Fire tablet Bluetooth not working?

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart both devices. Bluetooth likes a fresh introduction.
• Check pairing mode. Your accessory has to be discoverable.
• Forget and reconnect. Old pairings can get messy.
• Watch the distance. Bluetooth is not built for long-distance relationships.

Bluetooth is great when it works quietly in the background. But when your Amazon Fire® tablet won’t connect to headphones, speakers, keyboards, or another accessory, suddenly “wireless convenience” doesn’t feel so convenient.

Asurion Experts help troubleshoot tablet connections every day, and Fire tablet Bluetooth problems can usually be narrowed down to just a few potential causes. Here’s how to figure out what’s getting in the way and get your devices talking again.

Why isn’t Bluetooth working on my Fire tablet?

Bluetooth may not work on a Fire tablet if Bluetooth is turned off, the accessory is not in pairing mode, the device is already connected elsewhere, the battery is low, the pairing record is corrupted, or the tablet needs an update or restart.

Start with the simplest checks before deleting anything. Bluetooth can be finicky, but it also rewards patience. Barely, but still.

Turn Bluetooth off and back on

First, make sure Bluetooth is enabled.

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap Connected Devices or Wireless.
4. Tap Bluetooth.
5. Turn Bluetooth off.
6. Wait a few seconds.
7. Turn Bluetooth back on.

Menu names may vary by Fire OS version, but the Bluetooth setting should be in the wireless or connected-device area.

Restart the Fire tablet and accessory

Restart both devices before digging deeper.

For the Fire tablet:

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Tap Restart if available.
3. If needed, hold Power for 20–40 seconds until it restarts.

For the accessory, turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Our guide to common Amazon Fire tablet problems includes restart and app troubleshooting steps if the tablet is also freezing or lagging.

Put the accessory in pairing mode

Most Bluetooth accessories only appear when they’re in pairing mode. That usually means holding a power, Bluetooth, or pairing button until a light flashes or the device announces it’s ready.

If the accessory was previously connected to a phone, laptop, or another tablet, disconnect it there first. Some headphones and speakers cling to the last device like it owes them money.

Then on the Fire tablet:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Look for available devices.
4. Tap the accessory name.
5. Confirm pairing if prompted.

Our article on pairing Bluetooth headphones to any device has more pairing tips if the accessory itself is the tricky part.

Forget the Bluetooth device and pair it again

If the device appears but won’t connect, remove the old pairing and reconnect.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth.
3. Find the paired device.
4. Tap the settings icon next to it.
5. Tap Forget, Unpair, or Remove.
6. Restart the Fire tablet.
7. Put the accessory back in pairing mode.
8. Pair it again.

Old Bluetooth pairings can break after updates, battery drain, or connecting the accessory to another device. Re-pairing gives both devices a clean handshake.

Check battery and distance

Low battery can make Bluetooth accessories disconnect, stutter, or fail to pair. Charge the accessory and make sure the Fire tablet has enough battery too.

Keep the devices close together during setup. Bluetooth works best at short range and with fewer obstacles. Walls, furniture, metal objects, crowded Wi-Fi, microwaves, and other wireless devices can all interfere.

If audio cuts out only in certain rooms, the connection may be fighting the environment—not you personally.

Update Fire OS

Software updates can improve connection reliability and fix bugs.

1. Connect the Fire tablet to Wi-Fi.
2. Plug it in if the battery is low.
3. Open Settings.
4. Tap Device Options or Device & Software.
5. Tap System Updates.
6. Install any available update.

After the update, restart the tablet and try Bluetooth again.

Test with another Bluetooth device

To figure out whether the problem is the tablet or the accessory, try pairing a different Bluetooth device.

If the Fire tablet pairs with a different speaker or headphones, the original accessory may need a reset, charge, update, or repair. If the Fire tablet won’t pair with anything, focus on the tablet.

Our guide to Bluetooth connectivity issues covers the broader troubleshooting pattern for phones, tablets, computers, and accessories.

Check the app and audio settings

If Bluetooth connects but there’s no sound, the issue may be app audio, volume, or output settings. Try this:

1. Raise the volume on the Fire tablet.
2. Raise the volume on the headphones or speaker.
3. Try another app.
4. Pause and restart the audio.
5. Disconnect and reconnect the Bluetooth accessory.
6. Make sure audio is not playing through the tablet speaker or another device.

If one app has the problem but other audio works, update or restart that app.

Factory reset only after easier fixes

If Bluetooth still won’t work after restarts, re-pairing, updates, and testing multiple accessories, a factory reset may help with a deeper software issue. Back up first.

Our guide to backing up tablet data can help before you use our article on resetting an Amazon Fire tablet.

A factory reset can help with stubborn software problems, but it also removes apps, settings, downloaded content, and account registration. Try the easier fixes first so the reset is solving the right problem—not just creating more setup work.

FAQ

Why won’t my Fire tablet find my Bluetooth headphones?

The headphones may not be in pairing mode, may already be connected to another device, or may need a restart. Put them in pairing mode and keep them close to the tablet.

How do I reset Bluetooth on my Fire tablet?

Turn Bluetooth off and back on, restart the tablet, then forget the accessory and pair it again. It’s the Bluetooth version of clearing the air.

Why does Bluetooth audio keep cutting out?

Low battery, distance, interference, weak accessory connection, or app issues can cause dropouts. Charge both devices and keep them close while testing.

Can Fire tablets connect to Bluetooth keyboards?

Many Fire tablets support Bluetooth keyboards and accessories, but compatibility can vary. Put the keyboard in pairing mode and connect from Bluetooth settings.

Should I factory reset my Fire tablet for Bluetooth problems?

Only after restart, re-pairing, updates, and testing another accessory fail. Back up first so the reset doesn’t become its own little adventure.