane mode may eliminate audio interference between iPhone and an accessory. Reorienting or relocating iPhone and the connected accessory may improve wireless performance.

Helpful?

iPhone User Guide