Android Bluetooth not connecting? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Bluetooth problems on Android fall into two groups: the device does not pair at all, or it is connected but you hear nothing. The first is fixed by pairing again from a clean start, the second by two switches.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Switch Bluetooth off and on

   Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Bluetooth twice. Then check that the device is shown as connected, not only as saved.

   Done

2. Restart both devices

   Restart the phone and switch the headphones, speaker or car system off and on again.

   Done

3. Forget the device

   Open Settings and tap Connected devices. Under Saved devices, tap the settings icon next to the device, then Forget and Forget device. On Samsung phones, the list is under Settings, Connections, Bluetooth.

   Done

4. Put the accessory in pairing mode

   The accessory must be discoverable. Many show this with a blinking blue light. The manual says which button to hold.

   Done

5. Pair it again

   In Settings, Connected devices, tap Pair new device and tap the name of the accessory. If a code is asked for and you have none, Google suggests trying 0000 or 1234.

   Done

6. Car: clear the car's list too

   Use the car's manual to delete all paired phones from the car, including yours. Then pair again. When a code appears, check that it is the same on both screens and tap Allow access and Pair.

   Done

7. No music? Switch on Media audio

   Turn up the volume on both devices. Then open Settings, Connected devices, tap the settings icon next to the device and switch on Media audio. Make sure no other paired device is playing.

   Done

8. No calls? Switch on Phone audio

   In the same place, switch on Phone audio. Also check that another paired device, such as a watch or a second headset, is not taking the calls.

   Done

Good to know

Remove saved devices you no longer use. Old entries can get in the way of new pairings.

Headphones that are still connected to another phone, tablet or laptop often refuse a new connection. Switch off Bluetooth on the other device for the test.

The first-time set-up is in how to connect Bluetooth headphones to an Android phone.

In short: Bluetooth off and on, restart both, Forget, pairing mode, Pair new device, clear the car, Media audio, Phone audio.