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What to Do When an iPhone or iPad Will Not Connect to Bluetooth

Troubleshoot headphones, speakers, vehicles, and accessories that fail to pair.

Quick Answer

Put the accessory into pairing mode, ensure it is not connected elsewhere, then use Settings → Bluetooth to connect or forget/re-pair it.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Put the accessory into pairing mode, ensure it is not connected elsewhere, then use Settings → Bluetooth to connect or forget/re-pair it.
  3. Review the result before deleting data, removing an account, or changing synchronization settings.
  4. For important data, confirm a current backup exists before making a major storage, account, or device change.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Apple occasionally moves settings between iOS/iPadOS versions, so exact menu wording can differ by software version.
  • iCloud synchronization is not the same as a separate backup of every item; deleting synchronized content can propagate to other devices.