What to do if Bluetooth is disconnected?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows devices to communicate over short distances using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400–2480 MHz. It enables convenient data transfer between devices like smartphones, computers, audio devices and more without the need for wires or cables. While incredibly useful, it can be frustrating when Bluetooth connections become unstable or disconnect entirely.
This guide covers the most common troubleshooting tips to try when experiencing Bluetooth disconnects between two previously paired devices. We’ll walk through steps like checking battery levels, restarting devices, re-pairing, checking for interference and more. Following these tips should help identify and resolve the underlying issue so you can restore a stable Bluetooth connection.
Confirm Bluetooth is On
The first step when troubleshooting a disconnected Bluetooth connection is to confirm Bluetooth is enabled on all devices. Bluetooth must be turned on for devices to connect. Here’s how to check Bluetooth is on:
Android
On Android phones and tablets, open Settings and tap Connections > Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is turned on. It will appear blue when enabled.
iPhone and iPad
On iOS devices like iPhone and iPad, open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is turned on and green. Your device will scan and show available Bluetooth devices when Bluetooth is on.
Windows 10 and 11
In Windows 10 and 11, click the Start menu and open Settings. Go to Devices > Bluetooth & Devices. Make sure the toggle under Bluetooth is turned on. It will appear blue when Bluetooth is enabled.
Mac
On Macs, open System Preferences and click Bluetooth. Make sure the checkbox next to Bluetooth is checked and Enable Bluetooth is selected in the dropdown menu.
Once you’ve confirmed Bluetooth is enabled on both devices, they should be able to detect each other and connect if in range. If they still cannot connect, continue troubleshooting.
Check Battery Levels
Low battery power can cause Bluetooth disconnections. When a Bluetooth device has a low battery, it may struggle to maintain a steady Bluetooth connection. This can lead to choppy audio, lost connections, and other issues.
To prevent disconnections, it is important to keep your Bluetooth devices fully charged. The battery lifespan varies depending on the device. Headphones may last 5-10 hours of continuous playback, while speakers and other devices may last 10-20 hours. Check your device’s manual to understand the expected battery life.
When the battery gets low, the device may audibly alert you that it needs to be recharged soon. Don’t ignore these warnings – charge the device as soon as possible. Letting the battery fully drain increases the likelihood of disconnects. Keep the device plugged in when not in use to ensure maximum uptime.
If you find your Bluetooth device is disconnected frequently even when charged, the actual battery may be worn out. Replacement batteries can sometimes be installed, otherwise it may be time to replace the device. Maintaining good charging habits helps preserve battery lifespan.
Sources:
https://www.jabra.com/fq/bluetooth-headset-disconnecting
Restart Devices
One of the first troubleshooting steps for disconnecting Bluetooth issues is to perform a full reboot of both devices. Restarting the Bluetooth adapter and OS software on each device helps clear out any glitches or inconsistencies that may be causing connectivity problems. A full reboot essentially provides a fresh start for the Bluetooth connection.
To restart an Android device, hold down the power button for a few seconds until the option appears to restart or power off the phone. Tap restart. For an iPhone, hold down the side or top button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the phone, then turn it back on. Restarting laptops or tablets can be done through the start menu or by holding down the power button.
It’s important to restart both the device trying to connect and the device it’s attempting to pair with. Restart your smartphone and your wireless headphones. Restart your laptop and your wireless mouse. Allow a minute or two after rebooting for the Bluetooth adapters to be ready to connect. Then try pairing again.
According to Google support, restarting devices is one of the most common fixes for Bluetooth pairing or connectivity issues [1]. If Bluetooth problems persist after rebooting, move on to other troubleshooting steps.
Forget and Re-pair Devices
Forgetting and re-pairing your Bluetooth devices creates a fresh connection between them, which can often resolve disconnection issues. Follow these steps to forget and re-pair your devices:
iPhone
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” icon next to the device name. Tap “Forget This Device” (source: https://www.wikihow.com/Unforget-Bluetooth-Device-iPhone). Then put the device into pairing mode and pair with your iPhone again.
Android
On your Android phone, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth. Tap the settings icon next to the device name and select “Forget”. Then re-pair the device with your phone (source: https://www.minitool.com/news/how-to-unforget-a-bluetooth-device.html).
Other Devices
Check your device’s user manual for instructions to forget/unpair and re-pair the Bluetooth device.
Re-pairing ensures a fresh connection is established and often resolves random disconnections.
Check for Interference
Other wireless signals can disrupt Bluetooth connections and cause interference. This is because Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz band, which is also used by Wi-Fi, wireless phones, baby monitors, and other devices. When multiple devices are broadcasting on this frequency band at the same time, the signals can get crossed and result in interference.
Here are some tips for reducing Bluetooth interference from other wireless signals:
- Keep Bluetooth devices away from other wireless devices like routers, laptops, and microwaves.
- Choose a different Wi-Fi channel on your router if possible. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are recommended since they do not overlap.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and other unused wireless devices to reduce interference.
- Use a Bluetooth device closer to the source for a stronger signal.
- Face Bluetooth antennas away from other wireless devices.
- Upgrade to Bluetooth 5.0 or higher which uses frequency hopping to avoid congestion.
If interference persists, consider moving the Bluetooth device to a different location or room further away from other wireless signals.
Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated Bluetooth drivers are a common cause of Bluetooth connectivity issues. Keeping your drivers up-to-date ensures maximum compatibility and performance with Bluetooth devices.
To update your Bluetooth drivers on Windows 10 or 11:
- Open the Device Manager (type “device manager” into the Windows search bar and click the top result).
- Expand the “Bluetooth” section.
- Right click on your Bluetooth adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
On Mac OS:
- Click the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.”
- Click “System Report…”
- Select “Bluetooth” in the sidebar.
- Locate your adapter and check the firmware version.
- Go to the adapter manufacturer’s website to download the latest firmware.
Keeping your drivers updated ensures maximum Bluetooth performance and connectivity. If the issue persists after updating, try additional troubleshooting steps.
Reset Network Settings
One troubleshooting step to try is resetting your network settings, which also resets your phone’s Bluetooth connection history (Source). This can clear out any faulty connections and give your phone’s Bluetooth a fresh start. Here’s how to reset network settings on iOS and Android:
iPhone and iPad
To reset network settings on an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap General, then tap Reset. Select Reset Network Settings – this will reset WiFi networks, passwords, and cellular settings in addition to Bluetooth. Your device will restart once the reset is complete.
Android Phones
On Android, open Settings and tap System > Reset options > Reset network settings. Confirm that you want to reset – this will clear WiFi names/passwords, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings. Some devices may restart after resetting network settings.
Resetting network settings is a simple troubleshooting step that often resolves Bluetooth connection issues without deleting any personal data from your phone. If the problem persists after resetting, additional troubleshooting may be needed.
Check Physical Distance
Bluetooth has a limited range for connectivity. The maximum range depends on the Bluetooth version and class. For example, Bluetooth 5.0 can transmit signals up to 800 feet or 240 meters away. However, the effective range is often much shorter in real-world conditions.
If your Bluetooth devices disconnect frequently, try positioning them closer together. The optimal distance is within 30 feet or 10 meters for stable connectivity. Placing your devices too far apart may cause the signal to degrade and the connection to drop.
According to The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, “The effective, reliable range between Bluetooth devices is anywhere from more than a kilometer down to less than a meter.” So environment and obstacles play a big role.
Before assuming Bluetooth is faulty, first bring your devices into close proximity. Eliminate any thick walls, floors, interference or obstructions between them. This simple step often resolves unexpected disconnections.
As explained in this Bluetooth range guide, “Use the Bluetooth Range Estimator to help plan your Bluetooth installation for optimal performance.” Checking the physical distance is an easy troubleshooting step that can restore your Bluetooth connection.
When to Get Help
If you have tried the basic troubleshooting steps like restarting devices, repairing the Bluetooth connection, updating drivers, and resetting network settings but the issue persists, it may be time to seek additional help.
Most device manufacturers offer support options online and over the phone. Check the website or contact information for your device’s manufacturer to see if Bluetooth troubleshooting assistance is available.
If manufacturer support cannot resolve the issue, a device repair shop may be able to troubleshoot and fix more complex Bluetooth problems. Repair technicians have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose Bluetooth connectivity issues at the hardware or software level.
For extreme issues, a full device reset at a manufacturer or repair store may be the ultimate troubleshooting step if no other solutions restore a stable Bluetooth connection.