Troubleshoot Bluetooth connections
Overview
Bluetooth technology enables seamless wireless communication between Apple devices and a wide range of peripherals.
Utilizing short-range radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, Bluetooth establishes secure connections by pairing devices through a process that often involves simple confirmation, such as entering a code or confirming on-screen prompts.
Bluetooth helps users connect iPhone or iPad to accessories such as mice, keyboards, and headphones. Enhancements from Apple, such as the W1 and H1 chips found in AirPods and Beats products, optimize power efficiency and connection stability.
You can help users with Bluetooth connections on iPhone and iPad by:
Ensuring Bluetooth is enabled on iPhone or iPad.
Verifying both devices are within range and that other devices aren’t interfering.
Updating iOS or iPadOS to the latest version to ensure compatibility and bug fixes.
Walking users through the pairing process.
Checking for network disruptions and adjusting wireless settings on the device.
Note: Some organizations might restrict Bluetooth settings for security reasons. Check with your IT administrator or security team to verify any restrictions.
Connect iPhone or iPad to Bluetooth accessories
Help users become familiar with Bluetooth settings by showing them how to connect iPhone or iPad to Bluetooth accessories.
Note: iPhone or iPad must be within about 10 meters (33 feet) of the Bluetooth accessory to pair.
Put a Bluetooth accessory in discovery mode.
If users aren’t sure how to make it discoverable, check the instructions that came with the accessory.
On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Tap the name of the accessory when it appears onscreen, below the devices list.
Users might need to enter the accessory PIN or passcode. Check the instructions that came with the accessory.
Disconnect from Bluetooth accessories
You can also show them how to use Bluetooth in Control Center to get quick access to Bluetooth settings to pair or disconnect from accessories.
Users can open Control Center on iPhone or iPad and tap the Bluetooth button.
The icon dims and the device disconnects from any accessory it’s connected to, except for Apple Watch, Instant Hotspot, Apple Pencil, and Continuity features, like Handoff.
If Bluetooth is turned off, users won’t be able to connect an iOS or iPadOS device to any Bluetooth accessories until:
They turn on Bluetooth in Control Center.
They connect to a Bluetooth accessory in Settings > Bluetooth, or by tapping the AirPlay icon and selecting a bluetooth accessory.
It’s 5:00 AM local time.
They restart the device.
If a Bluetooth accessory can’t connect to an iPhone or iPad
Learn what to do if a Bluetooth accessory (like a wireless keyboard) won’t pair or connect to an iPhone or iPad.
Steps to take:
Make sure that the Bluetooth accessory and iOS or iPadOS device are close to each other.
Turn the Bluetooth accessory off and back on again.
Make sure that the Bluetooth accessory is on and fully charged or connected to power.
If the accessory uses batteries, see if they need to be replaced.
If there’s an app that they use with the Bluetooth accessory, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth on the iPhone or iPad, and make sure that they’ve turned on Bluetooth for the app.
If the Bluetooth accessory still can’t pair or connect
If they previously connected the Bluetooth accessory to an iPhone or iPad:
Unpair the accessory.
Put it back in discovery mode.
Try to pair and connect it again.
If they can pair the accessory with some devices but not their iPhone or iPad:
Unpair the accessory from the other devices.
Try to pair with their iPhone or iPad again.
To find out whether the accessory is compatible with their iPhone or iPad, contact the manufacturer of the accessory.
If users still have any of these issues, contact Apple Support or your organization’s IT department:
Users can’t turn on Bluetooth or the setting is grayed out.
Users can’t connect any Bluetooth accessories with their iPhone or iPad.
The accessory manufacturer confirmed that the accessory is working correctly.