What would you do if you had to deal with Bluetooth problems on Android? Here’s what I had to face sometime back –
Quite recently I tried to pair a Bluetooth speaker with my Android smartphone but it just refused to connect. The same speaker never posed any issues whatsoever and would easily pair up with my Android smartphone. But, this time, despite trying a lot, I just couldn’t see the speaker in my list of paired devices. And, what surprised me was the fact that it instantly showed up and paired with everyone’s Android device in my family. Confused, embarrassed and intrigued, I started looking for some fixes.
Possible Fixes For Android Bluetooth Not Working
Whether your Android device’s Bluetooth fails to connect with other device or the Bluetooth keeps disconnecting on Android or for any other issue for that matter, here are some possible fixes –
1. Disable And Then Re Enable Bluetooth
In case your Android smartphone’s Bluetooth refuses to connect with another device, this is probably the first thing that should be done. Immaterial of whether your smartphone’s Bluetooth is switched on, turn it off and then again, switch it back on after a few seconds. This simple move can help you establish connection.
2. Remove A Paired Device And Connect Again
If you have been able to pair your Android device with another Bluetooth device before but now, the connection is just not happening, you can try removing that device and then rediscovering it one again. For this –
- Long press the Bluetooth icon
- Tap on the device that you want to connect to
- Tap on the gear icon next to it
- Choose Unpair
- Switch Bluetooth of and few seconds later switch it back on
3. A Soft Reset Might Just Do The Trick
A soft reset is a legit solution for many Android issues and it might as well resolve this one too. Power off your device and then switch it on. You could also try giving your Android smartphone a quick restart. The same thing can also be applied to the device you want to pair with. In fact, check if you have switched on the other Bluetooth device properly.
4. Remove Old Bluetooth Devices
Another fix for Android Bluetooth issues is to remove devices that you had paired earlier. If over a period of time, your device has been piled up with several Bluetooth devices, it’s time to remove those, especially, if you are not going to need those devices in near future. So, here are the steps for unpairing a Bluetooth device-
- Long press the Bluetooth icon
- You will now be able to see a list of paired devices
- Tap on the gear icon on the right of the device
- Tap on unpair
Repeat the same steps for each of the listed devices. Once done, check if you are now able to establish a connection with another Bluetooth device.
5. Check If you Have Mistakenly Turned On The Airplane Mode Or Power Saving Mode
If the Bluetooth keeps disconnecting on your Android smartphone, chances are your Airplane or Power Saving mode is turned on. Airplane mode and power saving mode both can shut down Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio frequency broadcasting and many other connectivity functions. So, you might want to check if you have mistakenly switched on the Airplane or Power Saving Mode.
To check that pull down the notifications panel and a single tap on either functions should switch them off.
6. Check The Proximity
Even though all major Bluetooth devices and the Bluetooth in all latest Android smartphone models have a good range, you can try bringing both devices in close proximity.
7. Limit The Data That You Are Sharing With The Device
This fix is especially for a scenario where you are able to one function but are not able to perform the other function.
You can use Bluetooth between your Android device and other devices to perform several functions such as receiving or making calls, sharing audio or other media files, sharing contacts and several other things. But, if you don’t need to share a particular kind of data with the other device, you can toggle that option off. Here are the steps to do the same –
- Long press the Bluetooth icon
- From the list of paired devices, select a device
- Tap on the gear icon next to it
- Under Use For switch the function that you don’t want to happen to off
8. Check If The Bluetooth Device You Want To Connect To Is Compatible With Your Smartphone
It is important that both your Bluetooth devices i.e. your Android smartphone and the other device should support the same protocol, for e.g. Bluetooth Smart. For this you can check the manuals of both devices.
Conclusion
I tried most of the above fixes but ultimately unpairing all the old Bluetooth devices worked for me and I was finally able to pair my Android device with the Bluetooth speaker. That being said, it’s not that one size fits all – do try these fixes and let us know what worked for you in the comments section below. And, if there is an easier and quicker workaround, do let us know.
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Lucy Taylor
Due to covid time I am working from home and lots of time I face that Bluetooth device is not showing. Embarrassing moment & will use this for sure. Thanks