If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (2024)

If your Bluetooth accessory won't pair or connect to your iOS or iPadOS device, learn what to do.

Try these steps first

To get help pairing a Bluetooth accessory, like a wireless keyboard, to your iOS or iPadOS device:

  1. Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory and iOS or iPadOS device are close to each other.

  2. Turn your Bluetooth accessory off and back on again.

  3. 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.

  4. If there's an app that you use with the Bluetooth accessory, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth on your iOS or iPadOS device, and make sure that you've turned on Bluetooth for the app.

If you still can't pair or connect your Bluetooth accessory

  • If you previously connected your Bluetooth accessory to your iOS or iPadOS device, unpair the accessory, put it back in discovery mode, then try to pair and connect it again.

  • If you can pair your accessory with some devices but not your iOS or iPadOS device, unpair the accessory from your other devices. Then try to pair with your iOS or iPadOS device again.

  • To find out whether your accessory is compatible with your iOS or iPad OS device, contact the manufacturer of the accessory.

  • If you still have any of these issues, contact Apple Support:

    • You can’t turn on Bluetooth or the setting is grayed out.

    • You can’t connect any Bluetooth accessories with your device.

    • The accessory manufacturer confirmed that your accessory is working correctly.

Learn more

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsem*nt. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date:

If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (2024)

FAQs

If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support? ›

Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory and iOS or iPadOS device are close to each other. Turn your Bluetooth accessory off and back on again. 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.

What to do when Bluetooth is not connecting? ›

Fix Bluetooth problems on Android
  1. Step 1: Check Bluetooth basics. Turn Bluetooth off and then on again. Learn how to turn Bluetooth on and off. Confirm that your devices are paired and connected. ...
  2. Step 2: Troubleshoot by problem type. Can't pair with car. Step 1: Clear devices from your phone's memory.

How do I connect my Bluetooth headphones to my iPhone and iPad? ›

Pair your device with a Bluetooth accessory
  1. On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. ...
  2. Place your accessory in discovery mode and wait for it to appear on your device. ...
  3. To pair, tap your accessory name when it appears on the screen.
Feb 15, 2024

How do I turn on Bluetooth to allow to connect to accessories iOS? ›

Turn on Bluetooth on your device

Depending on the apps that you're using, you might see an alert that says you need to enable Bluetooth before you can pair an accessory with Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and tap Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth for the apps that you want to use.

How many Bluetooth connections can iPhone support? ›

When it comes to connecting Bluetooth devices to your iPhone, you might be wondering can iPhone connect to multiple Bluetooth devices and how many can be connected. In fact, Apple provides some guidelines for practical usage, showing that it is technically capable of supporting up to 7 connected devices.

Why does my iPad say Bluetooth is not supported? ›

Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory and iOS or iPadOS device are close to each other. Turn your Bluetooth accessory off and back on again. 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.

Why is Bluetooth connected but not working? ›

Make sure your Bluetooth device is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is in range of your PC. Then, try the following: Turn off your Bluetooth device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Make sure your Bluetooth device is in range.

Why wont my accessory connect to my iPhone? ›

You may have to take the batteries out of your accessory and put them back in. Check the manufacturer's app to see if accessories that aren't responding in the Home app need a firmware update. If the accessories aren't responding in the manufacturer's app, you may need to reset them.

Why is my accessory not supported by my device? ›

This alert might appear when your accessory is damaged, isn't Apple-certified or supported by your device, or your device has a damaged or dirty port.

How do I connect Bluetooth accessories? ›

  1. Turn on your Bluetooth accessory and make it discoverable. Check the device or visit the manufacturer's website to learn how.
  2. On your PC, select Start > type Bluetooth.
  3. Select Bluetooth settings from the list.
  4. Turn on Bluetooth > select the device > Pair.
  5. Follow any on-screen instructions.

How many Bluetooth devices does an iPad support? ›

Audio over Bluetooth is limited to only a single Bluetooth device at a given time. This is the same for iPads, as they can properly connect to two different Bluetooth devices for files and data, with an additional connection to a device for listening to audio.

Can you have two Bluetooth devices connected at the same time? ›

If your smartphone, tablet, or computer offers a Dual Audio or Multipoint feature: Ensure your device supports Dual Audio - check the specs for confirmation. Turn on the two speakers and enter pairing mode. On your device, enable Dual Audio in the Bluetooth settings.

Can you connect multiple devices to iPad Bluetooth? ›

You iPad can be simultaneously paired and used with multiple different Bluetooth devices - such as a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, bluetooth speaker and AirPods. Some devices cannot necessarily be used simultaneously (e.g., AirPods and Bluetooth Speaker), but others can be used together.

How do I restart my Bluetooth? ›

How to enable and restart Bluetooth on your phone (Android)
  1. Tap on Settings on your Android device.
  2. Look for Bluetooth or the Bluetooth symbol in your settings and tap it.
  3. There should be an option to enable. Please tap or swipe on it so that is in the On position. To restart Bluetooth, toggle Off then On.
Apr 17, 2024

How do I get my Bluetooth connection back? ›

You may need to turn off and restart the Bluetooth device or press and hold its pairing button to get it back into pairing mode. Turn Bluetooth off and then back on.

How do I force my Bluetooth to connect? ›

What you can do about Bluetooth pairing failures
  1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. ...
  2. Determine what pairing process your device employs. ...
  3. Turn on pairing mode. ...
  4. Make sure the two devices are in close enough proximity to one another. ...
  5. Power Bluetooth off and back on. ...
  6. Manage old Bluetooth connections.
Dec 26, 2023

How do I get Bluetooth to recognize a device? ›

On your phone, open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth (or Settings > Connections > Bluetooth). Make sure Bluetooth is turned on (the button should be blue). Check your Bluetooth device and make sure it's turned on and in discovery mode. Wait for it to show up under Available Devices on your phone.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Pres. Carey Rath

Last Updated:

Views: 5899

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Carey Rath

Birthday: 1997-03-06

Address: 14955 Ledner Trail, East Rodrickfort, NE 85127-8369

Phone: +18682428114917

Job: National Technology Representative

Hobby: Sand art, Drama, Web surfing, Cycling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Leather crafting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.