Bluetooth issues

Bluetooth turning on automatically

After each step, check to see if your issue is fixed:

  1. When Bluetooth is off, your phone can still scan and automatically connect to a previously paired device. To prevent this, turn off Bluetooth scanning.

  2. Some third-party apps that control Bluetooth devices (smart watches, fitness and vehicle monitors, etc.) automatically turn Bluetooth on. If they do, this can prevent you from turning Bluetooth off.

    To check if a third-party app you installed is automatically turning Bluetooth on, use safe mode to identify the problematic app, then uninstall it.

Can't pair

After each step, check to see if your issue is fixed:

  1. First, check the basics.
  2. Make sure the phone and Bluetooth device are in discovery mode.

  3. Refresh the available devices list:

    1. Go to Settings > Connected devices.
    2. Touch Pair new device.
  4. Check if a software update is available for your phone.
  5. If you’re having trouble pairing with your car, see the car manufacturer's instructions for your model.
  6. Reset the phone's connections, then power cycle the phone.

Can’t reconnect previously paired device

Unpair the Bluetooth device, then pair it again:

  1. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Previously connected devices.
  2. Next to the paired device, touch > FORGET.
  3. Pair the device again.

Can't hear music

After each step, check to see if your issue is fixed:

  1. First, check the basics.
  2. Check that the volume is up on your phone and car or Bluetooth device.
  3. Check that other devices paired with your phone aren't playing the music.

  4. Check that Media audio is on:

    1. Go to Settings > Connected devices.
    2. Next to the paired device, touch .
    3. Make sure Media audio is checked.
  5. If the problem is with a car, check the car's instructions.

Can't make or hear on calls

After each step, check to see if your issue is fixed:

  1. Check that other devices paired with your phone aren't getting your calls.

  2. Check that Phone audio is on:

    1. Go to Settings > Connected devices.
    2. Next to the paired device, touch .
    3. Make sure Phone audio is checked.
  3. If the problem is with a car, check the car's instructions.

Connection drops

After each step, check to see if your issue is fixed:

  1. Check battery level on your phone and on the Bluetooth device and charge if needed. Bluetooth devices may disconnect or create noise when the phone or Bluetooth battery is low.

  2. Adjust positioning:

    • Make sure you are wearing or positioning the device appropriately.
    • Keep metal objects, such as keys or coins, away from the phone and device to avoid interference.

  3. Clear data for this system app:

    1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications, then touch .
    2. Touch > Show system.
    3. Touch Bluetooth > Storage > Clear storage.

Paired device can't see contacts

Check that contact sharing is on:

  1. Go to Settings > Connected devices.
  2. Next to the paired device, touch .
  3. Make sure Contact sharing is on.
  4. Check and adjust sharing settings on the paired device or in the device’s app.

Fix it: Check the basics

After each step, see if your issue is fixed:

  1. Check battery level on your phone and Bluetooth device, and charge if either is low.
  2. Keep the phone and Bluetooth device within 30 feet of each other, closer for better performance.
  3. On your phone, turn Bluetooth off and then on again.
  4. Turn off the Bluetooth device to disconnect it. Then turn it back on to automatically reconnect with the phone.
  5. Power cycle both your phone and the Bluetooth device.

If that doesn't fix it, follow the steps for specific problems in the sections above.