What to do if your Google Pixel's Bluetooth is not working

⚡ Fast fix

• Toggle Bluetooth off and on. A quick connection refresh may be all your Pixel needs.
• Forget and reconnect the device. Remove the old pairing and start fresh.
• Restart your Pixel. This can clear temporary connection glitches without deleting anything.
• Try Bluetooth diagnostics. On supported Pixel models, built-in tests can help identify connection problems.

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You've made the perfect playlist for a long flight, but when you find your seat, your Bluetooth® headphones won't connect to your Google Pixel™. Talk about frustrating.

Before you reach for that airline magazine to entertain yourself, remember, we've got your back. At Asurion, our experts have the know-how to help you with all of your tech care needs, from how to fix common Android Auto issues to how to fix no service or signal on your phone. Here's what we'd suggest trying if Bluetooth isn't working on your Pixel phone.

Keep your Bluetooth device close to your phone

Having your Bluetooth device nearby might seem like a given, but distance, walls, and other obstacles can interfere with the connection. Try pairing your devices while they're close together, preferably within a few feet.

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on

It may sound silly, but it's easy to forget to turn Bluetooth on. Here's how to check:

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth.
3. If Bluetooth is off, tap the switch to turn it on.

If it's already on, turn it off and back on again. This quick refresh can often solve connection issues.

Reconnect your device to your phone

When a Bluetooth device gives you problems, you may need to disconnect it and reconnect. Here's how:

1. Open Settings > Connected devices.
2. Select the Bluetooth device you're having trouble with.
3. If it's connected, tap Disconnect, then tap Connect to try again.
4. Test the device to see whether it's working.

If reconnecting doesn't help, remove the saved pairing and start fresh:

1. Open Settings > Connected devices > Previously connected devices.
2. Find the Bluetooth device and tap the gear icon beside its name.
3. Tap Forget > Forget device to confirm.
4. Return to Connected devices and tap Pair new device.
5. Put your Bluetooth accessory into pairing mode, select it from the list, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Make sure your headphones, speaker, or other accessory isn't still connected to another nearby device. Some Bluetooth accessories won't enter pairing mode while they're actively connected elsewhere.

Test different Bluetooth devices

Try connecting another Bluetooth device to see whether the issue is with your original accessory or Bluetooth on your Pixel in general.

If another device connects normally, we'd focus on the accessory that isn't cooperating. Check its battery, pairing mode, and reset instructions before changing more settings on your phone.

Restart your phone

Turning your Pixel off and on can clear temporary software glitches and refresh its wireless connections. The steps depend on your model.

• Restart a Pixel 5a or earlier: Press and hold the Power button, then tap Restart. If that option isn't available, tap Power off, then press the Power button again to turn the phone back on.
• Restart a Pixel 6 or newer: Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons together, then tap Restart.

You can also open Quick Settings and use the power menu on supported Pixel models.

Once your Pixel starts again, turn Bluetooth on and try reconnecting your device.

Reset your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings

If your Pixel Bluetooth still won't connect, Asurion recommends resetting the wireless settings—but only after the simpler connection checks. This won't erase your photos, videos, apps, or other personal content, but you'll need to reconnect to saved Wi-Fi networks and pair Bluetooth devices again.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings > System.
2. Tap Reset options > Reset Bluetooth & Wi-Fi.
3. Confirm the reset.
4. Return to Connected devices > Pair new device and reconnect your Bluetooth accessory.

Run Bluetooth diagnostics on your Pixel

Newer Google Pixel phones have a built-in tool that can help identify Bluetooth connection problems. On supported Pixel 6 and later models, including Pixel Fold devices, try:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connected devices > Bluetooth diagnostics.
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to test the connection.

This is worth trying before digging into hidden system apps or clearing Bluetooth storage. The diagnostic tool can help narrow down what's going wrong without removing all your saved data.

Update your software

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth not working? It could be a software issue. Follow these steps to check for an update:

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap System > Software update.
3. Select System update if prompted.
4. If an update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to install it.

Restart your Pixel after updating, then try Bluetooth again.

Try a factory reset

If these troubleshooting steps haven't worked, a factory reset may be worth considering—but only after you've ruled out a problem with the Bluetooth accessory itself.

A factory reset erases all the content on your Pixel and returns it to its factory default settings. Before starting, make sure you've backed up your phone and have your Google® account information and security PIN handy. For help backing up your Pixel, check out our guide.

To begin a factory reset:

1. Open your phone's Settings.
2. Tap System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Tap Erase all data and enter your PIN if prompted.
4. Confirm the reset and wait for your phone to restart.
5. Set up your Pixel and restore your backed-up data.