Some users have said that they are not able to connect their iPhone to Bluetooth accessories because their iPhone isn’t detecting Bluetooth devices . In this article, I’ll explain how to fix the problem when your iPhone can’t find Bluetooth devices.
Why isn’t my iPhone detecting Bluetooth devices?
- Your accessory doesn’t support Bluetooth.
- Your iPhone may be experiencing a minor software or connectivity glitch.
- Your Bluetooth device is turned off or it’s out of power.
- You need to put your Bluetooth device into discovery mode.
- A hardware problem may be preventing your iPhone from detecting Bluetooth devices.
- Your Bluetooth accessory is faulty.
How To Fix An iPhone That Isn’t finding Bluetooth devices
Make sure that your accessory supports Bluetooth
Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory supports Bluetooth and is compatible with your iPhone. If you are not sure, check with its manufacturer or review it’s documentation.
Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory and iPhone are close to each other
The next thing you should check is this. Ensure that your iPhone is in range of the Bluetooth accessory with which you are trying to pair with your iPhone. If not, try bringing the devices closer together. Please note that your iPhone and your accessory should be within at least 30 feet of each other so that they can communicate well. Furthermore, remove your case (if there is) from your iPhone to see if this helps. And lastly, move away from other electronic devices to see if this helps. This is because some electronic devices can cause wireless interference that can disrupt Bluetooth connections.
Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is on
Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is on and fully charged or connected to power. If your accessory uses batteries, see if they need to be replaced.
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone
Open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Make sure the switch next to Bluetooth is turned on.
Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is in discovery mode
Check to see if your Bluetooth device has a pairing mode button. If it does, press and hold that button, then check to see if your Bluetooth device has appeared on your iPhone. You may need to review your Bluetooth accessory documentation for help if needed.
Turn Bluetooth Off And Back On
Your iPhone may just be experiencing a minor software or connectivity glitch. Turning Bluetooth off and back on gives your iPhone and your Bluetooth device a second chance to reconnect.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Bluetooth. Turn off the switch next to Bluetooth at the top of the screen. Wait a few seconds, then tap the switch again to turn it on.
If your accessory has a Bluetooth setting, turn off Bluetooth and then turn it on.
Restart Your iPhone, and Bluetooth Accessory
Many small software problems can be resolved by simply restarting your iPhone, and Bluetooth accessory. Before you get too deep into troubleshooting, try turning your device off and back on, then attempt to reconnect your Bluetooth device again. In my experience, this fixes Bluetooth connectivity issues more often than not. If you’re unsure of how to do this, I’ve got you covered:
Restart your iPhone
Open Settings and tap General. Scroll all the way down and tap Shut Down. Swipe the power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
Wait 30–60 seconds, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen. Your iPhone will turn back on shortly after.
You can also restart your iPhone using its buttons. If your iPhone has a Home button, press and hold the power button until "slide to power off" appears on the screen. Then, swipe the power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone.
If your iPhone doesn’t have a Home button, press and hold the side button and either volume button until "slide to power off" appears. Then, swipe the power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
Wait 30–60 seconds, then press and hold the power button (iPhones with a Home button) or side button (iPhones without a Home button) until the Apple logo appears on the display.
Restart your Bluetooth accessory
Press the power button on your Bluetooth accessory, or disconnect it from power. Wait 30–60 seconds, then press the power button. If you disconnected the power cord, reconnect it.
Check your Bluetooth permission
Does your accessory have an app that you use? Some apps may request the ability to use Bluetooth. Ensure that they are enabled. You can check this by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth. Then locate the app and ensure that it is enabled. Furthermore, ensure that Use Cellular Data is on for that Bluetooth app. You can check this by going to Settings and tap Cellular or tap Mobile Data.
Make sure your iPhone and accessory are up to date
If you’re using an outdated version of iPhone’s or Bluetooth accessory’s software), it could lead to wireless connectivity issues. New software updates may include bug fixes that may resolve your problem.
Update your iPhone
Open Settings and tap General > Software Update to check if a new iOS update is available. Tap Update Now if an iOS update is available.
Update your Bluetooth accessory
To update your Bluetooth accessory, please check the manufacturer’s website to see if a firmware update is available and if there is, find out how you can update. You can also check your accessory’s manual.
Reset Your iPhone’s Network Settings
The last troubleshooting step when your iPhone is not finding Bluetooth devices is to reset its network settings. This will restore all of your iPhone’s Wi-Fi, Cellular, VPN, and APN settings to factory defaults. After resetting the network settings, you’ll have to reenter your Wi-Fi password and reconnect your Bluetooth devices.
To reset network settings, open Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. Then, tap Reset Network Settings. You’ll be prompted to tap Reset Network Settingsagain to confirm your decision. Your iPhone will turn off, perform the reset, and turn back on.
Reset your Bluetooth accessory
If your accessory is resettable, try resetting it. For this, again contact your accessory manufacturer or review its documentation.
Contact Your Bluetooth Accessory Manufacturer
If your iPhone still isn’t finding your Bluetooth accessory, there’s most likely a problem with the hardware of your accessory or iPhone. We recommend contacting your accessory manufacturer before going to the Apple Store. If you go to the Apple Store first, they’ll probably just tell you to talk to your accessory manufacturer.
Visit The Apple Store
If you’ve contacted your Bluetooth accessory manufacturer and there’s nothing wrong with your accessory, it’s time to reach out to Apple. There may be something wrong with the Bluetooth hardware settings on your iPhone. Apple provides live chat, phone, and mail-in support options. If you plan to visit your local Apple Store, schedule an appointment first!
Bluetooth Devices: Found!
You’ve fixed the problem and your iPhone is finding Bluetooth devices again! Make sure to share this article on social media to teach your friends and family what to do when their iPhone can’t find Bluetooth devices. Have any other questions about your iPhone? Leave them in the comments section down below!
See also: iPhone Bluetooth not working? Here’s how to fix it