How to troubleshoot the most common Bluetooth pairing problems

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Since like forever (pun intended), Bluetooth has been relied upon for connecting phones to accessories like your headphones, music boxes, stereo systems, car speakers and what have you. Even though sharing files between phones over Bluetooth is rare, some folks still utilise it. And sometimes, problems are encountered while pairing these devices.

It can be so annoying because it limits that entertainment you crave while driving, doing those chores, trying to ease into dreamland or sharing those files in a jiffy.

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In the same vein, you’ll like to wrap your head around these connectivity issues and create the stable connection you want. So, we’ll be showing you how you can deal with these issues anytime they surface.

Solving Bluetooth Pairing Issues

Both interior and exterior factors can cause connectivity issues via this wireless technology. Below, we’ll be looking at the way out of these issues accordingly.

Internal Factors

The following steps will help out if the issues resulted from the interiors of both devices:

  • Ensure the devices have Bluetooth support

A lot of people have the presumption that all headphones and stereo speakers support Bluetooth. It’ll be a futile effort trying to link up the devices if one of them doesn’t support the technology. Checking the device’s specifications will clear your doubts about its Bluetooth enablement.

Most smartphones and tablets support Bluetooth, so no questions about that. But you can double check their specs sheet to confirm. For accessories like headphones, a “B” logo representing Bluetooth is usually around the corner. You can also confirm from the device’s package manual.

  • Check if both devices are turned on

This appears awkward, but it’s not avoidable. Putting your device in airplane mode or Do Not Disturb (DND) mode can switch off the Bluetooth. Then, you see yourself trying to connect to no avail. Some people even forget to switch on the Bluetooth before they attempt pairing. So, it’s advisable you ensure both devices have their Bluetooth turned on.

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  • Make sure they’re discoverable

After using the two tips above, and the issue remains unsolved, check the discoverable option. For accessories, once the Bluetooth is active, they become discoverable automatically. But for phones and tablets, you can configure its visibility in the “Discoverable” option in the Bluetooth settings. Also, adjust the visibility timeout to your taste to avoid disconnection.

  • Keep the devices in close distance

Bluetooth functions best in the range of 10 – 33 metres. More so, some devices support a lesser range compared to others. Therefore, it’s best to keep both devices near to reduce risks of pairing problems.

  • Compatibility of both devices

Not all Bluetooth profiles are not supported in all types of gadgets. So, if they aren’t pairing, it could be as a result of different Bluetooth protocols. Confirming from manufacturer’s website, device package, device manuals or specs table online can help out with this.

  • Keep sufficient charge on the devices

From experience, I’m telling you poor charge on devices could result in such issues. Here’s the scenario: When the music box’s charge got low, it started misbehaving. Due to its behaviour, the phone also started connecting and disconnecting.

It was until I charged the music box before I could continue enjoying “Starlight” by Cobhams Asuquo😅. In other words, ensure adequate battery life is present on both devices.

  • Reboot

Well, here’s the old fashioned way of restoring things to normal: Restarting them. If you’ve tried most of all the guidelines above, you can resort to this last step. And you might see the devices pairing up easily.

External factors

Bluetooth is a wireless technology; hence, the tendency to be affected by waves can’t be ousted. Bluetooth, itself, communicates through radio frequencies (RFs). So, waves emanating from the environment such as microwaves and wireless routers could cause interference. Staying away from them can improve pairing capacity.

You’ll find some of these tips useful if you experience Bluetooth pairing difficulties. By the way, you can also share in the comments section, other methods you know about going around this hiccup.

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